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After an unfortunate viral video drives aspiring TV writer Collins Carter from LA back into her childhoo bedroom, she thinks she's hit rock bottom. BuAfter an unfortunate viral video drives aspiring TV writer Collins Carter from LA back into her childhoo bedroom, she thinks she's hit rock bottom. But when a confrontation with her former childhood best friend, Nate Adams, leads to the two facing off for the newly vacant HOA president position, tension and sparks begin to fly.
This story has Martin's signature wit and I thought the banter between Collins and Nate exceptional. It took me a while to really connect with them as a couple - partially because I didn't buy into thir shared history, so all that tension felt unearned. But one we get that backstory - they clicked, but the first half was a struggle for me. And while Nate's characterization was a little weak, I apprecaited his open communication - it showed growth from when they were kids and how their relationsghip would ahve a chance today. Collins wasa tough character for me to connect with - I wouldn't say she's particularly likeable - she's immature and implusive, but she's also honest and caring so she felt like a real person - flaws and all.
Next-Door Nemesis managed to make a story with the HOA not a miserable and rigged as an HOA. There was flirty banter (over alleged fines), reminiscing, reconnecting, and real connection.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review...more
A fun and catchy beginning, but rushed romantic development dragged down the second half. This is such a perfect late fall read - cursebreaking, magicA fun and catchy beginning, but rushed romantic development dragged down the second half. This is such a perfect late fall read - cursebreaking, magic, a Highlands castle - I mean what mroe could you possibly want in an enemies-to-lovers romance filled with tension and chemistry. I thought the story got off to a bang with Riley and Clark's first meeting and it helped ramp up the drama even more - where Clark begins to question Riley's professional validity soon after meeting, without knowing it's her. What follows is a fun, low-stakes story with banter, bickering, and chemistry to spare.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Another solid mystery from Goldin. i love the podcast format that she's adopted. Seeing hte mystery unfold in present day, and getting the podcast aboAnother solid mystery from Goldin. i love the podcast format that she's adopted. Seeing hte mystery unfold in present day, and getting the podcast about the mystery where Rachel knows what has happened gives an ominous feeling to the story that really works. The mystery here was intrgiung - especially because I wasn't sure I couldn't care about some random fictional influencers, but the social media aspect and the larger cast of characters helped the story move forward without relying on only Rachel's investigation. The story - and mystery - was multi-layered and kept me engaged.
Now, I'm not the type of person who tries to solve a mystery before the chracters, so I'm never the best judge of how successful it is, but I can tell you I was engaged and didn't want to put the book down.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review ...more
This was not holding my attention, it wasnt bad, just a lot of characters and little actual relationship development so far, just a bunch of DNF @ 27%
This was not holding my attention, it wasnt bad, just a lot of characters and little actual relationship development so far, just a bunch of sise plot points. We're introduced to Phoebe, whose planned vacation to visit her sister in LA is turned upside down when her sister has to leave for a work emergency. But Phoebe quickly bonds with her sisters personal trainer Bel, who just so happens to be hopelessly in love with her hot neighbor Ren. But as Phoebe tries to help hype up her new friend, she grows closer to Ren. This is a tangled web story with lots of back and forth and it just isn't working for me.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ...more
What a fun and corny book! This is the true definition of a romantic comedy. I laughed out loud multiple times, and I quickly became invested in CassiWhat a fun and corny book! This is the true definition of a romantic comedy. I laughed out loud multiple times, and I quickly became invested in Cassie and Fredrick's relationship. From reluctant roommates to genuine friends the progression was excellent and over the top at the same time. This story was so lighthearted and carefree. It was impossible not to love every word on the page. ...more
This was okay, nothing really wow'd me, but it was an easy read. It's got a fun blend of fake dating, mistaken identity, and academic rivals to keep yThis was okay, nothing really wow'd me, but it was an easy read. It's got a fun blend of fake dating, mistaken identity, and academic rivals to keep you engaged. Elsie and Jack are a good couple - they make sense and I like how they communicated - mostly. The cameos to other couples from previous STEM romance stories did nothing for me, because I have not read them, but I'm sure you will enjoy them if you have. I feel like Ali Hazelwood has cornered a specific niche, and I don't know if it's necessary for me to read any other books from her, because I think I'll mostly get the same, but different. But that's a good sign that if you like one, you'll probably like them all. ...more
A truly unique and fun book, with great communication and relationship development, even if parts were hard to read because I had so much sec3.5 stars
A truly unique and fun book, with great communication and relationship development, even if parts were hard to read because I had so much second hand embarrassment. Chandler is a ghostwriter who feels stuck, but after a lackluster one night stand, she's assigned to write a book for beloved former teen paranormal star, Finn Walsh - who happens to be her disastrous one night stand. After the truth about their night together comes to light, Chandler offers to help Finn become better in bed, and obviously they fall for each other along the way. I was a little confused about what Chandler was getting out of their arrangement, but she seemed happy so rock on. I loved the open conversations about sex, intimacy, expectations, and relationships in general. Another solid book from Rachel Lynn Solomon.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ...more
If you're looking for a light urban fantasy romance (literally all of my favorite genres in one) look no further.
