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bookishlychar's reviews
2287 reviews
Bright Lights & Summer Nights by Kat Singleton
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Emma Turner is a single, unemployed, unapologetic mess. She went to the Hampton’s to find herself and have a quarter-life crisis. She didn’t expect to end up fake dating billionaire, and football player, Preston Rhodes. Preston asked Emma to be his fake girlfriend for the week-long party that is his sister’s wedding. Emma finds herself in Preston’s arms and bed, and things suddenly don’t feel fake anymore.
I loved Emma! She is on a journey to find herself and knows she doesn’t have it all together. She loves her friends so fiercely and wants to love herself. I loved her journey and was happy to see her get her HEA. Preston was a great love interest for Emma. He was loving, compassionate, and caring toward Emma, allowing her to find and love herself.
The author created some major tension between these two. Just from their glances, to their banter, you know that when they come together sparks are going to fly. When the sparks flew, they flew long and hard! I loved these two together.
Kat Singleton continues to write swoon-worthy men who you fall in love with and adore. Though I’m sad to see that this series is completed, I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next! Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Read if you like: billionaire, football player, fake dating, age gap, forced proximity, awesome banter
Paper Planes by Jennie Wood
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
- 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? Yes
3.5
This is a queer YA graphic novel and the art style is gorgeous. I liked the stories of both Leighton and Dylan and thought it was great to have a character with an ace identity. There was a good exploration of identity, friendship, hardship and expectations. I liked that both characters were different and flawed, but we got to know and love them.
I found the timeline of the story and what happened in the past situations a bit confusing. I still enjoyed the story but felt that it could have been sussed out more. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves graphic novels and wants to read more diversely.
I found the timeline of the story and what happened in the past situations a bit confusing. I still enjoyed the story but felt that it could have been sussed out more. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves graphic novels and wants to read more diversely.
Both of Us by Amber Kelly
dark
emotional
sad
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? Yes
3.5
Both of Us is the conclusion of the Cross My Heart Duet. I thought this was an interesting duet and got through both of these books quite quickly. Rather than duets, I think they could have easily been just one novel.
Amber Kelly could draw me in and keep me interested. I thought her writing was great in most parts. I also loved the differing POVs we got. In the first book, a current timeline and past, so we can learn the history. In the second book, between Gabby and Cross.
I had many theories going into book two, and some of them proved right, but the author did manage to surprise me a bit!
Amber Kelly could draw me in and keep me interested. I thought her writing was great in most parts. I also loved the differing POVs we got. In the first book, a current timeline and past, so we can learn the history. In the second book, between Gabby and Cross.
I had many theories going into book two, and some of them proved right, but the author did manage to surprise me a bit!
Both Of Me by Amber Kelly
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
3.5
This book drew me in and kept me turning the pages through the entire duet. I feel it's important to read the two books in the Cross My Heart duet together, therefore my review will be more complete for the second book.
Should Have Been Me by Jessica Prince
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
This is book four in the Pembrooke series, interconnected stand-alone. It can easily be read by itself. Jolie was the talk of the town when her fiance dumped her and moved on with the town’s mean girl. She has finally gotten over being the talk of the town when the couple announces their engagement. Even more, they want her, and her wedding planning business to help plan it. Vaughan left town 25 years ago and never looked back. He is back to help his father and plans to stay for the short term. He is grumpy and standoffish, with people generally staying away. Imagine his surprise when he encounters Jolie, and her cat, in the most painful meet cute ever, and she does not shy away from his grumpiness. He impulsively announces that he is dating Jolie and now, with the meddling small town, they must follow through with it. When lines are blurred and feelings happen, they have to decide if this relationship is fake at all.
Jolie and Vaughan had some great banter and an awesome connection. I was invested in their story and wanted to see how things turned out. Vaughan is a grump, but Jolie balances him out well. Even more, she sees below the surface that there is so much more there and how deeply he cares for the important people in his life.
I loved Jolie’s friendship group. Everyone needs a group of friends that will protect them and go to bat for them and she had that in spades. I also thought the town of Pembroke was fun, and it made me want to read more in this series.
If you like a low angst, spicy romance, with all the grumpy/sunshine, this is the perfect book for you! Thank you to Literally Yours PR and the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Read if you like: grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, age gap, fake dating
Jolie and Vaughan had some great banter and an awesome connection. I was invested in their story and wanted to see how things turned out. Vaughan is a grump, but Jolie balances him out well. Even more, she sees below the surface that there is so much more there and how deeply he cares for the important people in his life.
I loved Jolie’s friendship group. Everyone needs a group of friends that will protect them and go to bat for them and she had that in spades. I also thought the town of Pembroke was fun, and it made me want to read more in this series.
If you like a low angst, spicy romance, with all the grumpy/sunshine, this is the perfect book for you! Thank you to Literally Yours PR and the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Read if you like: grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, age gap, fake dating
Only and Forever by Chloe Liese
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-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
4.5
Viggo Bergman has been invested in all of his siblings happily ever afters, but never has had his own. As a romance lover, he has never felt the butterflies described in all his favourite novels. Tallulah Clarke breezed into his life years ago, in his first and only semester of college. He was intrigued by her, but he could never get her to smile. Now, seven years later, they reconnect and agree to help each other out. He will help her make the romance in her most recent novel more accurate, while she will help him open his bookstore. What they didn't expect was to start enjoying each other's company.
