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dontmissythesereads's reviews
2187 reviews
Playing Flirty by Shameez Patel
4.0
Book #4 read in 2025
In this loose rivals-to-lovers novel, Rose teams up with her best friend’s brother, William, to perfect a board game for a competition. As readers, we are supposed to feel the rivalry between Rose and William leading up to the alliance, but it plays more like an older brother annoyed by his pesky brother’s friend. I really enjoyed the dialogue and witty, flirty banter between Rose and William as the relationship progresses between the two.
In this loose rivals-to-lovers novel, Rose teams up with her best friend’s brother, William, to perfect a board game for a competition. As readers, we are supposed to feel the rivalry between Rose and William leading up to the alliance, but it plays more like an older brother annoyed by his pesky brother’s friend. I really enjoyed the dialogue and witty, flirty banter between Rose and William as the relationship progresses between the two.
The FMC gets everything she wants in a typical romance with a happy ending. There are some things in this one that Rose doesn’t get. But she realizes that things happen for a reason, and she makes the most of things.
Content Warning: One of the subplots involves workplace harassment of Rose by her boss. This really didn’t add to the story other than to show how her best friend and Willi stick up for her and, more importantly, how Rose sticks up for herself.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel is expected to be published on January 14, 2025.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel is expected to be published on January 14, 2025.
She Doesn't Have A Clue by Jenny Elder Moke
4.0
Book #3 read in 2025
I really enjoyed this romantic mystery novel that follows mystery author Kate Valentine to her ex-fiancé’s wedding. Her plus one is Jake Hawkins, the Hotstralian one who got away. As the wedding festivities progress, Kate keeps finding dead bodies, making her a prime suspect, especially when one of the targeted people is her ex-fiancé’s bride.
I really enjoyed this romantic mystery novel that follows mystery author Kate Valentine to her ex-fiancé’s wedding. Her plus one is Jake Hawkins, the Hotstralian one who got away. As the wedding festivities progress, Kate keeps finding dead bodies, making her a prime suspect, especially when one of the targeted people is her ex-fiancé’s bride.
Not only was this a fun, locked room mystery but there was some great romantic sizzle here as well. I really like Kate and Jake as a pair and as sleuths. I’m unsure if the author plans to make this a series, but I would love it if she did.
Sarah Mollo-Christensen did a fantastic job as the narrator. The nuances in her voice as she portrayed each character made it easy to listen to and enjoyable.
Thank you to the publishers for the review copies. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel is expected to be published on January 21, 2025.
Thank you to the publishers for the review copies. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel is expected to be published on January 21, 2025.
What Happened to the McCrays? by Tracey Lange
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
5.0
Book #1 read in 2025
What a book to start the year! This is my first book by Tracey Lange, and it definitely won't be my last. This book is about a family broken by tragedy and slowly finding their way back to each other. It is the quintessential family drama with imperfect characters who don't always make the best decisions but who clearly have heart. Throughout the story, we know that there was a tragedy but don't know the full extent of it. The readers discover the details and truth simultaneously as Kyle, giving us a reason to connect and understand him further. I loved this book so much and felt all the emotions while reading it. I'm off to read Lange's backlist!
Note about the narration: Stephanie Németh-Parker and William DeMeritt brought the characters to life. The emotion with which they read the story and voiced the characters made the reading experience even better.
Thank you to the publisher for the audio review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel is expected to be published on January 14, 2025.
What a book to start the year! This is my first book by Tracey Lange, and it definitely won't be my last. This book is about a family broken by tragedy and slowly finding their way back to each other. It is the quintessential family drama with imperfect characters who don't always make the best decisions but who clearly have heart. Throughout the story, we know that there was a tragedy but don't know the full extent of it. The readers discover the details and truth simultaneously as Kyle, giving us a reason to connect and understand him further. I loved this book so much and felt all the emotions while reading it. I'm off to read Lange's backlist!
