marissaisbooked's reviews
887 reviews

Do all of Ana Huang’s books seem to follow the exact same formula thus far? Yes. Am I still enjoying them? Yes, at least thus far

Chloe Liese has quickly become an auto-buy author for me, so this was a highly anticipated release. What I love most about Chloe Liese’s books is the thought and care put into each character. The truth/reminder that every person is worthy and capable of love and happily ever after shines through in each book. 

As for Juliet, I was a little triggered in book 1 while reading some of the things Juliet’s emotionally abusive (now ex) boyfriend would do and say due to my own past experiences so I was a tad nervous going in to this. However, I was happy that this purely touched upon the relationship so that Juliet could heal and grow, but the ex was never brought into the story. 

I know neurodivergence/autism presents differently in everyone, but I loved seeing the MMC regularly use earplugs when out in noisy places. My Loop earplugs are one of the biggest lifesavers and keep me from getting too overwhelmed/overstimulated, so it was great seeing a character who utilizes earplugs regularly as well.

Highlights:
- Romance: MF
- Neurodivergent visibility
- Chronic illness visibility
- Mutual pining
- Practice dates
- “Let’s just get it out of our system”
- Twelfth Night reimagining

Note: I received an ALC from PRH Audio and an ARC from Berkley Romance. Decision to read/review was my own. Opinion is my own. 

This story captivated me. Between the suspense, the humor, & the journey of healing and dealing with trauma, I really liked all of these characters. Even the three legged cat won me over 😂  However, I will say the romance felt forced at times. Like this was purely meant to be a suspense/mystery then the romance was added in. I still really liked this though. 

I thought the true crime podcaster element was such an interesting way to bring this story about. I’ve never read anything with that before. 

As someone who grew up in a tiny town of *maybe* ~4,000 people (if that)….I fully understood everything Ridley felt about small towns instantly knowing when someone is an outsider. I grew up in a town where my mom qnd grandparents also went to my high school, and so did the parents/grandparents of most of my friends. It can be weird being an outsider. 

Highlights:

Note: I received an ARC from the author. Decision to read/review was my own. Opinion is my own. 

I really wanted to enjoy this one. I related to a lot of Sloane (perfectionist eldest daughter, one dead parent and doesn’t talk to the other, unfortunately has been called an ice queen by an ex. My college roommate can attest to the last part 💀).   

I called it quits right after a dramatic moment because I realized I just…didn’t care what happened. I simply couldn’t get invested in Sloane and Xavier. Or really just Xavier. 

I’m over the billionaire man-child MMC.

Maybe it was the fact that Teddy Hamilton is the male narrator, maybe it was the book. IDK but I was ready to write this series off after King of Pride and this one has me ready to read book 4 and continue with the series. 

This was boooooring. Maybe I’ll revisit at some point, but it’s too early in the year to force myself to keep reading a boring af book.