Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise & road trip adventures.
The Not-So-Good: The lack of steam. I get why it didn't have it, but I think i2.5 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise & road trip adventures.
The Not-So-Good: The lack of steam. I get why it didn't have it, but I think it could've helped with the chemistry.
The Bad: The ending was too abrupt and I wanted more closure.
Overall: This was a Disney movie. Not that this is bad! I just didn't think it was going to be so tame and fluffy. I have read retellings before and didn't seem to have this struggle, so I was kind of disappointed overall. Great for a recommendation for a reader new to the genre and is still scandalized by sex scenes, but also was kinda too fluffy for an old veteran like me ...more
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the side characters, the emotions, and the paper rings.
The Not-So-Good: The vague details of their dat4 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the side characters, the emotions, and the paper rings.
The Not-So-Good: The vague details of their dating lives while separated and I wanted the H's POV.
The Bad: The length of their separation and horrible communication.
Overall: This was a fun surprise! I'll fully admit that I do judge a book by its cover! While this illustration is perfectly cute and nothing aesthetically wrong with it per se, I've come to be cautious with these types of covers. I've found that the cutesy illustrated covers are usually over hyped and often disappointing reads. Don't hate me ...more
Quick Opinion: I'm not going to write my full review for this one. I liked it more than the first and I think it's because the characters seeme3 Stars
Quick Opinion: I'm not going to write my full review for this one. I liked it more than the first and I think it's because the characters seemed better ((view spoiler)[we got to focus on Phil's 3rd person accounts and mainly that his relationship with his new son made him more human; and I felt like Lina was stronger in this book and I liked how she stood up for herself more (hide spoiler)]). I still don't think I liked it all that much, but I wouldn't say I hated it either -- I just needed to see what happened.
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, even though a lot of readers will not like this!
The Not-So-Good: The h tiptoed the line of doormat st2.5 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, even though a lot of readers will not like this!
The Not-So-Good: The h tiptoed the line of doormat status for me.
The Bad: The characters. I didn't connect to them (other than one side character)
Overall: This was surprisingly hard to put down even though I don't think I really enjoyed it. I just wanted to know what happened. It was like a train wreck. I think that feeling of a drop in my stomach when I read about betrayals like this is so impactful that I even seek it out every once in a while even though I'm conflicted on why I do. I think I'm just drawn to feeling something while reading! I like the messy romances because they usually do make me feel. I just wanted more on this, especially because the only character I liked was the OM ...more
Quick Opinion:. I was disappointed in the ending tbh. I even skimmed a good bit because it felt like it was a never ending and repetitive inter3 Stars
Quick Opinion:. I was disappointed in the ending tbh. I even skimmed a good bit because it felt like it was a never ending and repetitive internal battle the h was going through with herself and I was over it. I felt like it was slow and stretched out to then end abruptly -- which if you follow my reviews, you know I hate! I wanted much more of a HEA. I would barely classify it as that because the ending sucked and was in the same chapter as the conflict resolution -- which, again, is something I also usually hate! Overall, it was an enjoyable trilogy. I liked the Greek mythology aspect. I know there is at least one more book (if not more) of side characters which could give me more closure should I read them, but I'm not super eager to do that rn.
Quick Opinion: This was alright. It was a typical 2nd book in a trilogy that was full of filler. Adventures and trials, but not much else tbh. 3 Stars
Quick Opinion: This was alright. It was a typical 2nd book in a trilogy that was full of filler. Adventures and trials, but not much else tbh. It was okay. I'm hoping the final book will give me good closure......more
The Bad: The romantic closure, or even lack of time with them as3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise.
The Not-So-Good: The romance in general
The Bad: The romantic closure, or even lack of time with them as a couple.
Overall: This was alright. I think it was alright that I hadn't read the other books in the series, because I didn't necessarily feel lost. What I did feel was disappointed in the romance part of this "romantic suspense" book. I like these every once in a while, especially the serial killer types (so if anyone has a recommendation ~ please share!), but I need the good balance between the romance and suspense to have it work. This also had the whole "I've loved you secretly years before the story begins" type of dynamic, which absolutely isn't my favorite. I like to experience the development of feelings, and when they are already feeling strongly, I don't get that.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Nicole and Emmett's story. They are small town police detectives that are always competing against each other. When a seemingly suicide ends up being a homicide, they are yet again working closely together to solve the case. When things aren't adding up and there is a threat that comes after Nicole, there is a shift in their dynamic. There is some suspense, some sexy times, and some mysteries solved...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Nicole, Emmett, and a side character, Cassandra, in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, but they had feelings for each other already when this starts.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Emmett. He was just alright.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Nicole. She was just alright too.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes, but mild (view spoiler)[ they both push away and pursue the relationship at times (hide spoiler)]
Heat level: Alright. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes, but mild (view spoiler)[ the h was (kind of) dating OM during the beginning of this (hide spoiler)]
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes (view spoiler)[ Murder/drug and alcohol addiction (side characters off page) and kidnapping/assault/attempted murder (on page) (hide spoiler)]
Closure: This ends in an okay place but with what I would call a HFN ending (view spoiler)[they've shared "ILYs" and figured out their work situation (hide spoiler)] but I would have liked more of them as an actual couple
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers (view spoiler)[ - Does Not have cheating - Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM - Does Not have the h or H pushing away - Does Not have a separation between the h and H - Does Not have abuse by mcs - Does Not have a HEA ending (hide spoiler)]...more
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, side characters, and sarcasm/banter.
