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bookishlychar's reviews
2268 reviews

Icebreaker by Elise Faber, Kat Mizera

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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? It's complicated

4.0

 
Aspen is working two jobs and is barely able to keep up. After her shift at the hockey arena, she runs into someone trying to get back into the arena. Imagine her surprise when she finds out that he is the team captain. She makes her way to her second job and Banks is there again. He is at a private table with friends and seems to be getting drunk and entertaining strippers. After a bet with his friends that he can get Aspen’s number, she quickly shoots him down. Once Banks realizes that Aspen is the woman from the arena, he works to find everything he can about her. Aspen won’t give him the time of day, but he works to break down her walls and protect her in any way he can. 
 
Banks is awesome! He is kind, caring, honest and respectful. I loved that Aspen didn’t immediately fall for Banks’ charm and smile, making him work for it. I felt for Aspen, it sounds like she had a rough life, and is struggling through, even now, to get ahead. I loved when Banks and her came together that Banks helped her, but still respected her and her autonomy. 
 
Banks and Aspen made a great couple. They started with some awesome banter, and their chemistry was off the charts. They challenged each other and had a deep respect for each other. One of my favourite tropes is found family, and this book has it in spades. Banks’ friends have been brought together because of hockey, and have supported each other through many ups and downs. I loved how they were there for each other and supported each other through the difficult stuff. 
 
I enjoyed this book from start to finish and can’t wait for more in this series. If you love a book with great found family, where he falls first, this is the perfect book for you! I can’t wait for more in this series! Thank you to the authors for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine. 
 
read if you like: enemies to lovers, he falls first, found family, hockey romance, protective MMC, golden retriever hero 
Christmas Is All Around by Martha Waters

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funny hopeful lighthearted slow-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? Yes

3.0

 
Charlotte starred in one film in her childhood. Moving on from the movie, she has an illustration career and wants nothing to do with acting. When it comes out that she is the lone holdout in another movie, the backlash becomes too much. She flees to London to visit her sister and niece for Christmas. While visiting a quaint estate, the owners ask Charlotte to help illustrate various film scenes across the English countryside. She finds herself enamoured by the handsome Graham, who escorts her across England. Will Graham unthaw her grumpy heart this holiday season? 
 
I found this book to be Hallmark adjacent, happening across the English countryside. Charlotte and Graham are complete opposites. With Charlotte’s ba-humbug nature, Graham seems to balance her out. I enjoyed this book, but it felt like a lot of the other holiday novels that are out there. There were a lot of convenient circumstances bringing Charlotte and Graham together, but it was nice to see them come together. I did find Charlotte annoying sometimes, and I was happy when her sister finally called her on her childish behaviour. 
 
I especially enjoyed the English setting and found the author pulling me into the quaintness of everything. One thing I know, I want to visit a Christmas market in England as soon as possible. 
 
If you want a book that takes you to England this holiday season, this is a great book to check out. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine. 
The Pass Protection by Alexis Buxton

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challenging 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

4.5

 
Bret left Arizona, wanting to leave the fear she was carrying with her behind. She is the new roommate of three of her brother’s teammates and wants a new, fresh start. Crew Riggsby is one of those roommates and also met Bret briefly, forming an online friendship. The last thing he expected was to see Bret again, alone as a roommate. Bret’s brother has warned the entire team off dating his sister, but Crew finds himself drawn to her. They cannot deny their chemistry and are soon sneaking kisses everywhere. Bret is finally starting to feel safe, but her past and what she was running from catch up to her. All is revealed and no one will be left unscathed. 
 
I felt for Bret. She has been through a lot and was struggling with her mental health so much. I appreciated the panic attack/anxiety representation though, feeling they accurately depicted experiencing this type of anxiety. Bret wanted to move on from the past but grew to trust some people to help her through the struggles she had. I loved how much Crew was all in for Bret from the start. He fell fast and hard and spent some much time having Bret in any way she would let him. I liked that she was able to confide in Crew and he helped her through moments of panic. Crew is a fierce protector who loves his family and friends. He would do anything to help them, and proved this time and again with Bret and his other friends. 
 