Mackenzie and Noah agree to fake datIf you're looking for a light urban fantasy romance (literally all of my favorite genres in one) look no further.
Mackenzie and Noah agree to fake date to attempt to mutually solve their romantic relationship problems - For Mackenzie, she's trying to get her grandmother - and her bad blind date setups off her back, and Noah is fighting against his alpha staus becoming public, and an unmated alpha being unpredictable. We see them both begin to fall for each other as they spend more time together - the banter is top notch - especially Mackenzie's humor to Noah's more stoic personality. But don't let the gentle giant fool you, he falls fast and hard for Mack's charms and the two really respect each other and seem like they genuinely want to be around the other person.
This is a ridiculous book - the premise is bonkers, but it's so unbearably fun, I loughed out loud more times than I could count. And the chemistry between the two leaps off the page. I am very excited to see what Lana Ferguson comes out with next.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review...more
“Sometime you make a choice that can save your life. You might make your choice for one reason, before the real reason ever becomes clear.”
“Sometime you make a choice that can save your life. You might make your choice for one reason, before the real reason ever becomes clear.”
I tend to favor character driven stories, and this was a fantastic one. Aftercare Instructions showcases one girls journey as she begins to question her relationships, her choices, and her future. Genesis Johnson’s world seems to be in shambles after her boyfriend abandons her at a Planned Parenthood clinic, but she soon discovers that she has more possibilities for her future than she expected.
Things I Liked I really loves the script-style flashbacks within the story. This might be my favorite use of scripts within a story I’ve ever read. They were so natural, and really showcased Genesis’ evolution and emotions through the story. You can really connect with her journey through these little breaks.
A small thing, but I really loved the chapter titles. They all felt really appropriate and relevant to the story.
I thought that Genesis and Rose’s relationship was really great. It was great to see that Genesis had someone she trusted and who fully supported her in her corner. But I love that they didn’t always see eye-to-eye, they challenged each other in the best way to help each other grow.
Even with the intense subject matter, the story had a very hopeful and full-circle feeling that was completely satisfying. After everything that Genesis had gone through is was great to see her grow, and look forward to the future and it’s possibilities.
Things I Didn’t Like I would have loved to have a bit more closure with Genesis’ relationship with Vanessa. We did get a great scene where they talk and have the potential to move forward, but their relationship was a little unfinished.
This was such a fantastic character driven story. You feel connected to Genesis and her journey. It’s an emotionally complex story that keeps you engaged.
I received a copy of the book from Flatiron books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
“Sometime you make a choice that can save your life. You might make your choice for one reason, before the real reason ever becomes clear.”
I tend to favor character driven stories, and this was a fantastic one. Aftercare Instructions showcases one girls journey as she begins to question her relationships, her choices, and her future. Genesis Johnson’s world seems to be in shambles after her boyfriend abandons her at a Planned Parenthood clinic, but she soon discovers that she has more possibilities for her future than she expected.
Things I Liked I really loves the script-style flashbacks within the story. This might be my favorite use of scripts within a story I’ve ever read. They were so natural, and really showcased Genesis’ evolution and emotions through the story. You can really connect with her journey through these little breaks.
A small thing, but I really loved the chapter titles. They all felt really appropriate and relevant to the story.
I thought that Genesis and Rose’s relationship was really great. It was great to see that Genesis had someone she trusted and who fully supported her in her corner. But I love that they didn’t always see eye-to-eye, they challenged each other in the best way to help each other grow.
Even with the intense subject matter, the story had a very hopeful and full-circle feeling that was completely satisfying. After everything that Genesis had gone through is was great to see her grow, and look forward to the future and it’s possibilities.
Things I Didn’t Like I would have loved to have a bit more closure with Genesis’ relationship with Vanessa. We did get a great scene where they talk and have the potential to move forward, but their relationship was a little unfinished.
This was such a fantastic character driven story. You feel connected to Genesis and her journey. It’s an emotionally complex story that keeps you engaged.
