Take a photo of a barcode or cover
bookishlychar's reviews
2303 reviews
Wild Eyes by Elsie Silver
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Skylar is a chart-topping pop star. Looking for a break, she is heading to the music studio in Rose Hill to find herself and redefine her music. In a memorable meet-cute, she meets West. West is a cowboy and single dad who’s a bit wild and impulsive, as well as a shameless flirt. As Skylar finds herself staying in his bunkhouse, spending time with his kids, and watching him work, he begins to find his way into her heart. Although her life is bigger than the town of Rose Hill, she starts to wonder if West and his two kids, Emmy and Oliver, are perfect for her.
West and Skylar had one of the best meet-cutes ever! Once they met, that was truly where their story took off. Their banter was top-notch, and I loved how he flirted with Skylar. The best part, though, was how West allowed her to feel comfortable, safe, and deserving of not just his love but also Oliver and Emmy’s. I adored West and Skylar as a couple and loved their banter and friendship.
What I loved even more was the two characters themselves. West is a total flirt but also a great dad and cowboy. He is truly in his element as a dad to both his kids. I appreciated seeing his vulnerability and worries, as well as his fears of never being chosen. Skylar is a pop star who has faced betrayal. I’m not usually a fan of fame in my books, but Skylar was relatable. She was burnt out and unsure in everything she did. She didn’t know whom to trust and didn’t even trust herself. I loved watching her regain her footing and build confidence.
I really believe Skylar and West were perfect for each other. If you love a friends-to-lovers, cowboy/pop princess romance with single dad vibes, this is the book for you! I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!
West and Skylar had one of the best meet-cutes ever! Once they met, that was truly where their story took off. Their banter was top-notch, and I loved how he flirted with Skylar. The best part, though, was how West allowed her to feel comfortable, safe, and deserving of not just his love but also Oliver and Emmy’s. I adored West and Skylar as a couple and loved their banter and friendship.
What I loved even more was the two characters themselves. West is a total flirt but also a great dad and cowboy. He is truly in his element as a dad to both his kids. I appreciated seeing his vulnerability and worries, as well as his fears of never being chosen. Skylar is a pop star who has faced betrayal. I’m not usually a fan of fame in my books, but Skylar was relatable. She was burnt out and unsure in everything she did. She didn’t know whom to trust and didn’t even trust herself. I loved watching her regain her footing and build confidence.
I really believe Skylar and West were perfect for each other. If you love a friends-to-lovers, cowboy/pop princess romance with single dad vibes, this is the book for you! I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!
Beautiful Exile by Catherine Cowles
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Arden is a reclusive artist who joined the Colson family when she was just 12 years old. When her brother moves his friend onto their shared property, she struggles to avoid the nosy billionaire. Linc fell in love with Sparrow Falls during his visit to see his friend, and he is building his property in town. While he finalizes the details of his home, his friend lets him stay at his place. Linc is unprepared for his friend’s beautiful and intriguing sister. When Arden’s past returns to haunt her, Linc steps up to protect her from the danger. As they spend more time together, she starts to trust him. Can he shield her from the lurking threat?
Linc is patient and willing to go at Arden’s pace. Arden is closed off, which motivates Linc to work harder to earn her trust. He fell fast and hard for Arden, and I loved watching their love bloom. Arden has endured so much pain and trauma; it was wonderful to watch.
One of my favourite aspects of Catherine’s writing is her knack for weaving suspense into the romance while the two main characters fall in love. The suspense and mystery in this book are exceptional, keeping me guessing the entire time. I was on the edge of my seat, unable to put the book down with reveal after reveal.
As with all of Catherine’s stories, we get the found family that we cherish with the Colsons. I adore how much everyone cares for one another and comes together during difficult times.
Linc and Arden captured my heart, and I fell in love with them and the gentleness of their story. If you enjoy a good romantic suspense featuring found family and a swoony MMC, this is the perfect book for you!
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book. All opinions are entirely my own.
Linc is patient and willing to go at Arden’s pace. Arden is closed off, which motivates Linc to work harder to earn her trust. He fell fast and hard for Arden, and I loved watching their love bloom. Arden has endured so much pain and trauma; it was wonderful to watch.
One of my favourite aspects of Catherine’s writing is her knack for weaving suspense into the romance while the two main characters fall in love. The suspense and mystery in this book are exceptional, keeping me guessing the entire time. I was on the edge of my seat, unable to put the book down with reveal after reveal.
