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julisbookshelf's reviews
187 reviews
Even When it Wasn't You by Kayla Tirrell
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
First of all I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
Breathtaking. That’s it.
What a beautiful, breathtaking story.
I’m not even lying when I say that I DEVOURED this book, in one sitting. 5 hours. Couldn’t put it down.
This is a second chance romance that gives us past and present’s chapters, you’ll find yourself quickly loving the main characters and definitely craving for more.
Macy and Nate are 100% meant to be, their relationship is so effortless, they fit perfectly. And may I say, what a man.. I would give my heart to him without blinking.
Everything happens in the span of a week. And we keep going back to the past to learn about the story between the main characters, everything they’ve done to be where they are today.
It’s heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
📌 You’ll love this book if you’re looking for an emotional short story, medium-fast paced.
Breathtaking. That’s it.
What a beautiful, breathtaking story.
I’m not even lying when I say that I DEVOURED this book, in one sitting. 5 hours. Couldn’t put it down.
This is a second chance romance that gives us past and present’s chapters, you’ll find yourself quickly loving the main characters and definitely craving for more.
Macy and Nate are 100% meant to be, their relationship is so effortless, they fit perfectly. And may I say, what a man.. I would give my heart to him without blinking.
Everything happens in the span of a week. And we keep going back to the past to learn about the story between the main characters, everything they’ve done to be where they are today.
It’s heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
📌 You’ll love this book if you’re looking for an emotional short story, medium-fast paced.
Behind the Net by Stephanie Archer
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
3.75
Wow okay wow this was a bit spicy, I did not read the blurb so I wasn’t expecting that 🫣
Grumpy x sunshine who know each other from high school but pretend they don’t remember each other end up living under the same roof??
This was fun, I loved the banter so much. Pippa and Jamie’s relationship was so freaking cute, what a man Jamie, honestly got me on the floor!! The possessiveness was so hot tbh 🥵 And Pippa was so sweet, so caring, the way she jumped without thinking twice to help whenever was needed 🥺
The side characters were EVERYTHING 💖 Very supportive too 🫶🏻
I giggled a lot with this book 🤭😂
Grumpy x sunshine who know each other from high school but pretend they don’t remember each other end up living under the same roof??
This was fun, I loved the banter so much. Pippa and Jamie’s relationship was so freaking cute, what a man Jamie, honestly got me on the floor!! The possessiveness was so hot tbh 🥵 And Pippa was so sweet, so caring, the way she jumped without thinking twice to help whenever was needed 🥺
The side characters were EVERYTHING 💖 Very supportive too 🫶🏻
I giggled a lot with this book 🤭😂
The Pick Up by Hannah Doyle
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
4.0
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
🚨 Release date: May 9, 2024
I enjoyed this book so much! I didn’t knew this author before and I’m so happy I do now. Love her writing style.
We’re set in Bristol, United Kingdom. Great start because I love the UK so much (never been there tho 🤣). Okay so.. We have two parents, one divorced and one widowed. The friendship between them felt so effortless, they just fitted so well. They’re so funny I literally couldn’t stop laughing sometimes! The development of their relationship was so sweet and you can also see the personal development of each. I was not a fan of the miscommunication but anyways.
I really loved both main characters, and those behind too! Joe’s mom is my absolute favorite! And don’t even get me started with the kids! Lila is such a sweet funny little girl. Sophie’s sister is one of the best! I reaaaally need to see how her life and relationship (wink wink 😉) goes!!
The fake dating was so funny because of the moms! Honestly loved the moms, each one was very different and funny too. It really is a rom-com on full mode 😂 I really wish we had an Epilogue..
It’s mostly fast paced, good fit for readers looking for a lighthearted funny story, you’ll love it! 💖
🚨 Release date: May 9, 2024
I enjoyed this book so much! I didn’t knew this author before and I’m so happy I do now. Love her writing style.
We’re set in Bristol, United Kingdom. Great start because I love the UK so much (never been there tho 🤣). Okay so.. We have two parents, one divorced and one widowed. The friendship between them felt so effortless, they just fitted so well. They’re so funny I literally couldn’t stop laughing sometimes! The development of their relationship was so sweet and you can also see the personal development of each. I was not a fan of the miscommunication but anyways.
I really loved both main characters, and those behind too! Joe’s mom is my absolute favorite! And don’t even get me started with the kids! Lila is such a sweet funny little girl. Sophie’s sister is one of the best! I reaaaally need to see how her life and relationship (wink wink 😉) goes!!