Overall, I felt that the story was written well and kept me interested and turning the pages. I loved the found family in this book. Many characters have connected throughout college and are there, offering support and love to one another. I especially liked the relationship with Bret and her three roommates. This was book 3 in an interconnected standalone series, but it was easily read without the previous books. Buxton’s writing is so good I will return to read the other books in this series. Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine. 
 
read if you like: teammates sister/coach’s daughter, roommate, forced proximity, forbidden romance, secret relationship, found family, college football 
From Here to Eternity by A.L. Jackson

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challenging dark emotional hopeful sad 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

4.5

 
Charleigh works as a medical assistant and first meets River when she gets a tattoo from him. She is a woman on the run whose story unfolds throughout the book. River is a single dad with a dark past, too. His sister, “brothers,” and son are the only ones that matter in his world. When he meets Charleigh, he sees the pain in her eyes and wants to protect her. He just doesn’t know if there is any way to keep her. 
 
This book had me hooked from River and Charleigh’s first meeting and kept me hooked the entire way through. There is so much emotion, heartache, and pain, tied with the suspense. This is a slow burn, the characters aren’t ready to be together, but Jackson keeps you wanting more. When these two come together sparks fly, and watching the trust build between the two of them is beautiful. 
 
I thought that RIver’s son, Nolan, was adorable and connected with all the characters in the book. He had the hearts of River and his sister and all his tough-guy friends. They would do anything for him. I loved watching his relationship with Charleigh and how he welcomed her into this found family. I also enjoyed meeting the other men in the group, and I can’t wait to see all their stories come to life. 
 
If you love romantic suspense with plenty of secrets and a morally gray main character, look no further than From Here to Eternity. I loved this book and cannot wait for the next in this series. Thank you to Valentine PR and the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine. 
 
read if you like: single dad, he falls first, tortured hero, she’s on the run, touch her and die, romantic suspense, morally gray main character 
Catch and Keep by Erin Hahn

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful slow-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

5.0

Maren broke up with her boyfriend by saying no to his proposal and vomiting on his shoes. She has run to Wisconsin to the bait shop she inherited from Fost, a family friend from when her family spent summers on the lake. This is the perfect project to work on while she evaluates her life and decides on her next move. Joe is the resort owner of the place where her family spent summers and her brother’s best friend. He is a single dad of two quirky, wonderful kids, trying to hold it all together. Maren sees that Joe could use some help in the mornings and starts showing up to help out. She also wants to help his son, Anders, realize his dream of catching a muskie. Things between Joe and Maren are easy. She accepts his kids and takes time to get to know them. The only problem is, will her brother interfere before things get started? 

This was a wonderful read. Maren is unsure of her place in life and seems to find her place perfectly with Joe and his kids. It was amazing to see how Maren and Joe slotted into each other’s lives perfectly. She was important to not only Joe but his kids too. Joe was so wonderful but feels so much guilt over the dissolution of his marriage. His ex seemed to be a truly terrible person, and I was so mad at her for what she did to the kids. This is a slow-burn relationship, but I am all for a relationship that involves karaoke Bon Jovi! 

An important part of this book is Joe’s children. Lucy is autistic, and Erin Hahn did a great job of talking about autism and helping Lucy be successful. I loved how Maren naturally worked to learn some of Lucy’s quirks and accept her as she is, meeting her where she was. There were so many beautiful scenes between the two that left my heart full. Anders is a quirky kid too, who likes nail polish and “non-masculine” clothes and colours. I loved seeing this boy gain confidence in himself too! 