As with all of Catherine’s stories, we get the found family that we cherish with the Colsons. I adore how much everyone cares for one another and comes together during difficult times.
Linc and Arden captured my heart, and I fell in love with them and the gentleness of their story. If you enjoy a good romantic suspense featuring found family and a swoony MMC, this is the perfect book for you!
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book. All opinions are entirely my own.
Puck Boy by Hannah Gray
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Addy got pregnant in high school, and the father wanted nothing to do with her and her daughter. Now her dad has moved them across the country for a fresh start, where he is coaching the college hockey team. Cam is a playboy who meets Addy, who wants nothing more than a one-time hook-up. Imagine his surprise when he discovers Addy is the new coach’s daughter and strictly off-limits. The only problem is, he can’t get her off his mind. Cam falls fast and hard and works to convince Addy that they are perfect together, even when he shouldn’t.
This was my first book by Hannah Gray, and I cannot wait to read more! Cam is a fantastic book boyfriend! He grew so much throughout the story. From a hockey playboy to a caring boyfriend, he even doted on Isla. He loved Isla from the start and was always thinking of her. His relationship with her was simply adorable.
I thought Addy was an excellent mom as she worked through the struggle of wanting to be enough for her daughter. Cam falls hard for both Addy and Isla, and I loved watching them together. The chemistry between Cam and Addy is spot on, and I adored their banter. They were so comfortable together.
This was a great book by an author new to me! Now I have to go back and read her entire backlist because I loved it so much! If you enjoy a hockey romance featuring the coach’s daughter, this is the perfect book for you!
This was my first book by Hannah Gray, and I cannot wait to read more! Cam is a fantastic book boyfriend! He grew so much throughout the story. From a hockey playboy to a caring boyfriend, he even doted on Isla. He loved Isla from the start and was always thinking of her. His relationship with her was simply adorable.
I thought Addy was an excellent mom as she worked through the struggle of wanting to be enough for her daughter. Cam falls hard for both Addy and Isla, and I loved watching them together. The chemistry between Cam and Addy is spot on, and I adored their banter. They were so comfortable together.
This was a great book by an author new to me! Now I have to go back and read her entire backlist because I loved it so much! If you enjoy a hockey romance featuring the coach’s daughter, this is the perfect book for you!
A Love Letter to Whiskey: Fifth Anniversary Edition by Kandi Steiner
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
B and Jamie share a profound, all-encompassing friendship. They have always been the best of friends, but anything more seems fraught with missed opportunities, mistakes, and choices. Their decisions often pull them apart, and after years of distance, will everything finally align?
This book includes two of my least favourite tropes—cheating and miscommunication—yet I found myself eagerly consuming every word, clamouring for more. The story was both heartbreaking and beautiful. We have two people who have loved each other from the moment they met. Jamie and B took me on an emotional ride and left me shattered, but experiencing Jamie’s POV at the end helped me understand so much more.
B and Jamie’s story was a chaotic read—messy, toxic, devastating, but also beautiful. I thought the miscommunication and misunderstandings resonated with who they were and where they were in their lives. We witnessed them grow into their true selves, even as they frustrated me so often!
Though this book is lengthy, it is fast-paced, covering over ten years of their lives. There are some time jumps, but they are logical and well executed. The author’s writing is exquisite and evokes a multitude of emotions. She managed to break my heart repeatedly.
This book may not resonate with everyone since they are quite toxic to each other, yet they keep returning to one another. They fit so perfectly into each other’s lives while denying their destined connection. Even when I disliked them, I couldn’t stop loving them and cheering for their happiness.
I am glad these two finally found happiness, and loved the chance to read this story. Though it’s not in my usual wheelhouse, this is a book I savoured. I loved watching this love story unfold and witnessing their relationship come to life.
This book includes two of my least favourite tropes—cheating and miscommunication—yet I found myself eagerly consuming every word, clamouring for more. The story was both heartbreaking and beautiful. We have two people who have loved each other from the moment they met. Jamie and B took me on an emotional ride and left me shattered, but experiencing Jamie’s POV at the end helped me understand so much more.
