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ezichinny's reviews
3362 reviews

challenging tense slow-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? Yes

3.25

For my first read of 2025, it was a decent start. I think I would have liked this book more if I hadn’t read the prior ones because they were much stronger and the chemistry between those characters were much more palpable.

I loved Asher but was torn on Marisa. She came off as an independent woman who lives on her own terms. But that didn’t ring true with how she was devastated about being called names because of Reese.

I know I will be in the minority but I didn’t see Reese as a terrible guy. He was definitely flawed but I had a lot of issues with just how little Risa actually knew of Reese. Plus, I actually liked the adoption idea.

Asher was mouthy but he walked that walk. He was consistently real, considerate and supportive. He was a really good character. Most of my enjoyment was directly related to his banter with Risa.

The book was at least 100 pages too long. It still didn’t address crucial foundation issues like Marisa and Reese’s short but intense relationship. I would have liked more background on that. I found Reese compelling as an anti-hero.

Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage

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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? No

3.25

Emme was a rodeo rider who came home for reasons unknown. Then her brothers bestie Luke helped her regain her confidence both as a rider and as a woman.

Forget Me Not by Julie Soto

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was a slow burn but I enjoy them if they are done right. My girl Callie Dalton made this book so good! I loved Elliot, definitely a character Mariana Zapata would have written!
Grumpy yet steadfast. There was something awkward yet endearing about how he dealt with Ama. I expected him to be more entitled because of his mom and connections but nope, he gave off pauper vibes. I’m here for a man not acting like he’s Gods gift because his family is known or rich.
I took off a point for the weird cover and Ama’s HOT MESS of a mom and the fact the author didn’t use this opportunity to plug mental health therapy. I searched to see what the record for marriages by a woman since I knew Elizabeth Taylor was married 7x. The Genius Book of world records state that “23 times” is the record for a woman! That’s crazy!!!

But for real, this cover is not a great representation of the characters. My son said this cover was “not giving”

Christmas in Spite of You by K.C. Mills

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slow-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? Yes

3.0

Noel put her apartment as an Airbnb for the holidays since she had planned to home but when her plans changed, she decided to rent it out but forgot to remove the listing. She ended up with an unwanted renter Kanton, who wasn’t into Christmas holidays like she was.

The dialogue had me chuckling a few times but overall the story was slow paced so it dragged. But once Kanton decided to put in work, the efforts he went through to make Christmas fun for Noel was cute.

A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon

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challenging informative inspiring reflective slow-paced