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bookishlychar's reviews
2287 reviews
Toe the Line by Penelope Ward
emotional
sad
2.5
I think this book just didn't work for me. It didn't have tropes that I loved and I found the back and forth to much.
The Chai Factor by Farah Heron
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is Farah Heron's first novel and I finally got to it. It was a great debut novel, with lots of diversity, with an exploration of queerness in Muslim communities. I like how characters are written with multi-layers.
I didn't like how the book ended. It seemed abrupt and jarring.
I didn't like how the book ended. It seemed abrupt and jarring.
Beautifully Broken Life by Catherine Cowles
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
4.0
Tessa is hiding out in Sutter Lake from an abusive ex-fiancee, Liam is hanging out trying to write some music.
Liam has such a gentleness with Tessa. Recognizing she has something in her past, he works hard to let things go at her own pace and begins to trust him. Catherine Cowles does such a good job of writing the fear that women experience when leaving an abusive relationship. It was so painful to see Tessa's story unfold, but freeing as she became more free from the abuse.
Liam and Tessa are also brought into the fray of the Cole family, and I loved seeing them again. The found family aspect is present and important in this book, and I love everyone including Grandma!
This is a great book and series. I can't wait to continue and see whose story comes next!
Read if you like: friends to lovers, slow burn, he falls first, heroine on the run, romantic suspense
Liam has such a gentleness with Tessa. Recognizing she has something in her past, he works hard to let things go at her own pace and begins to trust him. Catherine Cowles does such a good job of writing the fear that women experience when leaving an abusive relationship. It was so painful to see Tessa's story unfold, but freeing as she became more free from the abuse.
Liam and Tessa are also brought into the fray of the Cole family, and I loved seeing them again. The found family aspect is present and important in this book, and I love everyone including Grandma!
This is a great book and series. I can't wait to continue and see whose story comes next!
Read if you like: friends to lovers, slow burn, he falls first, heroine on the run, romantic suspense
If You Want Me by Helena Hunting
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
Hollis is a player on the Toronto Terror and so is his best friend, and goalie, Roman. Roman had his daughter as a teen and Aurora is all grown up and finishing her last year of university. She had a crush on Hollis as a teen, but nothing ever happened. She and Hollis grew closer after his injury last season and he started to see her as the woman she has become. He tries to keep his feelings at bay, respecting his friendship, but when a moment happens while she is cat-sitting, they can’t seem to keep away from each other.
Hollis and Aurora have some major chemistry with amazing banter and tension. They had a lot keeping them apart, the big thing being Aurora’s dad. I was rooting for these two and wanting what was best for them. The push and pull of these two was great, watching them walk the line between friends and lovers. Hollis is so serious, but so kind and understanding. Aurora, though young, has been around hockey her whole life, and understands the difficulties of a relationship with a hockey player. She was patient with Hollis and wanted someone to love and care for her because of her, not who her dad was.
I loved Aurora’s group of girlfriends and their willingness to drop everything to be there for each other. Add in the teammates on the Toronto Terror and we have a whole group of people that love and care for each other.
One of the things I appreciated about Helena Hunting’s books is the dose of lightness and comedy she adds. She had me laughing out loud so many times and always was able to put a smile on my face. I cannot wait to read more in this world! Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Read if you like: age gap, dad’s best friend, grumpy/sunshine, hockey romance, forbidden, friends to lovers
The Sweet Spot by Bella Matthews
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
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 the final book in the Playing to Win series. 10 years ago Brynlee had a crush on the hot hockey player, but he was off limits as he was older and her protective dad scared him away. She sees Deacon while on vacation and they reconnect. Deacon is now back in town to coach the hockey team and they start dating. They both have issues they are dealing with, but will they let those things get in the way of a love connection?
I have loved Brynlee for a long time and she seemed to get her perfect match in Deacon. He seemed to be a perfect match for Brylee, supporting her in all the ways she needed. Their relationship isn’t always perfect, but they are there for each other in all the important ways. These two had amazing chemistry and the spice was spicing. I loved watching their relationship develop and blossom.
I thought the dynamic between Deacon and his ex was interesting, as I always find it great when an author writes a positive ex-relationship. Deacon’s daughter was a great addition to the story. She has anxiety, and it was briefly touched on in this book. I liked how Brynlee connected with her in her way, using her experiences to guide her.
My favourite parts of Bella Matthews’ books are the friend group and family her characters have. They all love and support each other, holding each other up and being there in times of need. She makes me want to be a part of this found family. I love how much they love and care for each other and took Deacon and his daughter under their wings.
I’m sad this series is over, but know that it isn’t the end for Kroyden Hills. I loved this book and am so excited to see what comes next! Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
read if you like: single dad, marriage of convenience, hockey romance, secret romance
Unforgettable by Willow Aster
funny
hopeful
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
3.0
This was a quick easy read. I found the side characters interesting, and the book did a lot of introducing us to the town and people who will be in future books. I think I didn't totally vibe with the whole enemies to lovers thing. I was supposed to believe these two hated each other, but we know Jamison didn't hate Scarlett, and though Scarlett tried hard to "hate" Jamison, I don't think she ever did either.