B and Jamie’s story was a chaotic read—messy, toxic, devastating, but also beautiful. I thought the miscommunication and misunderstandings resonated with who they were and where they were in their lives. We witnessed them grow into their true selves, even as they frustrated me so often!
Though this book is lengthy, it is fast-paced, covering over ten years of their lives. There are some time jumps, but they are logical and well executed. The author’s writing is exquisite and evokes a multitude of emotions. She managed to break my heart repeatedly.
This book may not resonate with everyone since they are quite toxic to each other, yet they keep returning to one another. They fit so perfectly into each other’s lives while denying their destined connection. Even when I disliked them, I couldn’t stop loving them and cheering for their happiness.
I am glad these two finally found happiness, and loved the chance to read this story. Though it’s not in my usual wheelhouse, this is a book I savoured. I loved watching this love story unfold and witnessing their relationship come to life.
The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Diana is the cheer captain and is working multiple jobs to put herself through college. Shane is her new neighbour, but they share the same friend group. She dislikes him. He is a hockey player with a notorious reputation. They are forced into a situation where it would benefit them to pretend they are dating. As their fake relationship evolves into friends with benefits, real feelings begin to emerge. They must decide if they should make it official.
Diana and Shane have incredible banter and a mutual disdain for each other, and their chemistry is electric. Diana’s sass combined with Shane’s humour makes them perfect for one another. I related deeply to Diana and her feelings of being “too much,” and I loved how Shane embraced her, quirks and all. I also enjoyed how Diana involved Shane in the dance competition, finding those interactions light and fun, which helped balance some of the more serious issues that arose.
Some of my favourite parts of this series were the cameos from characters in the Briar U and Off Campus series. I love seeing the couples with their kids and discovering where they are now.
This was a fantastic book that definitely addresses some serious topics, so check for trigger warnings if needed. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved Diana and Shane immensely!
Diana and Shane have incredible banter and a mutual disdain for each other, and their chemistry is electric. Diana’s sass combined with Shane’s humour makes them perfect for one another. I related deeply to Diana and her feelings of being “too much,” and I loved how Shane embraced her, quirks and all. I also enjoyed how Diana involved Shane in the dance competition, finding those interactions light and fun, which helped balance some of the more serious issues that arose.
Some of my favourite parts of this series were the cameos from characters in the Briar U and Off Campus series. I love seeing the couples with their kids and discovering where they are now.
This was a fantastic book that definitely addresses some serious topics, so check for trigger warnings if needed. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved Diana and Shane immensely!
Bride By Initiation by Maggie Cole
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I was drawn to this book by the cover and went in blind. Zara is a mafia princess who has mostly been shielded from the life. She is willing to do anything when a man approaches her to help her learn more about her father and where he was during her first fifteen years. Sean is also on a quest to understand how his father died many years ago. When he's approached to join a secret society, he is determined to become a member. As they both delve deeper into the secrets this society holds, they are compelled to make vows to each other and to the society to uncover the truth about what happened.
Sean and Zara had me hooked while reading this. They had incredible chemistry, with a forbidden element to it, enhanced by the mystery surrounding both of their fathers' pasts and all the secrets they harboured.
One thing I noticed was that these characters are supposed to be around thirty, yet much of the time, they did not seem to act their age.
This is a dark book, and there are many trigger warnings to consider if needed. Both Sean and Zara underwent tests to join the society, and there were so many secrets and jaw-dropping moments that I couldn’t stop reading.
This was a fantastic book, and I absolutely cannot wait for more in the series! If you love mafia or secret society romances, this is a terrific choice for you!
Sean and Zara had me hooked while reading this. They had incredible chemistry, with a forbidden element to it, enhanced by the mystery surrounding both of their fathers' pasts and all the secrets they harboured.
One thing I noticed was that these characters are supposed to be around thirty, yet much of the time, they did not seem to act their age.
This is a dark book, and there are many trigger warnings to consider if needed. Both Sean and Zara underwent tests to join the society, and there were so many secrets and jaw-dropping moments that I couldn’t stop reading.
This was a fantastic book, and I absolutely cannot wait for more in the series! If you love mafia or secret society romances, this is a terrific choice for you!
The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Georgia’s life is made of lists, including the lists she has regarding her ex Eli. Five years after their break up, Georgia and Eli must come back together for their best friend's wedding. When things with the wedding start to go awry, Georgia and Eli must go to Napa to help save their best friend's wedding, their chemistry soon becomes undeniable. As the two spend more time together, Georgia starts to see the Eli she fell in love with and wonders if the rules she made about Eli were meant to be broken.
