This just wasn't working for me and I'm not sure why. I loved the premise, but the characters and the relationship felt flat despite the sligDNF @ 40%
This just wasn't working for me and I'm not sure why. I loved the premise, but the characters and the relationship felt flat despite the slight paranormal intrigue
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ...more
This was all over the place while nothing was actually happening. I swear it felt like I only actually read two scenes, not almost a quarter oDNF @21%
This was all over the place while nothing was actually happening. I swear it felt like I only actually read two scenes, not almost a quarter of the book. I still have no substantive information about either character and what's worse is I don't care.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review...more
This wasn't memorable at all. Like I had to look at the synopsis to remember what the book was about. I think I just wanted more from June and Levi's This wasn't memorable at all. Like I had to look at the synopsis to remember what the book was about. I think I just wanted more from June and Levi's relationship. I never really felt the connection I wanted, especially when they were supposed to have been friends for so long before they had their falling out. The plot was a little over the top and ridiculous at times but it was a fun, if forgettable read....more
What a fun nostalgic read. If emo was not a phase for you either, you definitely need to give this romance a try - there's so many great nost3.5 stars
What a fun nostalgic read. If emo was not a phase for you either, you definitely need to give this romance a try - there's so many great nostalgic song and band references I need a playlist from the book asap. Great music aside, the story is simple but effective. I liked exploring the what ifs surrounding Sam's return to her hometown and best friend, Damon, reconnecting after a decade of not really speaking. The fated elements in the story were done satisfyingly and felt earned through Sam and Damon's past and present relationship. ...more
This was ridiculous and fun. A perfect combo for summer. I'm a sucker for pen-pal romances so I had a feeling I would like this. And even though you kThis was ridiculous and fun. A perfect combo for summer. I'm a sucker for pen-pal romances so I had a feeling I would like this. And even though you know a miscommunication argument is going to come up in the third act, it was still a really fun time. Naomi and Luca's letter's start in third grade and include mild pre-teen bickering. But the banter grows to ridiculous and antagonistic levels and it was just funny. And while you don't take it too seriously, the both do go through some trials and openly communicate pretty well.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ...more
This was just okay. I liked Laniah and Issac and fully bought into their history and chemistry - both platonic and romantic. But there was so many bacThis was just okay. I liked Laniah and Issac and fully bought into their history and chemistry - both platonic and romantic. But there was so many background plots that took away from the story development. And I really would have appreciated seeing them spending more time together in the present - but I did enjoy their pining. ...more
I've had some really good luck with screenwriter romances recently, so this niche category may be one II felt all the feelings - Emma would be proud.
I've had some really good luck with screenwriter romances recently, so this niche category may be one I need to look out for. Emma is a screenwriter who has put her dreams on hold as she has taken care of her ailing father for the past decade. But when an opportunity to work with her favorite screenwriter arises, now is Emma's chance to achieve her dream. But Charlie Yates is not all Emma hoped he would be, and he could definitely learn a thing or two about romcoms. The chemistry is there from the jump, and the heart pulls you through the story, invested in everyone.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ...more
I wanted to enjoy this so much more than I did. No part of the story really connected with me 100%, I felt like it was all just almost there 2.5 stars
I wanted to enjoy this so much more than I did. No part of the story really connected with me 100%, I felt like it was all just almost there, so I left feeling ultimately underwhelmed. My biggest issue is probably that while this was a second chance romance between Avery and Nathan - we didn't get enough of their history for that to matter. They could have met for the first time at the beginning of the story and the events of the book could have proceeded the same. I wanted to feel their shared history, but it was only used for surface level stuff. I loved seeing the mental health representation in the book, but it wasn't really given much attention and again could have sued some more development. I think that's the best way I can summarize my experience with this story - I needed more.
I received a copy of the book from Good Girls PR in exchange for an honest review. ...more
My interest completely fell off around the 85% mark. I think it was Sage and Fisher's relationship quickly escalated here and felt rushed instead of tMy interest completely fell off around the 85% mark. I think it was Sage and Fisher's relationship quickly escalated here and felt rushed instead of the steady build we had in the beginning of the story. I liked the quirky smalltown setting with the charming festival and history, a cast of colorful characters (and animals) to round the cast. I like that Fisher and Sage were both on self acceptance journey and helped the other along, but once they start hooking up, that takes over their relationship and I feel like we get little meaningful conversations and development after that.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review ...more
This was a solid second chance story. The flashbacks worked really well setting up Lucy & Felix's complex relationship and how it has evolved3.5 stars
This was a solid second chance story. The flashbacks worked really well setting up Lucy & Felix's complex relationship and how it has evolved over time. The development felt real and messy which I appreciated. I felt the chemistry but the story did drag some for me, especially toward the end.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review....more
While the story definitely kept me intrigued with the 'Is it paranormal or all in their head?' question, I can't say I was invested. I like the reclusWhile the story definitely kept me intrigued with the 'Is it paranormal or all in their head?' question, I can't say I was invested. I like the reclusive horror director and the struggling single mom, but Harry's past is so glossed over after Gabe's birth. I was enjoying the flashbacks and getting to know her more and see her growth, but it literally just stopped at a point and felt kinda wasted. But I did enjoy Harry's relationship with Gabe in the present - there's a real camaraderie to make the best of the struggles they face without placing hardships or blame on the other. While I was interested in Javier's past and the struggles he had with his family, again, I felt like it was just glossed over and we really didn't get to spend time with him in the past as he's really struggling with his relationships within his family. But I have to say, the ending was the most disappointing for me, it rushed and didn't feel complete. But not in an open-ended kinda way, but in a let's end the story in the middle of a chapter way. ...more
This was fun, cornym ridiculous premise. It's like a perfect amde-for-TV movies from your childhood that you put on every now and then for nostaligic This was fun, cornym ridiculous premise. It's like a perfect amde-for-TV movies from your childhood that you put on every now and then for nostaligic purposes. Sophie and Max grow closer and bond over theri commitment to helping people not make a mistake marrying their partner by objecting at the wedding and offering an out. Despite the high drama involved, this was full of laughs and a well-intended helping hand that made it a breeze to fly through....more
What a perfectly swoony sports romance. If you love the single dad x nanny trope, this one does it pretty perfectly.