I liked the writing and the town, I will probably continue with the series.
I liked the writing and the town, I will probably continue with the series.
Crossroads by Devney Perry
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
This was a good book that I breezed through. The author gave us a cowboy story, about a man we hated and loved at the same time. She created a place I felt I could easily be swept off to. The ranch was as much a part of the story as the characters we grew to love.
Indya and West had young love, and with that comes immaturity, pain and heartbreak. Watching the story unfold through the present timeline and flashbacks allowed me to feel how they were feeling. I love how Devney Perry creates her characters and these two were no different. Indya and West are flawed beings, but we love them and their flaws. We feel their pain and understand their love.
This is a great start to a series and I loved the rustic Montana scenery. Devney Perry continues to be an auto-buy author whom I love and enjoy!
Read if you like: second chance romance, childhood love, cowboy romance, opposites attract
Indya and West had young love, and with that comes immaturity, pain and heartbreak. Watching the story unfold through the present timeline and flashbacks allowed me to feel how they were feeling. I love how Devney Perry creates her characters and these two were no different. Indya and West are flawed beings, but we love them and their flaws. We feel their pain and understand their love.
This is a great start to a series and I loved the rustic Montana scenery. Devney Perry continues to be an auto-buy author whom I love and enjoy!
Read if you like: second chance romance, childhood love, cowboy romance, opposites attract
Autoboyography by Christina Lauren
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is a queer coming-of-age story that explores what it is like to be Mormon and come to understand your sexuality. There are a lot against Tanner and Sebastian, and watching them manage and deal with these obstacles, in the same messy way any teenager would, was realistic and truthful. I loved Tanner and Sebastian in their own messy ways and wanted to give them big hugs.
I would have liked to see more of the "after" and of Sebastian and Tanner together. I also felt that there were more issues at hand that weren't completely dealt with. I know that these are teens, with messy and complicated lives, but I would have liked to see more resolve.
This was an important story, especially for teens. It talks about inclusion, acceptance and living your true self. It looks at allyship, and understanding yourself. This book is the book that all teens, queer or not should read.
I would have liked to see more of the "after" and of Sebastian and Tanner together. I also felt that there were more issues at hand that weren't completely dealt with. I know that these are teens, with messy and complicated lives, but I would have liked to see more resolve.
This was an important story, especially for teens. It talks about inclusion, acceptance and living your true self. It looks at allyship, and understanding yourself. This book is the book that all teens, queer or not should read.
Man Scape by Vanessa Vale
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This story, like the rest of the books in the On a Manhunt series is a lot of smut with a little story. It's a cute story, but there is not tons of plot to go on.
Daniel is a major grump and his "meet cute" with Melly is hilarious. I will say that Daniel is a pretty smooth dirty talker and I loved how he took his cues from Melly and what she wanted. As with other books by this author, I found it a little insta-lovey, and didn't delve into the plot points as much as I would like.
I read these books for the fluffiness and the laughs and I got those in this one.
Read if you like: age gap, grumpy/sunshine, virgin FMC, ex's dad
Daniel is a major grump and his "meet cute" with Melly is hilarious. I will say that Daniel is a pretty smooth dirty talker and I loved how he took his cues from Melly and what she wanted. As with other books by this author, I found it a little insta-lovey, and didn't delve into the plot points as much as I would like.
I read these books for the fluffiness and the laughs and I got those in this one.
Read if you like: age gap, grumpy/sunshine, virgin FMC, ex's dad
Wild Reckless by Ginger Scott
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Wow, this book. Ginger Scott created these two teens that are going through it. She hooked me from the prologue and kept me turning to see how things turned out. She tackled a lot of tough topics in this book, but she does so in a way that you feel the pain both of these characters were experiencing as they went through it.
Kensi and Owen were complicated characters. In the beginning, their relationship was tumultuous, with Owen continuing to push Kensi away. She kept showing up for him, and proving that she won't leave or abandon him. They are both not trusting who they are, and questioning what they should do with their lives and passions. With that, they also push each other to believe they can have nice things and happiness.
This was an incredible book that is full of pain. It is not an easy read. Please check trigger warnings if you need them. If you want an emotional read, this one will be it. Though there is romance in this, it is not the only focus of the book, but a beautiful story does come from it.
Kensi and Owen were complicated characters. In the beginning, their relationship was tumultuous, with Owen continuing to push Kensi away. She kept showing up for him, and proving that she won't leave or abandon him. They are both not trusting who they are, and questioning what they should do with their lives and passions. With that, they also push each other to believe they can have nice things and happiness.
This was an incredible book that is full of pain. It is not an easy read. Please check trigger warnings if you need them. If you want an emotional read, this one will be it. Though there is romance in this, it is not the only focus of the book, but a beautiful story does come from it.