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bookishlychar's reviews
2280 reviews
Royal Elite Epilogue by Rina Kent
dark
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a completely unnecessary book, but I liked how we got all of the Royal Elites story about what happened with them after they got together. It was a great little ending.
Man Handle by Vanessa Vale
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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
3.5
This Vanessa Vale series is a great palette cleanser after reading a heavy book. It is full of miscommunication galore. We have Mac and Georgia who have been put together by a series of circumstances. They had a lot of chemistry and their banter was top-notch.
We also get introduced to Mac's son and father, who are both important to the story. We also got to visit with the other couples from the previous books in the Manhunt series.
Overall, this was a quick and easy read about two people who thought they were going to be together for a short time and then maybe wanted more.
We also get introduced to Mac's son and father, who are both important to the story. We also got to visit with the other couples from the previous books in the Manhunt series.
Overall, this was a quick and easy read about two people who thought they were going to be together for a short time and then maybe wanted more.
Keeping 13 by Chloe Walsh
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-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
This book picks up immediately after the end of Binding 13. We continue to follow Johnny and Shannon's lives and the repercussions of what happened in the first book. Johnny's recovery from his injury is long and hard, but he is determined to discover what is happening with Shannon. He remembers something she said but isn't sure what it meant. Pain and secrets are exposed and these two must decide if their love can handle it.
This book was so good. Johnny and Shannon have been through so much in their young lives and watching them learn and grow from this was amazing. They, especially Shannon, have overcome so much. I couldn't believe the book was heavier than the first one and everything it tackles. The way Chloe Walsh writes the pain and trauma of these characters is so heartfelt and true to life. She doesn't write about perfect people, she writes people with flaws that you love and care for.
Seeing Johnny and Shannon's love blossom was glorious. There were so many times that you didn't know if they would end up together, but it does pay off. I did find both to be immature at times, but then I reminded myself that we were reading about a 16 and 18-year-old.
There are so many side characters in this book that I loved continuing to get to know as well. We have a friendship group that was there for both Johnny and Shannon when they needed it. I also thought that Johnny's parents were so caring and supportive. I loved getting to know more about Shannon's siblings in this book and loved how close and protective of each other they were.
I loved this book. I loved Johnny and Shannon. Be aware that this book tackles a lot of difficult topics, take care to be gentle with yourself when reading it. If you want a heartfelt story about the messiness of growing up, this would be a perfect book for you.
This book was so good. Johnny and Shannon have been through so much in their young lives and watching them learn and grow from this was amazing. They, especially Shannon, have overcome so much. I couldn't believe the book was heavier than the first one and everything it tackles. The way Chloe Walsh writes the pain and trauma of these characters is so heartfelt and true to life. She doesn't write about perfect people, she writes people with flaws that you love and care for.
Seeing Johnny and Shannon's love blossom was glorious. There were so many times that you didn't know if they would end up together, but it does pay off. I did find both to be immature at times, but then I reminded myself that we were reading about a 16 and 18-year-old.
There are so many side characters in this book that I loved continuing to get to know as well. We have a friendship group that was there for both Johnny and Shannon when they needed it. I also thought that Johnny's parents were so caring and supportive. I loved getting to know more about Shannon's siblings in this book and loved how close and protective of each other they were.
I loved this book. I loved Johnny and Shannon. Be aware that this book tackles a lot of difficult topics, take care to be gentle with yourself when reading it. If you want a heartfelt story about the messiness of growing up, this would be a perfect book for you.
Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
3.5
Rachel Lynn Solomon always writes a solid romance.
The one thing I wished for in this book was more tension. I didn't feel how much these two were falling for each other. I wanted more of the falling, more of the spicy lessons, and less about werewolves and the cons themselves. I thought that Chandler was a realistic character and the fear of failing and making it in a career that you feel you truly love.
I loved the exploration of anxiety and OCD and thought that it was well-written and in a respectful, true manner. I would have liked to have Finn's perspective, to see the inner workings of OCD.
Overall this is a quick and fun read and I recommend checking it out.
