moodyromancereader's reviews
121 reviews

I was really excited to read Ami Bella's debut novel because the blurb and the plot sounded really interesting.

The story is told in dual POVs by Rosie and Victor. Although, I did feel as if I was reading one person’s POV the entire time.

The MMC, Victor, is a millionaire and comes across as too perfect. I felt that Victor didn’t have any depth as a character, and we don’t really learn much about him besides knowing he’s a millionaire and his business. He just seems to be the answer to all of Rosie’s problems. He does seem caring, but again, no depth. 

When it came to Victor and Rosie’s relationship, every conflict that Victor and Rosie had in their relationship was solved by his money. It just felt like their relationship ship lacked depth as well. It is insta-love, but I would have enjoyed seeing their relationship develop further.

I enjoyed learning about Rosie, including that she is Latina, has her own business, and her passions. But there is also a lot of unresolved trauma, and again, Victor is there to solve the problems with his wealth. We don’t see Rosie heal in this story. Victor’s ability to solve her issues felt very superficial. And aside from Rosie’s business and family issues, it would have been great to see more growth in her character.

I am eager to read book two. And to see how Rosie’s business does, even if she is a side character in future books. 

Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC. 

A book about books? Yes, I am going to read it! 

This is a Beauty and the Beast retelling. Izzy is an editorial assistant living in NYC with her parents, hoping to get promoted at her job. Beau is a high-profile author with a million-dollar book deal to write his memoir. Beau is jaded and withdrawn, and Izzy is in charge of assisting him with his writing. From there, we follow Izzy, who helps Beau write his memoir, and it turns out they have more in common than they think.

Overall, a super cute read. If you like books about books, forced proximity, slow burn, and grumpy/sunshine, then this is one you’ll enjoy. Also the references to the library!! 

I picked up the audiobook, and the narrator did a great job bringing Izzy to life—I felt like the narrator was Izzy! This is my second book by Jasmine, and so far, I’ve enjoyed both of her books.

This is a beautiful anthology featuring fifteen voices from the Latine diaspora. Each story reminds us that the Latine diaspora and its experiences vary, yet they are all valid and uniquely yours. 

Every story was solid and unique. But my favorite essays were the ones discussing dual identities and intersectionality and navigating those identities. The essays also discussed queerness, colorism, imposter syndrome, politics, and coming of age.

The stories that stood out to me were:

-The Price of Admission by Naima Coster

-Paraíso Negro by Khalil Haywood

-A Mi Ordern - A Meditation on Dichos by Elizabeth Acevedo 

I switched between the book and the audiobook; both were enjoyable. I preferred the audiobook since every author reads their essays, and it felt like I was listening to a friend share their story.

I was fighting back tears while cooking and listening to the last 20% of this audiobook 😭 OH MY HEART!

This is a childhood friendship to lovers story and it will make you believe in love. This book made me FEEL. 

Also, the parts with doctors not taking your health seriously is SO real!!!

But I do feel like the end was a bit rushed? I wanted MORE!! The way it ended and then the final chapter trying to wrap it together,  NAH I need a whole book of their HEA!!