sdupont's reviews
501 reviews

PS: I Hate You by Lauren Connolly

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emotional 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? Yes

4.5

This book is perfect for fans of The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce, it similarly balances love and grief with the backdrop of trips. I really felt for Maddie. She had been through it- on top of losing her beloved brother Josh, her mom is a grade A narcissist. She is still healing the wounds of abandonment (All You Had To Do Was Stay is her Taylor song). Dom is steady and responsible, which is a burden in a different way. The two of them clearly clicked even with Maddie’s constant goading. It was beautiful seeing them reunite, but I wish they talked out their issues from the last much sooner. They both deserved that honesty. I do wish the pacing was a little faster earlier on so that the ending could’ve not been quite as rushed. 
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Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams

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emotional funny 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

4.25

There’s something about an academic rivals to lovers that always hits. It always delivers great banter and tension and this book was no different. I really enjoyed Emily and Jack’s story. It was fun seeing their decades long rivalry evolve into a friendship and then more. Emily is extremely hard on herself and the perfectionist girlies will relate. Both have been through some traumas and found ways to be vulnerable and support each other. I recommend this one for fans of You With a View by Jessica Joyce and Beach Read by Emily Henry. 
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Reckless Love by Willow Aster

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emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Who doesn’t love a romance featuring a hottie single dad football player and his best friend he’s secretly been in love with for 13 years? This book offered up great “it’s always been you” energy. I enjoyed Rhodes and Elle’s relationship. Rhodes was very steadfast in ensuring that Elle would finally see that he was in love with her. His affection was so open and direct, leaving no question of his feelings.  They had a beautiful and supportive friendship that was the perfect foundation for romance. I will say at times the story did drag a bit as there was low angst. The flashbacks at times felt that they were not adding to the story. Despite this I did enjoy the book and would recommend it for fans of single dad and friends to lovers romances.
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Burn the Wild by Ava Hunter

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emotional mysterious 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? Yes

4.25

If you are looking for a dramatic and emotional romantic suspense book then you are in the right place. Ford and Reese may not get off to the best start but they definitely find their way to their happily ever after. Ford and Reese have both been through a lot in the past and have struggled with their mental health. It took them both awhile to open up and be vulnerable but once they did, their anxieties lessened and their connection grew deeper. Ford is your classic protective cowboy which is perfect for Reese who has never had anyone truly in her corner. I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and evolve. I also loved the scenes with the brothers and their wives- such a cute little family. This book is like if Britney Spears was a country star who fell in love with a cowboy. I recommend this for fans of AL Jackson. 
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Just Like That by Lena Hendrix

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emotional funny 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? Yes

5.0

This series just keeps getting better! I loved JP’s book, it had it all- emotion, spice, and drama. JP is a misunderstood man, cold and calculating on the outside but soft and thoughtful and caring on the inside. I loved being able to dive in and see his complexities (and growth!). Hazel has spent her life in constant motion but now has to settle into a new life raising her nephew. In a way she is finding herself again after experiencing the loss of her sister. Teddy was just the sweetest boy, I loved seeing the three of them become a family. Honorable mention to all the scenes with the Kings and Sullivans- the former dueling now healing families coming together is the best. I couldn’t put this one down. I recommend it for fans of a single guardian trope and small town romances with a side of drama. 
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Once Smitten, Twice Shy by Chloe Liese

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emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Chloe Liese’s romances are like being wrapped in a warm blanket and getting a hug. Her stories are so heartwarming and sweet and gentle. This book is no different. I loved Juliet and Will. They were such soft souls that were destined to find one another. They really were two puzzle pieces fitting together. They really saw each other and were so supportive. I loved seeing Juliet and Will open up and be vulnerable while they “practiced” romance. Their gentle love really blossomed into this beautiful relationship throughout the book. This romance is perfect for those looking for low angst but lots of love and a healthy dose of some spice. 
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Shoot Your Shot by Lexi LaFleur Brown

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emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Hockey romance will enjoy this debut novel. This book features Lucy a painter striving to become a tattoo artist and Jaylen a hockey player aiming for a comeback season. I loved the whole good luck charm aspect of their meet up and relationship setup, especially since hockey players are notoriously superstitious. Lucy is very guarded but sweet Jaylen helps her open up and along the way finds himself becoming equally vulnerable. They both find ways to be supportive of the other and their needs. The mental health aspects of this story were well portrayed- both realistic and suited the character development. I will say at times Lucy was giving off a little too much “I’m not like other girls” energy but I understood it since she had been so alone. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to fans of the black cat x golden retriever trope. 

*I received the ARC for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.* 
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Steal My Heart by Laura Pavlov

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emotional funny 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? Yes

4.5

Laura is a small town romance queen! She never disappoints. As always I get so immersed in her books. I enjoyed the start to this new series. Easton and Henley found their way to each other despite some barriers. It was really beautiful seeing Easton open himself back up after experiencing the traumas of his past. He suddenly could see his life on an entirely new trajectory. I equally loved Henley. She was strong and independent (a tad lonely in the way only independent girlies can understand) but deeply caring. Their connection was clear from the jump. Nothing like a little workplace animosity to mask a crush. Honorable mention to Emerson/Nash/Cutler’s cameos! I loved seeing our cute little family again. Speaking of families, I love how tightly connected Easton’s family is. I am excited to see where the series goes from here!
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Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young

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emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

“I have loved you since we were 18…” 

This book is both heart wrenching and heart warming in the best way. Hannah just creates the most fleshed out, complex, and warm characters. You just feel so connected with them. Typically I’m anti-the marriage in crisis trope but this book does it so well. Sarah and Caleb deeply and truly love one another and just needed a way to communicate more openly. Through it all their love and connection shined. Sarah has been through so much, which becomes so clear in the flashbacks. But equally telling was how Caleb has been there supporting her through it all. I appreciated Sarah’s personal journey in the book as well, finally giving herself some grace so she can take the steps she wants in life. It was all so beautifully written. Bonus was the Win and Bo content! I recommend this book to fans of a soulmate/high school sweethearts vibe. 

*I received the ARC for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.* 
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Only With Me by Brooke Montgomery

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emotional funny 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? Yes

4.0

Waylon is such a sweet and protective soul. I loved how much he looked out for his twin Wilder. He was so supportive of Harlow, always letting her set the tone and the pace and never making her feel embarrassed for her questions or inexperience. I enjoyed seeing their friendship develop and then grow into something more. Waylon and Harlow understood each other in an easy way. Even with their age gap and her being his ex’s sister, this book is low drama which did surprise me. I recommend this book for fans of a teaching trope moment. 
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