Read if you like: one-night stand, spicy lessons, famous character, workplace (actor and ghostwriter) romance, he falls first
The one thing I wished for in this book was more tension. I didn't feel how much these two were falling for each other. I wanted more of the falling, more of the spicy lessons, and less about werewolves and the cons themselves. I thought that Chandler was a realistic character and the fear of failing and making it in a career that you feel you truly love.
I loved the exploration of anxiety and OCD and thought that it was well-written and in a respectful, true manner. I would have liked to have Finn's perspective, to see the inner workings of OCD.
Overall this is a quick and fun read and I recommend checking it out.
Read if you like: one-night stand, spicy lessons, famous character, workplace (actor and ghostwriter) romance, he falls first
Wildest Dreams by Kristen Proby
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
Polly and Ryan had a wonderful night together months ago, but they haven’t been in contact since then. When they eventually manage to talk about it, it seems there had been some miscommunication that kept them apart. Ryan is clear in his intentions to Polly that he wants to date her and spend more time with her. As they begin to spend time together it becomes clear that their feelings for each other will continue to grow. Polly also knows the importance of Ryan’s son Jake and they all start to grow together as a family. Strange notes and threats start to come to Polly and they wonder if their love will be torn apart before it can start.
I loved Ryan and Polly together, and after getting over the initial miscommunication hurdle, they spoke with each other openly and honestly. I also loved the communication both Ryan and Polly had with Ryan’s son, Jake. They helped him, being newly adopted, feel safe and secure in the family as their relationship progressed.
Polly is a wonderful character and I liked to see her struggles with Ryan’s wealth and worries that he would see her as seeking out his money. Ryan is such a sweet man. I loved how much he listened to the people he loves and does things to make their lives easier.
This book has a bit of a suspense aspect to it, but I found that it either needed to be in it more, or not in it at all. I didn’t think there was enough to make it a big part of the story and take away from the other things happening.
As always with Kristen’s book I loved the found family aspect. Not only do we get the Wild family, but we get all those who have been taken into the fold. I loved how everyone loved Jake so easily and let him know he belonged, even though he was an older adopted child. I also loved how Polly and Ryan did everything they could to ensure Jake felt okay with the progression of their relationship.
This is a sweet, romantic story that has you transported to small-town Montana. I enjoyed the entire book and can’t wait to go back there in the next story. Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Read if you like: brother’s best friend, billionaire, single dad,
Wild Love by Elsie Silver
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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? Yes
5.0
Rosie moves back home after losing her job. Trying to pick up the pieces of her life she runs into an old frenemies, and her brother's best friend, Ford. Ford is overwhelmed with the girl who claims he is her biological father, and building his newest business. Ford always had a crush on Rosie but stayed away because he didn't want to ruin things between him and his best friend. When she steps up to help him organize the business and his life, they find they spend more time together and enjoy it. Suddenly the reasons for being apart don't seem as clear anymore.
I loved Ford, he is a top-tier human. From him stepping up for Cora, to him keeping Rosie's diary for 10 years he was absolute perfection. He fell for Rosie a long time ago, and was always there to help, though Rosie didn't know. When Ford loves, he loves hard. Rosie is feisty. She loves those in her life hard and will protect them the best they can. I loved her relationship with Cora and how well they related together.
The spark between Rosie and Ford was immediate and I loved their banter back and forth. I loved watching them interact and their back and forth. The emails between the two of them were top-notch! You knew these two were going to end up together, but Elsie Silver made us work to get to that happily ever after.
This was a great book, which had an interesting single-dad dynamic. Elsie Silver continues to write swoony men in small towns, with stories that keep you captivated!
Read if you like: small town, frenemies to lovers, brother's best friend, he falls first, single dad.
I loved Ford, he is a top-tier human. From him stepping up for Cora, to him keeping Rosie's diary for 10 years he was absolute perfection. He fell for Rosie a long time ago, and was always there to help, though Rosie didn't know. When Ford loves, he loves hard. Rosie is feisty. She loves those in her life hard and will protect them the best they can. I loved her relationship with Cora and how well they related together.