One of the things I like about Chloe's writing and the Bergman family is that diversity is accepted and cherished. Viggo is neurodiverse (ADHD) and demisexual coded, these aren't things that are tragic, or terrible, but rather part of his life. This is similar to how Tallulah's diabetes is introduced. Chloe writes about the ups and downs of differences and disabilities and accurately shows just how exhausting it can be managing it in daily life while allowing these characters to experience love and joy.
Viggo is an over-the-top romantic, who puts his whole heart into helping and pleasing everyone he can. I thought that Tallulah was a great balance to his personality, making them perfect for each other.
Another thing I loved in this book was how these two people communicated openly and honestly and talked when things were bothering them. This led to no third-act break-up, yay! I also love how Chloe normalized the benefits of therapy.
I am sad. The Bergman series has come to an end and I will miss them. I look forward to seeing what Chloe writes next!
Read if you love: opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity,
One of the things I like about Chloe's writing and the Bergman family is that diversity is accepted and cherished. Viggo is neurodiverse (ADHD) and demisexual coded, these aren't things that are tragic, or terrible, but rather part of his life. This is similar to how Tallulah's diabetes is introduced. Chloe writes about the ups and downs of differences and disabilities and accurately shows just how exhausting it can be managing it in daily life while allowing these characters to experience love and joy.
Viggo is an over-the-top romantic, who puts his whole heart into helping and pleasing everyone he can. I thought that Tallulah was a great balance to his personality, making them perfect for each other.
Another thing I loved in this book was how these two people communicated openly and honestly and talked when things were bothering them. This led to no third-act break-up, yay! I also love how Chloe normalized the benefits of therapy.
I am sad. The Bergman series has come to an end and I will miss them. I look forward to seeing what Chloe writes next!
Read if you love: opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity,
Come Back for Me by Corinne Michaels
challenging
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? Yes
4.0
Connor has returned home with his four brothers after their father's death. He forms an immediate connection with Hadley, a girl who is hanging out in his childhood escape, a treehouse. He walks the injured Hadley home and discovers her mother is the woman he had a no-strings one-night stand with eight years ago. The only problem, this woman, Ellie, is now married and has a child. Ellie is struggling herself. She has been in an abusive marriage for nearly 8 years and knows she needs to escape. One scary night leads to her and Hadley leaving and she and Connor reconnection. Secrets are exposed and both Connor and Ellie must decide if they can forgive and move forward together, or go their separate ways.
Corinne Michaels pulled me in with the story and tugged at my heartstrings with all the emotions going on. This book wasn't easy to read, there are times when what both Connor and Ellie have experienced is downright heartbreaking.
Connor and Ellie have an instant connection, but there is so much complexity to their lives that they take the time to develop a friendship while learning about each other. I loved the friendship Connor formed with both Ellie and Hadley, he gained their trust and learned he could love without causing pain. Ellie was so strong having left an abusive and figuring out how to move forward.
This was a heartfelt story and I loved reading about these characters. I look forward to checking out more in this series
Corinne Michaels pulled me in with the story and tugged at my heartstrings with all the emotions going on. This book wasn't easy to read, there are times when what both Connor and Ellie have experienced is downright heartbreaking.
Connor and Ellie have an instant connection, but there is so much complexity to their lives that they take the time to develop a friendship while learning about each other. I loved the friendship Connor formed with both Ellie and Hadley, he gained their trust and learned he could love without causing pain. Ellie was so strong having left an abusive and figuring out how to move forward.
This was a heartfelt story and I loved reading about these characters. I look forward to checking out more in this series
Rise of a Queen by Rina Kent
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-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
Aurora has spent the past 10 years escaping from her past into anonymity. She needs business help and surfaces at an event, hoping to get out before anyone in the King family sees her. Jonathan King strikes fear into everyone he encounters. He steps in when he sees Aurora at his son's wedding and tries to get his nemesis as an investor.
I hated Jonathan King in the Royal Elite series. He was cruel, and mean and you just had to hate him. In this duet you still hate him, but Rina Kent peels back the layers that are Jonathan and gets you to understand why he is the way he is. He loves the people he loves fiercely and will protect them at all costs.
Aurora does not bend to every whim of Jonathan and I liked that she challenged him. With both their strengths and passions I liked what they managed to bring out in each other. I also liked to see her help mend the relationship between Aiden and Jonathan.
That is not to say that this is a dark romance and there are dark concepts. Please check trigger warnings before moving forward (if needed).
Read if you like: age gap, dark romance, hate to love, alpha hero, billionaire
I hated Jonathan King in the Royal Elite series. He was cruel, and mean and you just had to hate him. In this duet you still hate him, but Rina Kent peels back the layers that are Jonathan and gets you to understand why he is the way he is. He loves the people he loves fiercely and will protect them at all costs.
Aurora does not bend to every whim of Jonathan and I liked that she challenged him. With both their strengths and passions I liked what they managed to bring out in each other. I also liked to see her help mend the relationship between Aiden and Jonathan.
That is not to say that this is a dark romance and there are dark concepts. Please check trigger warnings before moving forward (if needed).
Read if you like: age gap, dark romance, hate to love, alpha hero, billionaire
Reign of a King by Rina Kent
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-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? Yes
4.0
I think this book can't really be reviewed until you have read the other. I have read the other book in this series and will have a more complete review there.
Amazing Ace, Awesome Aro: An Illustrated Exploration by Victoria Barron
5.0
This book was a great accessible and understandable short book about the ace and aro spectrums. I liked how the author gave some good resources on the spectrums and also explained it in a way that made sense. This book would be great for schools and libraries and is a must-read for allies as well!