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karenmsecrest's reviews
292 reviews
Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This audiobook has everything! Competent main characters, a lady doctor, a secret agent, a sick bed, cantankerous farm animals, a Mary Jane Wells narration… so good!
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Loved the concept, small town setting, LGBTQ+ representation, and romance author shout outs.
But… the writing is inconsistent and this has strong “first book” vibes. How did a ghost ring a doorbell when he couldn’t touch or move things in other scenes? How did a ghost from NYC end up in a small North (South?) Carolina town? Why does Florence pretend to talk on the phone so people don’t think she’s talking to a ghost in one scene while in other scenes she has animated Aaron Sorkin style walk-and-talk conversations with a ghost in public? Why does the cemetery wall have to be climbed over in one scene, but is crumbled enough to just hop through in the next? PICK ONE and stick to it!
Plus, much of the conflict was caused by Florence interrupting or walking away from a conversation. JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER!
But… the writing is inconsistent and this has strong “first book” vibes. How did a ghost ring a doorbell when he couldn’t touch or move things in other scenes? How did a ghost from NYC end up in a small North (South?) Carolina town? Why does Florence pretend to talk on the phone so people don’t think she’s talking to a ghost in one scene while in other scenes she has animated Aaron Sorkin style walk-and-talk conversations with a ghost in public? Why does the cemetery wall have to be climbed over in one scene, but is crumbled enough to just hop through in the next? PICK ONE and stick to it!
Plus, much of the conflict was caused by Florence interrupting or walking away from a conversation. JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews
Did not finish book. Stopped at 45%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 45%.
Fascinating details about horse riding and 19th century women's fashions, but ultimately quit reading because there was so much discussion of classism, colonialism, racism, sexism ... and not enough kissing.
The cover does this book a disservice. Should be a historical fiction cover instead of a Rom-Com illustration style.
The cover does this book a disservice. Should be a historical fiction cover instead of a Rom-Com illustration style.
Life's Too Short by Abby Jimenez
I'm conflicted because this book is not my favorite (I don't like stories with so much emotion), but it was well written. So... 4 stars as a book, 3 stars for my preferences.
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The perfect book for people who think they don't like romance, but actually enjoy a story with emotional character journeys.
Classic Abby Jimenez contemporary romance about characters who have baggage from past trauma, are successful in spite of the chaos, bring out the best in each other, and live happily ever after. In other words... this is the kind of story Colleen Hoover wishes she could write.
I loved:
Classic Abby Jimenez contemporary romance about characters who have baggage from past trauma, are successful in spite of the chaos, bring out the best in each other, and live happily ever after. In other words... this is the kind of story Colleen Hoover wishes she could write.
I loved:
- Main characters with messy/traumatic families who maintain relationships with their families without letting the mess define who they are individually.
- Two successful professional main characters rather than the more common trope of one successful person and one mess.
I'm conflicted because this book is not my favorite (I don't like stories with so much emotion), but it was well written. So... 4 stars as a book, 3 stars for my preferences.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction and Terminal illness
My Season of Scandal by Julie Anne Long
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
4.75
This book has everything I love about historicals: Funny, charming, romantic, a heroine who is young but not naive, a hero who is jaded but totally smitten, everyone works to fix injustice… it’s the best!
Book 6 or 7 in the Palace of Rogues series. Each book is better than the last.
Book 6 or 7 in the Palace of Rogues series. Each book is better than the last.
A Governess's Guide to Passion and Peril by Manda Collins
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Cozy regency murder mystery with a couple kisses. (I usually like a little more smut in my historicals.)
Judging by the number of characters with limited introduction, I’m assuming this is the 2nd or 3 in a series. The audio narration by Mary Jane Wells is the best in the business!
Judging by the number of characters with limited introduction, I’m assuming this is the 2nd or 3 in a series. The audio narration by Mary Jane Wells is the best in the business!
Blood on the Tide by Katee Robert
Did not finish book. Stopped at 31%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 31%.
It’s book bingo season, and this doesn’t match any categories.
Dance Upon The Air by Nora Roberts
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
“Sleeping with the Enemy” meets “Practical Magic” in a 2001 book that did not age well. Specifically with regards to the treatment of domestic violence and the way Zack treats and speaks to Nell.
Nell is a strong survivor, and Zack knows she has a traumatic history… but the way he talks to her is inconsiderate (at best) and controlling (at worst). The resolution explains his perspective and feelings, but there were some lines of dialog that were hard to read.
I love the witches on an island theme, so I’ll probably read the next two books in the series.
Nell is a strong survivor, and Zack knows she has a traumatic history… but the way he talks to her is inconsiderate (at best) and controlling (at worst). The resolution explains his perspective and feelings, but there were some lines of dialog that were hard to read.
I love the witches on an island theme, so I’ll probably read the next two books in the series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
The Dragon's Bride by Katee Robert
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
How do you rate a dark romance starring a dragon with 2 dongs?!?
4 stars for character building
4 stars for world building
69 stars for spice
4 stars for character building
4 stars for world building
69 stars for spice
Daring and the Duke by Sarah MacLean
emotional
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
5.0
3rd in the Bareknuckle Bastards series amps up the emotion and the stakes. Sarah MacLean is a storytelling sorceress and somehow makes the reader root for the villain from the first 2 books. Magic!
The banter, the emotion, the spice readers expect in the MacLeanaverse PLUS groveling. So good!
The banter, the emotion, the spice readers expect in the MacLeanaverse PLUS groveling. So good!