Wow. This book. It tore me apart and put me back together again. These two were absolutely meant to be together, but met at a young age, needed their time apart to grow and take care of themselves. I was surprised how much I loved this book, as there is miscommunication here, which I usually hate, but it worked and made sense for me. Add in the miscommunication happening in the past, Georgia’s stubbornness and it just worked. Eli and Georgia’s chemistry was so intense and good. We were taken on an emotional journey with Eli and Georgia learning about their love and their pressures. I liked how, with the intensity of the love story, we got the story of their best friends' cursed wedding and the antics they went through to get him down the aisle.
I think when dealing with a second chance romance, the author needs to get the reader to connect and understand why the two broke up and be invested in the couple getting back together. Jessica Joyce managed to do this in such a way that I not only understood but was attached to and rooting for both characters.
I also loved how the author tackled adult friendships and how hard it is to maintain friendships and grow and change with those friendships. The feelings were so real and raw about seeing friendships change, and brought me to tears on more than one occasion.
This book was wonderful, and beautiful. I loved this story and have now loved both of this author's books. I cannot wait to see what she writes next!
Wow. This book. It tore me apart and put me back together again. These two were absolutely meant to be together, but met at a young age, needed their time apart to grow and take care of themselves. I was surprised how much I loved this book, as there is miscommunication here, which I usually hate, but it worked and made sense for me. Add in the miscommunication happening in the past, Georgia’s stubbornness and it just worked. Eli and Georgia’s chemistry was so intense and good. We were taken on an emotional journey with Eli and Georgia learning about their love and their pressures. I liked how, with the intensity of the love story, we got the story of their best friends' cursed wedding and the antics they went through to get him down the aisle.
I think when dealing with a second chance romance, the author needs to get the reader to connect and understand why the two broke up and be invested in the couple getting back together. Jessica Joyce managed to do this in such a way that I not only understood but was attached to and rooting for both characters.
I also loved how the author tackled adult friendships and how hard it is to maintain friendships and grow and change with those friendships. The feelings were so real and raw about seeing friendships change, and brought me to tears on more than one occasion.
This book was wonderful, and beautiful. I loved this story and have now loved both of this author's books. I cannot wait to see what she writes next!
If You Love Me by Helena Hunting
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Roman and Lexie spent an intense 48 hours together three years ago, but he woke up the next morning to find her gone. He hasn’t forgotten about her since, but he had no way to reach her. Just imagine his surprise when she returns to his life as the new assistant coach of the Toronto Terror. A lot has changed in three years for Lexie. She has become the guardian of her two sisters after their mom and stepdad passed away, now supporting them through their grief. The attraction between them remains intense, yet they agree that nothing can happen until he retires at the end of the season. It becomes increasingly difficult to stay apart, and they must decide whether to risk it all for love.
Roman is one swoon-worthy man, and Lexie was the object of his affection. I loved how gently he cared for Lexie and her two sisters. There’s a scene where everything is going wrong for Lexie, and Roman comes over to talk it through with her and her sisters, which made me swoon. He is there for her, loving her, even if only as a friend. Not only does he support her, but he also supports her sisters, and I was there for every moment of it. Lexie is an incredible guardian to her sisters, and I loved the bond they share.
With Helena, there's always a wonderful found family element that I adored. The hockey players are more than just friends; they show up for each other when needed. They embrace Lexie and her sisters into this family, loving, caring, and supporting them. Not only do we get to see couples from previous books in the series, but we got some hints about future relationships and delve deeper into the Flip and Connor rivalry now that they’re playing together.
Helena has a knack for writing hockey, and I love the stories she crafts within her hockey world. If you enjoy found family and a passionate romance, this is the perfect book. Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are 100% mine.
Roman is one swoon-worthy man, and Lexie was the object of his affection. I loved how gently he cared for Lexie and her two sisters. There’s a scene where everything is going wrong for Lexie, and Roman comes over to talk it through with her and her sisters, which made me swoon. He is there for her, loving her, even if only as a friend. Not only does he support her, but he also supports her sisters, and I was there for every moment of it. Lexie is an incredible guardian to her sisters, and I loved the bond they share.