I received a copy of the book from Flatiron books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review....more
I should have guessed that this wouldn't have been the perfect story from me. While I love the idea of acknowledging the unbalanced attractive scale iI should have guessed that this wouldn't have been the perfect story from me. While I love the idea of acknowledging the unbalanced attractive scale in some celebrity couples, I really hate sketch comedy and find it immature and not funny. The same can be said about TNO pitch meeting, it was bad and cringey in the worst ways. But I did think Noah and Sally had great chemistry from the jump, and I liked seeing them reconnect via emails later in the story. I also wasn't expecting all the cultural commentary (so much talk about covid and politics) which is not inherently a bad thing, it's just something I don't tend to end.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review...more
There was absolutely nothing wrong with this, it just lost my interest. There was some really good humor to start with and I was having a fun DNF @30%
There was absolutely nothing wrong with this, it just lost my interest. There was some really good humor to start with and I was having a fun time with the contemporary magical world and the misunderstandings and fish out of water experiences, but the chapters started feeling long and my interest started waning. So I'm putting it down for now. I do think it's a fun story and definitely has potential. It's one I could see myself revisiting
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review...more
This was an okay story, but it was missing something to make it great. The mystery was okay, but the reveal was lackluster. I thought there'd be more This was an okay story, but it was missing something to make it great. The mystery was okay, but the reveal was lackluster. I thought there'd be more with all 3 sisters or at least their relationship, but we really mainly focus on Juni. And while I enjoy a romance subplot in a light mystery story, neither relationship with Beau or Teddy wad developed enough for me to care either way. Juni wasn't very good at investigating and mainly just fell into answers or assumptions bur not in a funny way. The story was perfectly average, but I did enjoy the record store setting. It was a great ambience for the story.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ...more
A fun contemporary romance and another win from Alexis Daria. I know this is her debut, getting re-released, so it's not a new story to everyone, but A fun contemporary romance and another win from Alexis Daria. I know this is her debut, getting re-released, so it's not a new story to everyone, but it is to me. I really enjoyed the dance competition - as someone who was obsessed with SYTYCD in middle and high school, it brought back a lot of fond memories. Plus it was a great way to get some sexual tension early between Gina and Stone. The story read really quick, but I still felt like I got to see the relationship develop.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review...more
Eliza and Graham are not a perfect couple, but they are one of the most realistic ones I feel like I've ever read. Now, maybe it'What an amazing book.
Eliza and Graham are not a perfect couple, but they are one of the most realistic ones I feel like I've ever read. Now, maybe it's not the most realistic to pretend to meet again on your five year wedding anniversary to reignite the spark that's slowly been fading, whose to say; but their struggles, fears, and hopes are universal. Eliza and Graham both feel like they were meant to be, despite their struggles to connect and communicate lately, and they actively choose each other again and again, and that might just be the most romantic thing in the world.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review....more
This was frustrating and forgettable. But a quick read, which I can always appreciate. I'm always here for a second chance romance, but an el2.5 stars
This was frustrating and forgettable. But a quick read, which I can always appreciate. I'm always here for a second chance romance, but an elementary school crush pining for years and the feelings are still going strong after all these years is a little ridiculous and unbelievable in a not fun and cute way. But I really didn't enjoy all the focus on weight - from Sora's mom's pointed comments, and Jack's constant reminiscing about his days a chubby child, and Sora's judgments of the health conscious, it was a little too much for me. Sora was immature and kinda judgmental and it was hard for me to care about the relationships - platonic and romantic - that she was involved in because I didn't really care about her or her journey.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review ...more
This was just a little too un-grounded for me. I don't have a problem with the lighthearted, over-the-top dramatic, and whimsical reads but IDNF @ 15%
This was just a little too un-grounded for me. I don't have a problem with the lighthearted, over-the-top dramatic, and whimsical reads but I tend to like the characters involved in those stories, while the MC here is if Scrooge and a Kardashian crossed paths. This just was not pulling me. But if your looking for a holiday romance that is heavy on the comedy (and light on the romance from what I read) I think this could be a great pic for you.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ...more
I really liked this and thought it was cute. Nova and Charlie are a pair of opposites attract with a shared heart. They love boldy and deeply3.5 stars
I really liked this and thought it was cute. Nova and Charlie are a pair of opposites attract with a shared heart. They love boldy and deeply care about their people. Even with the hookups in the story, their tension builds instead of breaks. There's such longing and respect between them and you love to see it.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review ...more
Fun holiday romance, obviously perfect for this time of year. I like like Colton and Gretchen's dynamic - the country superstar struggling wi3.5 stars
Fun holiday romance, obviously perfect for this time of year. I like like Colton and Gretchen's dynamic - the country superstar struggling with his music, and the dedicated immigration lawyer struggling with her silver spoon past. Their relationship worked and I like each character's journey to accepance and happiness.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review ...more
I hard a hard time in the beginning of the story because I had trouble orienting myself in the time and setting in the book, even though it's set in aI hard a hard time in the beginning of the story because I had trouble orienting myself in the time and setting in the book, even though it's set in an unnamed US city in I'm assuming present day; it felt like a small English village in a mid-90s romcom. And while normally that would be a a compliment, it just kind of made the reading experience confusing. West and Bea are fine characters - I like that we see them open with communication and their past relationship fears and wants for their current arrangement, but I didn't really feel like I got to know them. But they do have nice chemistry and decent communication outside the third act conflict. And while I enjoyed the family of characters around Bea and West, they were honestly just set dressing and interchangeable.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review ...more
I loved all the tension and history between Gen and Evan. Both of them are at a self-imposed crossroad in their life to try and become better people, I loved all the tension and history between Gen and Evan. Both of them are at a self-imposed crossroad in their life to try and become better people, not only for themselves but those around them. Seeing them recognize their faults and want to work on them to live a more fulfilling life was great. And I loved the angst from their longstanding on-and-off relationship. It made me immediately buy into their chemistry and struggles staying away from each other. I would have loved more famy moments on both sides, but most of the side characters felt realized and helped fill out the world.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ...more
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Danielle (Life of a Literary Nerd)
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