The fake dating was so funny because of the moms! Honestly loved the moms, each one was very different and funny too. It really is a rom-com on full mode 😂 I really wish we had an Epilogue..
It’s mostly fast paced, good fit for readers looking for a lighthearted funny story, you’ll love it! 💖
Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was beautiful. I’m SO glad I read it.
The most beautiful part of this book is that it feels real, I need to warn you.. there is a bit of a heartbreak inside this book; you can really feel Nora’s pain and concern through the love story. I believe if you got through a heartbreak like that it’s easier to understand Nora, if you got your heart broken in the same way it’s hard not to feel exactly what she’s feeling, and it’s all just so true!! Because you do feel like you’re falling and you don’t know what to do with your heart and you also don’t know how to get out of that deep hole of sadness and depression.
I just loved so much Leo’s and Nora’s relationship, it felt so light, so right, so meant to be. Their connection was easy and effortless. Both characters grow up so much through the story, there is a huge character development.
The kids were one of my favorite things, specially the bond quickly growing between them and Leo.
It’s a very short, heartwarming book, medium-fast paced with a happy ending ❤️🩹
I’m so happy I picked up this one 🫶🏻
The most beautiful part of this book is that it feels real, I need to warn you.. there is a bit of a heartbreak inside this book; you can really feel Nora’s pain and concern through the love story. I believe if you got through a heartbreak like that it’s easier to understand Nora, if you got your heart broken in the same way it’s hard not to feel exactly what she’s feeling, and it’s all just so true!! Because you do feel like you’re falling and you don’t know what to do with your heart and you also don’t know how to get out of that deep hole of sadness and depression.
I just loved so much Leo’s and Nora’s relationship, it felt so light, so right, so meant to be. Their connection was easy and effortless. Both characters grow up so much through the story, there is a huge character development.
The kids were one of my favorite things, specially the bond quickly growing between them and Leo.
It’s a very short, heartwarming book, medium-fast paced with a happy ending ❤️🩹
I’m so happy I picked up this one 🫶🏻
A Groom of One's Own by Emma St. Clair
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
🚨 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰!
First of all I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC.
I’m so happy I got to read this book because how I did not know this author before?? I’m so captivated by her writing style, and this book is 100% meant for you if you like: 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙙, 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡, 𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡, 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙙𝙤𝙤𝙧 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚.
Eli is a main character that I would express as WHAT A MAN. He’s so sweet, a man that carries his heart on his sleeve, romantic, protective, and gorgeous. He takes care of his mom and is actually pretty close to her, like living with her type of close. And may I say that Eli’s mother is my absolute favorite? I can actually bet she would be yours too once you read it.
Bailey is a shy independent woman, very sweet too. She’s so used to being on her own and kinda surprises herself when she actually loves to have Eli on her corner, taking so much care of her.
They are absolutely adorable and meant for each other, like.. they belong together, probably made for each other kind of love (That’s my favorite kind).
And of course, this is a marriage of convenience book.. And hell yeah we have it!!
📌 A quick read, medium-fast paced; sweet romance, filled with a lot of fun moments and loveable characters. You’ll love it.
💌 P.s: The Appies?? Best. Team. Ever!! Van? The absolute best friend ever.
🚨 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰!
First of all I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC.
I’m so happy I got to read this book because how I did not know this author before?? I’m so captivated by her writing style, and this book is 100% meant for you if you like: 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙙, 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙛𝙪𝙡, 𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡, 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙙𝙤𝙤𝙧 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚.
Eli is a main character that I would express as WHAT A MAN. He’s so sweet, a man that carries his heart on his sleeve, romantic, protective, and gorgeous. He takes care of his mom and is actually pretty close to her, like living with her type of close. And may I say that Eli’s mother is my absolute favorite? I can actually bet she would be yours too once you read it.
Bailey is a shy independent woman, very sweet too. She’s so used to being on her own and kinda surprises herself when she actually loves to have Eli on her corner, taking so much care of her.
They are absolutely adorable and meant for each other, like.. they belong together, probably made for each other kind of love (That’s my favorite kind).
And of course, this is a marriage of convenience book.. And hell yeah we have it!!
📌 A quick read, medium-fast paced; sweet romance, filled with a lot of fun moments and loveable characters. You’ll love it.
💌 P.s: The Appies?? Best. Team. Ever!! Van? The absolute best friend ever.