Note about the narration: Stephanie Németh-Parker and William DeMeritt brought the characters to life. The emotion with which they read the story and voiced the characters made the reading experience even better.
Thank you to the publisher for the audio review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel is expected to be published on January 14, 2025.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death and Suicide attempt
Let's Call a Truce by Amy Buchanan
4.5
Book #140 read in 2024
Juliana and Ben are workplace rivals whose lives continue to intersect outside work. Amy Buchanan masterfully builds their relationship slowly from enemies to lovers. I love that Juliana is a mom who always puts her kids first, and her decisions throughout the novel include them. Sometimes, the children and family seem to take a backseat in romance novels, but they are at the forefront of this one. It makes the characters more relatable and real, making it easy to fall for them and want them to be happy. I loved Amy Buchanan's writing style and can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel is expected to be published on January 14, 2025.
Juliana and Ben are workplace rivals whose lives continue to intersect outside work. Amy Buchanan masterfully builds their relationship slowly from enemies to lovers. I love that Juliana is a mom who always puts her kids first, and her decisions throughout the novel include them. Sometimes, the children and family seem to take a backseat in romance novels, but they are at the forefront of this one. It makes the characters more relatable and real, making it easy to fall for them and want them to be happy. I loved Amy Buchanan's writing style and can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel is expected to be published on January 14, 2025.
Under the Mistletoe collection by Alexandria Bellefleur, Ali Hazelwood, Tessa Bailey, Alexis Daria, Olivia Dade
3.5
Book #139 read in 2024
Another fun short story collection from Amazon. I enjoyed these stories at varying levels, with Ali Hazelwood and Olivia Dade having the best. In true Tessa Bailey fashion, her story was steamy and more steamy. These are cute ways to pass the time.
Another fun short story collection from Amazon. I enjoyed these stories at varying levels, with Ali Hazelwood and Olivia Dade having the best. In true Tessa Bailey fashion, her story was steamy and more steamy. These are cute ways to pass the time.
The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia, Jessie Garcia
4.0
Book #138 read in 2024
Jasmine is trying to escape an abusive relationship. Stephanie is an executive on her way to a conference. A chance encounter on a plane changes both of their lives forever.
The story is woven through four parts, each focusing on a different part of the timeline. There are many characters to keep track of, which usually makes it difficult for me to read, but this was so well done that I immediately remembered each character as I read their chapters. It helped that the chapters were short.
The first three parts kept me glued to the book. I needed to know what was happening because I felt unusually attached to Stephanie and Jasmine through all their friends and coworkers. Once part four hit and the twist was revealed, I did some eye-rolling, but I was invented and needed to know how it ended. This debut novel shows a lot of promise, and I can't wait to see what Jessie Garcia has in store for us in the future.
Thank you to the publisher for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel is expected to be published on January 14, 2025.
Jasmine is trying to escape an abusive relationship. Stephanie is an executive on her way to a conference. A chance encounter on a plane changes both of their lives forever.
The story is woven through four parts, each focusing on a different part of the timeline. There are many characters to keep track of, which usually makes it difficult for me to read, but this was so well done that I immediately remembered each character as I read their chapters. It helped that the chapters were short.
The first three parts kept me glued to the book. I needed to know what was happening because I felt unusually attached to Stephanie and Jasmine through all their friends and coworkers. Once part four hit and the twist was revealed, I did some eye-rolling, but I was invented and needed to know how it ended. This debut novel shows a lot of promise, and I can't wait to see what Jessie Garcia has in store for us in the future.
Thank you to the publisher for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel is expected to be published on January 14, 2025.
The Most Wonderful Time by Jayne Allen
4.5
Book #137 read in 2024
In a book version of The Holiday, Ramona and Chelsea switch houses for a week at Christmas. Romana is trying to avoid the holidays with her parents in Chicago after her fiance breaks off their engagement, and she fails to tell her family. Chelsea is trying to round up some money to stay in her Malibu home, which is a way to make some quick cash. As these two immerse themselves in the lives of the other, so many great relationships form. Jayne Allen writes the richest (in-depth) characters that are easy to root for during their journey of self-reflection. She has become an auto-read author for me!