With Helena, there's always a wonderful found family element that I adored. The hockey players are more than just friends; they show up for each other when needed. They embrace Lexie and her sisters into this family, loving, caring, and supporting them. Not only do we get to see couples from previous books in the series, but we got some hints about future relationships and delve deeper into the Flip and Connor rivalry now that they’re playing together.
Helena has a knack for writing hockey, and I love the stories she crafts within her hockey world. If you enjoy found family and a passionate romance, this is the perfect book. Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are 100% mine.
The One I Didn't See Coming by Piper Rayne
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Briar is back in town after a rough break-up. She wants to be closer to her sister. She finds herself without a place to stay, and after Emmett discovers her secret, he convinces her to stay with him. Emmett is the brother nobody takes seriously. He has big ideas for Plain Daisy Ranch, but his aloofness has made everyone believe he is not serious. The only problem is that Briar had a crush on Emmett in high school, until she heard him saying terrible things about her. Now, he is her sworn enemy. As she spends more time with Emmett, she realizes that there is so much more to him, and her crush is still more present than before.
I loved how fierce Briar is. She has sass and knows what to say, especially when biting back at Emmett. Emmett is a loveable teddy bear, but has this way of interacting with Briar that pokes her in the right way.
The family dynamics in this book were great. Emmett and his brothers had tension, trying to figure out their new roles; and Emmett, Briar and her sister had tension as she told him her sister was off limits. In the end, the Noughtons come together and work together to open communication and (eventually) talk out their issues.
Overall, I found this a quick, enjoyable read. I loved getting to look back at the brothers we already met, with a nod to a future series. I’m excited to see what happens with Brooks and other cousins!
I loved how fierce Briar is. She has sass and knows what to say, especially when biting back at Emmett. Emmett is a loveable teddy bear, but has this way of interacting with Briar that pokes her in the right way.
The family dynamics in this book were great. Emmett and his brothers had tension, trying to figure out their new roles; and Emmett, Briar and her sister had tension as she told him her sister was off limits. In the end, the Noughtons come together and work together to open communication and (eventually) talk out their issues.
Overall, I found this a quick, enjoyable read. I loved getting to look back at the brothers we already met, with a nod to a future series. I’m excited to see what happens with Brooks and other cousins!
Better Hate than Never by Chloe Liese
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Kate and Christopher were childhood neighbours and rivals, and their animosity lasted into adulthood. Despite pleas from friends and family for a truce, neither has been willing to relent. When Kate returns home seeking some peace, she confides in Christopher, admitting that she's afraid he despises her. Touched by her vulnerability, he decides it's time to put their past differences behind them. However, when a single kiss ignites a spark between them, their hatred quickly transforms into intense desire. As their connection deepens, they must confront whether they can overcome their past and open their hearts to love.
I appreciated Chloe Liese’s neurodivergent writing in her stories. She creates a story about finding love, regardless of who you are in a kind authentic way. These two seemed to hate each other. They had so much angst and tension between them, that everyone worried when they were together. I did think, at times, that the hate toward each other was a bit over the top, but they both used this as a protective mechanism.
Kate is an interesting character, who is dealing with her struggles of knowing who she is, and the stresses she has in her life. I loved how caring Christopher was, helping Kate come out of her shell and begin to wholly trust him. I loved the little things that Christopher did to gain her trust.
I love Kate’s family, and getting to visit with Jamie and Bea again. We got to know more about the Wilmont family. I can’t wait for the final Wilmont sisters HEA next!
If you love enemies to lovers, and some excellent representation this book is perfect for you!
I appreciated Chloe Liese’s neurodivergent writing in her stories. She creates a story about finding love, regardless of who you are in a kind authentic way. These two seemed to hate each other. They had so much angst and tension between them, that everyone worried when they were together. I did think, at times, that the hate toward each other was a bit over the top, but they both used this as a protective mechanism.
Kate is an interesting character, who is dealing with her struggles of knowing who she is, and the stresses she has in her life. I loved how caring Christopher was, helping Kate come out of her shell and begin to wholly trust him. I loved the little things that Christopher did to gain her trust.
I love Kate’s family, and getting to visit with Jamie and Bea again. We got to know more about the Wilmont family. I can’t wait for the final Wilmont sisters HEA next!
If you love enemies to lovers, and some excellent representation this book is perfect for you!