This was a great book about finding your place and feeling comfortable. This is a perfect cozy read that Erin Hahn created! Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine. 

read if you like: single dad, brother’s best friend, slow-burn
How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn

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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? It's complicated

4.0

 
Storee and her sister are visiting her injured aunt Cindy in Kringle for the holidays. She remembers visiting every year and hanging out with the neighbour boy, Cole. That all changed, and Storee hasn’t returned to Kringle since “the incident” ten years ago. Aunt Cindy wants nothing more than for her dear niece to win the Christmas contest, so Storee begrudgingly enters. Cole, feeling like Storee abandoned her ten years ago, will not allow her to win, not after their history. As the competition heats up, so do their feelings. Now, we need to figure out who stole Christmas. 
 
This was a cute, fun, holiday read. The tension and banter that Meghan Quinn brings to this story was laugh-out-loud funny. Storee was the epitome of sunshine, while Cole was the gumps of all grumps. I loved watching them together, seeing what would happen next. The book was full of heat, and there was even a scene involving a candy cane (if you know, you know). 
 
With the town of Kringle, we have some great characters, too. Aunt Cindy and her antics kept Storee and her sister hopping and getting into the Christmas spirit. We had Max, Cole’s loyal friend, who was comedic relief and Bob Krampus, the town Santa. There were so many others, all adding to the story and bringing the town to life. 
 
The beginning of each chapter started with a narration, similar to The Grinch, which added to this story. This was such a fun book, and is the perfect addition to your holiday reading list! Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine. 
 
read if you like: enemies to lovers, fake dating, delicious banter, small town, Christmas read, slow burn, forced proximity, childhood friends 
Secret Love by Willow Aster

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challenging 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? It's complicated

4.0

 
Henley is a dad to three girls and has a busy life as a pro footballer. He meets Tru at the grocery store over some bagels, but they go their separate ways. Imagine his surprise when he shows up at his daughter’s school, and she is the new substitute teacher. Their paths cross again at the dance class where she is teaching. It seems like it was meant to be, except it is forbidden. That doesn’t stop them; the attraction is too intense, but they keep it under wraps until the end of the school year. Will their relationship survive once it is out in the open? 
 
Henley and Tru are so supportive of each other. I love how Henley helped Tru break down her reservations based on her toxic father. He was kind, gentle and supportive, but also there for his girls when needed. Tru was perfect for Henley and his girls, especially supporting Cassidy in school. She was mindful of the girls’ feelings and worked to make them feel comfortable with the relationship. 
 
I loved how Henely co-parented with his ex and thought it was refreshing to see a positive relationship between two exes rather than animosity. Their desire to do what they could to support their children was wonderful, and they supported each other’s personal lives. Added to this was the found family of the single dads. This group of dads, or dad-like folk, are so wonderful and supportive in both the personal and professional. 
 
I felt that the ending did not have enough tension and wanted more conflict. That being said, I still found the book enjoyable and loved Henley and Tru’s relationship. 
 
If you are a fan of single-dad romances, this is the book for you. I loved it, and can’t wait to read more in this series! Thank you to Valentine PR and the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine. 
 
read if you like: single dad, age gap, forbidden romance, small town, cinnamon roll, he falls first, found family, football romance 
Roughing It by Albany Archer

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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? Yes

4.5

 
Blakely is a social media influencer who needs something different. Escaping from Austin to Trail Creek, New Mexico she decides to spend 30 days doing something different. Hudson is the outdoorsman who will help her learn the outdoors in a one-room cabin in the wilderness. He reluctantly agrees to do this, as it is good for the business, but he has no time for followers, fans or the spoiled princess he has to spend time with. As Blakely and Hudson get to know each other, he discovers there is more than meets the eye and this princess is a spitfire he can’t stop thinking about. 
 
The chemistry and banter between Blakely and Hudson is top-notch. They say they hate each other, but with every word uttered, you know that is completely untrue. Though these two are opposites, they are also perfectly matched. Their love story was wonderful, and the spice was spicy! This story is about finding love in unexpected places but is also about finding solace and learning to love yourself. I loved seeing the growth in both of the main characters. Blakely struggles with who she is, and Hudson gets her to see that no matter how she presents herself, she is wonderful. At the same time, Blakely gets Hudson to relax and not be serious all the time. 
 