The Not-So-Good: The tension/steam (it was pretty mild) and I woul4 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, side characters, and sarcasm/banter.
The Not-So-Good: The tension/steam (it was pretty mild) and I would've liked to have the H's POV
The Bad: The ending.
Overall: This was actually better than I expected! This author has been a hit or miss for me, so I've been hesitant to read anything else from her -- but I'm glad I did! I liked the premise. I liked that they became best friends first and then more. It made it so much more than a revenge/rebound type relationship for me. I hate how meh the ending was though! I can see so many different ways that the author could've taken us to get more closure, which is what I was missing, but no. It was a lackluster chapter that left me wanting. Overall, I liked it.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Daphne and Miles' story. Daphne's fiancé breaks up with her after his bachelorette party and she finds herself living with a practical stranger that was with the woman her fiancé left her for. They become friends that bond over their hurt that accidentally becomes a fake relationship that turns into more. There is a good bit of past baggage they both work through, some cute and funny moments with side characters, and some sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This was told in the h's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I wanted more in the end but I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove:No, more like friends to more.
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Miles. I liked him but I really would've liked to get his POV.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Daphne. I liked her. I appreciated how she continued to hope and trust others even when she didn't necessarily want to.
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I shed some tears but never needed any tissues.
Heat level: Alright. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes (view spoiler)[the h's fiancé leaves her for his childhood best friend, which is the H's long term girlfriend and they get engaged (hide spoiler)]
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Not between mcs (view spoiler)[they both are left by exes that get together and claim to have loved each other (hide spoiler)]
Separation: Yes (view spoiler)[They are separated shortly (couple weeks?), but there was no mention or suggestion of other partners during this time. (hide spoiler)]
Possible Triggers: Yes (view spoiler)[Both mcs have parental issues (abandonment and invalidated feelings) (hide spoiler)]
Closure: This ends in a good place but not nearly enough closure for me. I would call it a HFN ending (view spoiler)[they're living together again (hide spoiler)]
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers (view spoiler)[ - Does Not have cheating - Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM - Does have both the h and H pushing away - Does have a short separation between the h and H - Does Not have abuse - Does Not have a HEA ending (hide spoiler)]...more
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the characters, and the interactions with the family children.
The Not-So-Good: The h's assumptions of t3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown The Good: The premise, the characters, and the interactions with the family children.
The Not-So-Good: The h's assumptions of the H and how long it took her to see them for what they were, assumptions.
The Bad: The lack of time with them as an official couple.
Overall: This was an enjoyable read but I think I was expecting a little more angst. It wasn't all that angsty, but it was a fun opposites attract story. I think I've only read one other book by this author and it was in this series, so I remember Wulfric from that story and being intrigued by him and his story. I wanted more of him defrosting (view spoiler)[especially as a dad and with the h after marriage (hide spoiler)]! Overall, it was enjoyable but not going on my favorites shelf.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Christine and Wulfric's story. They meet at a house party that neither of them want to be at. Christine, a considered vulgar and flirtatious widow, and Wulfric the icy Duke. After being thrown together in various situations where usually Wulfric is saving Christine, they start to feel a strong attraction towards one another. Only things come to a screeching halt when Wilfric suggests Christine become his mistress. There is a good bit of back and forth, some wooing, and some secrets revealed...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing mainly on Christine and Wulfric in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Wilfric. I liked him but I also wanted him to demand better from the h at times when she was assuming things.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Christine. I appreciated how she was herself regardless of what others but was still loyal and caring, but her pushing away and assumptions got a little old.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes (view spoiler)[The h pushes away a good bit and I'd say the H is the main pursuer of the relationship (hide spoiler)]
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes (view spoiler)[the h's dead husband's brother-in-law (I think?) is in love with the h and he causes some drama (hide spoiler)]
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Not technically because they aren't technically "together" to be considered "separated"
Possible Triggers: Yes (view spoiler)[ Loss of a loved one (off page) and H is ~5 years older than the h (hide spoiler)]
Closure: This ends in a good place but I really wanted more (what else is new, right?). I would still call this a HEA but I think some more time with them as an actual couple would've been great.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers (view spoiler)[ - Does Not have cheating - Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM - Does have the h pushing the H away - Does Not (technically) have a separation between the h and H - Does Not have abuse - Does have a HEA ending (hide spoiler)]...more