The spark between Rosie and Ford was immediate and I loved their banter back and forth. I loved watching them interact and their back and forth. The emails between the two of them were top-notch! You knew these two were going to end up together, but Elsie Silver made us work to get to that happily ever after.
This was a great book, which had an interesting single-dad dynamic. Elsie Silver continues to write swoony men in small towns, with stories that keep you captivated!
Read if you like: small town, frenemies to lovers, brother's best friend, he falls first, single dad.
All the Truths by Rina Kent
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I get that this is a dark romance, but I think this duet was more of a "mystery" with smut thrown in. I didn't feel like things were written as cohesively as they could be. I did like learning about the history of these families and know that we will see more of these characters in the future.
I was a bit frustrated, as Asher had been a jerk to her the whole time, but there was no grovelling, or wooing.
The twist was good. I figured it out while reading, but I liked it. I'm not sure if the amnesia trope is for me though...
I was a bit frustrated, as Asher had been a jerk to her the whole time, but there was no grovelling, or wooing.
The twist was good. I figured it out while reading, but I liked it. I'm not sure if the amnesia trope is for me though...
All the Lies by Rina Kent
dark
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
3.0
I reviewed this and the other book in this series together... it just makes sense.
Blind Side by Kandi Steiner
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.0
This is a steamy and funny fake dating romance between Clay and Giana. I liked the chemistry of this couple, even when they were "just friends". Clay was a sweet guy, who was a great match for what Giana needed. I also really liked the spicy lessons, you could see the chemistry coming off them in waves.
I think the third-act twist was frustrating and I wish that the two of them would have just talked to each other. Something could have been worked out between the two I think.
I did enjoy the team in this book and getting to know the characters in upcoming books. I look forward to continuing with the series.
Read if you like: fake dating, spicy lessons, virgin heroine, football romance
I think the third-act twist was frustrating and I wish that the two of them would have just talked to each other. Something could have been worked out between the two I think.
I did enjoy the team in this book and getting to know the characters in upcoming books. I look forward to continuing with the series.
Read if you like: fake dating, spicy lessons, virgin heroine, football romance
Strong and Wild by Sloane St. James
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-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
This is book two in the Lakes Hockey series. This is Rhys and Freya's (Micky) story. Rhys is a rookie to the Lakes, and looking at focusing on his career and being signed to a longer contract. He has no time to be distracted, especially by women. Everything is fine until he discovers the woman he subscribes to online is also his neighbour. Freya is using her online account to make extra money to save for the retail space she wants. Her neighbour is infuriating her, she tries to be nice, and he is grumpy. What happens when he can't seem to stay away from the girl next door?
Rhys and Freya's banter was top-notch, with the tension between them building so well. When they finally come together, they are perfectly matched. Rhys is a caring guy outside of the bedroom, but dominant in the bedroom.
I loved Freya and how hard she was working toward her dream. She has a painful history but has determined her limits and how to come out of it healthier and better. She is strong-willed and works hard for what she wants. Rhys carries a lot of the world on his shoulders, wanting to ensure the people he loves are provided for. When things get spicy, that man has a mouth on him. It was so, so good.
This is a bit of a darker romance and does contain some potential triggers. Please be mindful of this and proceed with caution.
read if you like: hockey romance, enemies to lovers,
Rhys and Freya's banter was top-notch, with the tension between them building so well. When they finally come together, they are perfectly matched. Rhys is a caring guy outside of the bedroom, but dominant in the bedroom.
I loved Freya and how hard she was working toward her dream. She has a painful history but has determined her limits and how to come out of it healthier and better. She is strong-willed and works hard for what she wants. Rhys carries a lot of the world on his shoulders, wanting to ensure the people he loves are provided for. When things get spicy, that man has a mouth on him. It was so, so good.
This is a bit of a darker romance and does contain some potential triggers. Please be mindful of this and proceed with caution.
read if you like: hockey romance, enemies to lovers,