I really loved getting to see MavWhat a perfectly swoony sports romance. If you love the single dad x nanny trope, this one does it pretty perfectly.
I really loved getting to see Maven all grown up and follow on her journey as she discovers a new passion in life (sports photography) after a knee injury ended her soccer career. Her relationship with her parents and godparents is just as strong and that sense and community makes the world so rich and inviting.
Dallas is a star punter and multi-Super Bowl champ, but more importantly he's June's father. June is Dallas' while world and as she's getting older and with his demanding schedule, he realizes he needs help. His dedication to his daughter is so admirable unconditional and really shows his core values well.
Maven and Dallas' relationship starts as friends and slowly develops into something more. The banter and flirting builds until the sparks combust and they can't help the attraction even though it threatens their jobs. But it's so we'll paced and set up your yearning for them to be together as much as the characters are. Another amazing win from Chelsea Curto.
I received a copy of the book from Love Notes PR in exchange for an honest review. ...more
There was something so charming about this book. Emmy- an accomplished screenwriter turned actress again, after a disasterous first attempt as a teen-There was something so charming about this book. Emmy- an accomplished screenwriter turned actress again, after a disasterous first attempt as a teen- is so passionate about her work. Grayson, Emmy's former teen co-star is now a successful action star looking to break out from his chisseled cookie cutter roles, and has all the charisma you want from a leading man. You don't get much of their shared history, but you can feel the animosity left from their past and it allows the relationship to really devlop in stages in the present. There's lots of banter, flirting, and needling between the two that was a blast to read.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review....more
This was actually pretty cute. I thought Wells and Josephine were so easy to cheer for because there's so much mutual love and respect betwe 3.5 Stars
This was actually pretty cute. I thought Wells and Josephine were so easy to cheer for because there's so much mutual love and respect between them (even if it does take Wells' grumpy self a minute to admit it). There was never too much hero worship or fauning - I think Wells really appreciate that Josephine challegned and questioned him, even being one of his biggest and longest fans. And I really liked Josephine hold her ground and not be afraid to voice her opinions and advocate for herself - not just in her career, but her health as well. The chemistry was fine - but I thought it was a little flat. Through the whole story they felt like they were developing a solid foundation and friendship, but I didn't really get romance from them. Sexual chemistry, sure but it was missing somethings for me. Even with that, I still had a really fun time reading this and would easily recommend for a good time!
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review....more
This was not the way I wanted to end the year. Terrance and Justice are college sweethearts who have hit a rough patch, but are continually drawn to eThis was not the way I wanted to end the year. Terrance and Justice are college sweethearts who have hit a rough patch, but are continually drawn to each other.
The story really lacks development all around. I wasn't invested in Terrance and Justice's relationship in the first place so I really didn't care about the second chance element. There is so much insecurities and miscommunication through the entire story, it was frustrating, and lacked the build and desire I was hoping for to really show how they would come back together ans grow as a couple. I also really had a problem with the pacing in the story. After 70%, there was 3 time jumps not including the epilogue. There just wasn't time for any meaningful discussions or resolutions. Nothing felt earned. This was an unfortunate miss and I'm sad it didn't work out for me.
I received a copy of the book from Good Girls PR in exchange for an honest review ...more
This may be an unpopular opinion, but Emily Henry friends to lovers >>>.
Daphne and Miles are not what you'd call simiThey're perfect and I love them.
This may be an unpopular opinion, but Emily Henry friends to lovers >>>.
Daphne and Miles are not what you'd call similar personalities. Daphne is focused, a planner, who keeps her emotions in check; while Miles is more flighty and whose sunny disposition is a mask he wears proudly to protect those around him (and himself). But when their respective partners leave the Daphne and Miles in the past as they realize their feelings for each other - these opposites quickly realize they may have more in common than they thought. I loved how the relationship between Daphne and Miles developed - it was a slowburn that really travelled from acquaintance to friends to more and I loved seeing each step explored and how Daphne and Miles slowly open up to each other and realize their feelings.
I received a copy of the audiobook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ...more
This is not holding my attention at all. While I think premise is kinda cute. The random blackmail is throwing me. I still feel like I know nDNF @ 27%
This is not holding my attention at all. While I think premise is kinda cute. The random blackmail is throwing me. I still feel like I know nothing about the characters and the chemistry in the prologue is stronger than any actual time spent together in the present.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ...more