Thank you to the publisher for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on October 8, 2024.
In a book version of The Holiday, Ramona and Chelsea switch houses for a week at Christmas. Romana is trying to avoid the holidays with her parents in Chicago after her fiance breaks off their engagement, and she fails to tell her family. Chelsea is trying to round up some money to stay in her Malibu home, which is a way to make some quick cash. As these two immerse themselves in the lives of the other, so many great relationships form. Jayne Allen writes the richest (in-depth) characters that are easy to root for during their journey of self-reflection. She has become an auto-read author for me!
Thank you to the publisher for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on October 8, 2024.
The Merriest Misters by Timothy Janovsky
4.0
Book #135 read in 2024
This is such a fun, interesting holiday novel. When Patrick accidentally kills Santa Claus, he is offered the opportunity to take his place with his husband Quinn acting as The Merriest Mister (an inclusive version of Mrs. Claus). What follows is an uplifting novel of hope and joy. It was hard not to fall in love with Quinn. I was #teamquinn the entire time. I didn't love Patrick or the way he treated Quinn for most of the novel, which is why I found it interesting that he was chosen to be Santa Claus. This is the perfect Christmas novel.
Thank you to the publisher for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on October 1, 2024.
This is such a fun, interesting holiday novel. When Patrick accidentally kills Santa Claus, he is offered the opportunity to take his place with his husband Quinn acting as The Merriest Mister (an inclusive version of Mrs. Claus). What follows is an uplifting novel of hope and joy. It was hard not to fall in love with Quinn. I was #teamquinn the entire time. I didn't love Patrick or the way he treated Quinn for most of the novel, which is why I found it interesting that he was chosen to be Santa Claus. This is the perfect Christmas novel.
Thank you to the publisher for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on October 1, 2024.
How to Get a Life in Ten Dates by Jenny L. Howe
4.75
Book #134 read in 2024
Haleigh is tired of everyone trying to set her up, so she makes a deal with her family and friends. Here's how it works:
Haleigh is tired of everyone trying to set her up, so she makes a deal with her family and friends. Here's how it works:
- They can each set her up on one date (ten total dates)
- She promises to give each date her best effort
- If she doesn't find a connection after all these dates, they have to stop trying to set her up
This leads to some hilariously awful dates and some that are just so sweet. Obviously, if you are a regular romance reader, you know exactly how this will end, but that doesn't make the journey there any less fun. I love how Howe writes her female main characters, flawed but fierce nonetheless. I can't wait to go on whatever the next adventure Howe has in store for us!
Thank you to the publisher for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on December 10, 2024.
Thank you to the publisher for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on December 10, 2024.
The Gardener's Plot by Deborah J. Benoit
4.0
Book #133 read in 2024
A new cozy mystery brings us a small town setting centered around a new community garden. When Maggie arrives to open the garden for the first day of planting, the woman in charge, Violet, is nowhere to be found. What she does find is a body is one of the plots. Who is it and where has Violet disappeared to? Maggie is on the case, even if the lead detective wishes she wasn’t. This is a cute start to a series, although this is a little repetition as Maggie discusses her theories over and over. I would like to see how the characters develop if this series continues. If you love gardening and mysteries, this one is definitely for you.
Thank you to the publisher for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on November 5, 2024.
A new cozy mystery brings us a small town setting centered around a new community garden. When Maggie arrives to open the garden for the first day of planting, the woman in charge, Violet, is nowhere to be found. What she does find is a body is one of the plots. Who is it and where has Violet disappeared to? Maggie is on the case, even if the lead detective wishes she wasn’t. This is a cute start to a series, although this is a little repetition as Maggie discusses her theories over and over. I would like to see how the characters develop if this series continues. If you love gardening and mysteries, this one is definitely for you.
Thank you to the publisher for the digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on November 5, 2024.