This was my first book by Albany Archer, but it won’t be my last. The book was a fun read set up like a journal of their 30 days together. Thank you to the author and Luna Literary for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine. 
 
 
read if you like: only one bed, forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, enemies to lovers 
Chase Our Forever by Kat Singleton

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emotional funny 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

5.0

 
Dean lost the great love of his life when his daughter, Clara, was just two months old. Since then, the entire community of Sutten Mountain has stepped up to help him, especially his family. Working long hours, he wants to find some stability for Clara in the form of a nanny, but they have yet to be a good fit for them. Liv shows up in town a little lost and alone. A chance meeting with Clara at the coffee shop, and she worms her way into her heart. Liv takes a chance to be Clara’s nanny. As she spends more time with Dean and Clara, and in the town of Sutten Mountain she realizes she is slowly falling in love with them and a home she has never had. Maybe it’s time for Liv and Dean to have a chance at love. 
 
Both of these characters broke my heart. Dean has a tragic past and feels his chance at true love has passed. I loved to see how much he grew throughout the book, becoming willing to let love in and trust his heart to someone. Though Liv’s story is not as tragic, she is a lost soul, unsure of where she is going. Seeing her find a home was such a happy experience. Though I loved Dean and Liv, the book’s star was Clara.  She is a three-year-old but going on thirteen. She has all the sass and so much love to give. I loved watching these three become a family full of love and happiness. 
 
I am sad that Sutten Mountain has concluded with this third book, but I am happy I got to experience this and the other two stories in the series. Kat Singleton writes characters that make you feel so invested. You cry with them, you laugh with them and you grow to love them. My heart broke for Dean, but it was pieced together again with the epic love he got to experience for a second time. 
 
If you like a single dad, small-town romance, this is a perfect story for you. Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.  
 
read if you like: single dad x nanny, age gap, billionaire, small-town 
Make the Season Bright by Ashley Herring Blake

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emotional funny hopeful slow-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

4.0

 
Brighton and Charlotte have known each other since childhood. They started dating in high school, went to college together and were supposed to get married. Until Brighton left Charlotte at the altar. Five years later Charlotte is still living in New York, pursuing her dreams and travelling with her string quartet in the New Year. Brighton is living in Nashville, having been recently kicked out of the band she was in, hasn’t picked up her guitar in months and is working at a local bar. Through happenstance, both end up in an idyllic town in Colorado. Charlotte pretends she doesn’t know Brighton, even though they will be spending the holiday in close quarters. Even as they spend time together, Charlotte still refuses to talk to Brighton, but who can blame her after what Brighton did. But can time heal old wounds, will Brighton and Charlotte remember what made them so good together? 
 
Charlotte and Brighton are opposites. Charlotte is closed off and appears unfeeling, while Brighton is charismatic and outgoing. When we get to learn more about Charlotte, we learn that her mother had a child as an experiment, never really nurturing or caring for her. I would have liked there to have been more exploration into what made Charlotte who she was. Brighton seemed to have been beaten down and lost her faith in herself.  I liked how her reconnection with Charlotte pulled her out of her funk. She found her voice, her strength and her worth by being reminded of how good a musician she is. These two were truly opposites in so many ways and we saw it so many times throughout the book. The author also did a great job showing the tension between the two, and the palpable emotions that both were experiencing as a result of their history. 
 
I thought Charlotte’s anxiety was well portrayed. I felt there with her in the moment when she was experiencing her anxiety. I enjoyed the friend group that surrounded these two. They added to the story, giving us relationships with a variety of friends supporting both of them. This found family allowed both Charlotte and Brighton to come out of their shells and find love again. 
 
If you like cozy Hallmark vibes but make it sapphic and spicier, this would be a perfect book for you. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine. 
 
reading if you like: grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, second chance, left at the alter