Pretty Rings and Broken Things by Kat Singleton
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
4.5
Holy mother 😮💨
I’ve never EVER read a book with that amount of “MY WIFE”’s in it. I’m 100% obsessed, thank you very much.
I LOVE marriage of convenience books, you write that and be 100% sure that I’ll be reading it. This one wasn’t an exception.
This particular book delivers exactly what promises, in a very hot way.
The chemistry between the main characters is just easy, they’re easy to love and you quickly find yourself wanting more.
My first time reading a book of this writer and I’m not disappointed at all ❤️
May I also tell you that the man is a Swiftie? I mean.. that’s really all I need to say for you to pick it up and read it to be honest 😉
If you like this kind of stories you won’t regret it.
A hell yeah for me, thank you 🤝🏻
I’ve never EVER read a book with that amount of “MY WIFE”’s in it. I’m 100% obsessed, thank you very much.
I LOVE marriage of convenience books, you write that and be 100% sure that I’ll be reading it. This one wasn’t an exception.
This particular book delivers exactly what promises, in a very hot way.
The chemistry between the main characters is just easy, they’re easy to love and you quickly find yourself wanting more.
My first time reading a book of this writer and I’m not disappointed at all ❤️
May I also tell you that the man is a Swiftie? I mean.. that’s really all I need to say for you to pick it up and read it to be honest 😉
If you like this kind of stories you won’t regret it.
A hell yeah for me, thank you 🤝🏻
Coach by Devney Perry
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? No
4.5
I loved this too much. I’ve read a few reviews on this book but anyway ignored them and wanted to give it a shot, i’m so fucking glad I did.
I understand why things played out the way they did for Ford and Millie 10 years prior, they didn’t really had the timing right back then.. and Ford (sadly) needed to make a choice and he choose the best option for her daughter (even if that meant he had to put his own desires aside) and he was an absolutely great dad for that, tho it didn’t work out as well as he thought.. but that’s life right?? 🤷🏻♀️
Besides, they were like kids back then, you can’t actually blame them for their choices.
And it’s alright! Because this is a second chance romance book, and hell we did got the second chance of it!! 🥵
I loved how Devney write this one down, our main characters grew up, they made a life for themselves and were finally ready for eachother. I loved how Ford was determined to fight tooth and nail for Millie as soon as he saw her again, he didn’t even hesitated once, what a man. 😮💨
And can we please talk about Joey for a minute?? I loved that little girl so bad, and her obsession with painting nails too 🤣🫶🏻
It was sad that Millie actually didn’t have much character depth to her, besides the story about her Dad there wasn’t much, she could’ve had more from my pov but her personality and her present character was okay anyway.
To summarize, I really loved the pace here, the characters were very much likable, the story was well executed, and I absolutely LOVED (so grateful tbh) the fact that we had a beautiful and funny Epilogue ❤️🩹
Devney never fails with her heroes, I absolutely love that about her books, and this one wasn’t an exception.
I understand why things played out the way they did for Ford and Millie 10 years prior, they didn’t really had the timing right back then.. and Ford (sadly) needed to make a choice and he choose the best option for her daughter (even if that meant he had to put his own desires aside) and he was an absolutely great dad for that, tho it didn’t work out as well as he thought.. but that’s life right?? 🤷🏻♀️
Besides, they were like kids back then, you can’t actually blame them for their choices.
And it’s alright! Because this is a second chance romance book, and hell we did got the second chance of it!! 🥵
I loved how Devney write this one down, our main characters grew up, they made a life for themselves and were finally ready for eachother. I loved how Ford was determined to fight tooth and nail for Millie as soon as he saw her again, he didn’t even hesitated once, what a man. 😮💨
And can we please talk about Joey for a minute?? I loved that little girl so bad, and her obsession with painting nails too 🤣🫶🏻
It was sad that Millie actually didn’t have much character depth to her, besides the story about her Dad there wasn’t much, she could’ve had more from my pov but her personality and her present character was okay anyway.
To summarize, I really loved the pace here, the characters were very much likable, the story was well executed, and I absolutely LOVED (so grateful tbh) the fact that we had a beautiful and funny Epilogue ❤️🩹
Devney never fails with her heroes, I absolutely love that about her books, and this one wasn’t an exception.
Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey
challenging
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Tessa Bailey ladies and gentlemen, never fails to amaze me with her ideas and writing style 🤯
And who would’ve thought that golf can be sexy as hell?? I wouldn’t!! As in.. I never found golf interesting in any kind of way and actually just watched one time ever in my life last year and it was just because Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz (aka Carlando, race drivers from formula 1) were invited to play at Las Vegas and it was broadcasted by Netflix 🤣
So, going back to the book: sexy as hell. Period. 🏌🏻♂️
I died with how hard Wells (our male main character) fell for Josephine (our female main character), like please lord allow me to have someone in my life who falls THAT hard for me 🛐 The man was something else, grumpy, self destructive, kinda depressed too, but hot as hell and very kind too (with the right people, and I mean Josephine, only Josephine lol), Josephine on the other hand, is one of the strongest characters i’ve read about, she has Diabetes but she’s running the family business all by herself, no help; and fair to point out that she knows golf like a freaking master queen.
The chemistry is there, vividly.
We got that slow-burn but executed in a delicious way, believe me, you crawl for more.
There is a lot of spice (fair warning for you, you’re welcome).
And the most important, exciting thing is that we have an exquisite Epilogue 🥰.
Tessa Bailey, never fails me ❤️🩹
And who would’ve thought that golf can be sexy as hell?? I wouldn’t!! As in.. I never found golf interesting in any kind of way and actually just watched one time ever in my life last year and it was just because Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz (aka Carlando, race drivers from formula 1) were invited to play at Las Vegas and it was broadcasted by Netflix 🤣
So, going back to the book: sexy as hell. Period. 🏌🏻♂️
I died with how hard Wells (our male main character) fell for Josephine (our female main character), like please lord allow me to have someone in my life who falls THAT hard for me 🛐 The man was something else, grumpy, self destructive, kinda depressed too, but hot as hell and very kind too (with the right people, and I mean Josephine, only Josephine lol), Josephine on the other hand, is one of the strongest characters i’ve read about, she has Diabetes but she’s running the family business all by herself, no help; and fair to point out that she knows golf like a freaking master queen.
The chemistry is there, vividly.
We got that slow-burn but executed in a delicious way, believe me, you crawl for more.
There is a lot of spice (fair warning for you, you’re welcome).
And the most important, exciting thing is that we have an exquisite Epilogue 🥰.
Tessa Bailey, never fails me ❤️🩹
Sable Peak by Devney Perry
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Final book of the series.. I absolutely enjoyed so much reading these books! 🥹 even tho I haven’t read them all yet (4 done, 2 left to go).
I’ve been waiting for Mateo’s story for so long that I can’t believe it came to an end now 😩😭
I’m very grateful that we got to know a bit more about Vera’s father, and especially about “that” day..
I think Devney made such an incredible job with the character development of Vera through the story, from Crimson River actually; she matured so gracefully, and it was soooo beautiful to see her relation with Allie.
The cutest little family ever the three of them, and an absolutely heartwarming family the Eden’s. Definitely going to come back to Quincy every now and then ❤️🩹
I’ve been waiting for Mateo’s story for so long that I can’t believe it came to an end now 😩😭
I’m very grateful that we got to know a bit more about Vera’s father, and especially about “that” day..
I think Devney made such an incredible job with the character development of Vera through the story, from Crimson River actually; she matured so gracefully, and it was soooo beautiful to see her relation with Allie.
The cutest little family ever the three of them, and an absolutely heartwarming family the Eden’s. Definitely going to come back to Quincy every now and then ❤️🩹
The Roommate Pact by Allison Ashley
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was so funny!! 😍
There’s chemistry, great banter.
We have a lovely man, great person (firefighter) who happens to own the cutest dog; and a likable woman (not lovely because she really had some issues that screamed THERAPY so loud) but she’s a wonderful friend and amazing caretaker (she’s a nurse so..)
They were absolutely meant to be 🥹🩵
Although Gertrude was the one who stole my heart here 😉
It’s from my pov a short book, medium-fast paced with strong character development from both sides.
We have dual pov, in third person. And it’s like 1/5 spicy.
There’s chemistry, great banter.
We have a lovely man, great person (firefighter) who happens to own the cutest dog; and a likable woman (not lovely because she really had some issues that screamed THERAPY so loud) but she’s a wonderful friend and amazing caretaker (she’s a nurse so..)
They were absolutely meant to be 🥹🩵
Although Gertrude was the one who stole my heart here 😉
It’s from my pov a short book, medium-fast paced with strong character development from both sides.
We have dual pov, in third person. And it’s like 1/5 spicy.