sdupont's reviews
513 reviews

Ready or Not by Cara Bastone

Go to review page

emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Wow some books really do just hold up to the hype! This book was so good. It was sweet and tender, just ooey gooey. I loved that we got to see Eve go on this journey of self discovery while being pregnant and starting her path to motherhood. Her introspection, her anxieties, and her hopes were all so relatable even for someone who has not been pregnant. My favorite was of course her slowly realizing her feelings for Shep. Ugh Shep! What a babe! Shep was hot af. He was so sure and steady just waiting for his deep love for Eve to be recognized. That was a man down bad. Them getting together felt so right. I loved the declarations scene but I actually wish we got just a little more of Shep revealing his longtime love. This book is fabulous and great for fans of Chloe Liese or Hannah Bonam-Young.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Under An Endless Moon by A.L. Jackson

Go to review page

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

We just love a little forbidden age gap brother’s best friend moment. I found myself immediately rooting for Otto and Raven. Their tension in book 1 of the series was nothing compared to this one. Their chemistry is off the charts. They have such a deep connection that they have been fighting for years. I enjoyed learning their backstory through the flashbacks while seeing their relationship build in the present. Honorable mention to this group- the found family aspect is the best. They all truly love each other so deeply. While I enjoyed this book, it was a tad too long. I think it could’ve been just as compelling under 400 pages. This book is perfect for fans of romantic suspense like the Clifton Forge series by Devney Perry. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Wild Side by Elsie Silver

Go to review page

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

Elsie just knows how to write a compelling romance! While this one started off a little slow for me, I really enjoyed this book. I liked the unique twist of antagonists to marriage of convenience with a commitment to co-parent. Rhys really was just a shy sweet softy (outside of the bedroom and wresting ring!). He was a great fit for Tabby who was fierce. I loved seeing them break down each other’s and their own walls as they fell in love. Their vulnerability allowed their relationship to grow and develop. Rhys finally finding and having a family was beautiful. Honorable mention to the friend group! I really enjoyed seeing the series’ previous couples in their element. I am excited to see where things go in the next book!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Here and Now by Corinne Michaels

Go to review page

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? It's complicated

4.5

Corrine’s small town romances have such a homey family feel. You just watch the couple fall in love in this easy comfortable way. Miles might’ve put in work to convince Penelope to date him but it felt to easy between the two despite her past. I loved seeing them become this beautiful little family. Miles truly loves Kai as much as he does Penelope which is part of what makes it all work. Penelope has been through it and seeing her open up to love and be vulnerable was great. They were meant to find each other. Honorable mention to the hockey scenes with his rambunctious nephew. I recommend this for readers looking for a single mom on the run vibes.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone

Go to review page

emotional inspiring slow-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

Wow! Just like Lenny, you will feel a deep ache heal while reading this beautiful book. Lenny is working on finding her way back to herself. Until she finds Miles, she is lost in the woods of grief. Even with her grief, Lenny is like a vibrant  box of crayons. The friendship they build is beautiful, so supportive. They just understand each other and what they need- even if they can’t figure it out for themselves. And I just have to say it Miles is hot af. A caring, doting, and patient man?? Hot. I was all in on their love story- mildly impatient just like our Lenny. This book is truly fantastic- a perfect mix of romance and personal growth. 

*I received the ARC for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.* 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke by Adriana Herrera

Go to review page

adventurous emotional slow-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? It's complicated

4.0

Adriana writes immersive historical romances that find a way to feel rooted in history but also timeless. This series does an excellent job of blending culture and history together. The chemistry and sparks between Apollo and Aurora was my favorite part of the book. Their verbal sparring was simultaneously witty and flirtatious. Apollo was definitely giving “Stop being mean to me or I’m going to fall in love with you” vibes. I loved how all in he was and forced his way past her walls while uplifting her and her work. This one was definitely my favorite of the 3. I recommend this for anyone looking for a historical enemies with benefits moment.  
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood

Go to review page

emotional funny slow-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

Ali really did it with this one! Lukas is such a babe, like sign me up to be a swimming fan girl. He was so thoughtful and caring, making sure he met Scarlett where she was at and being what she needed. And our girl Scarlett? We love a comeback story and hers with diving is no different. I loved seeing her find her way back to her groove and love of the sport. Lukas and Scarlett were so well matched (and  not just talking about the kinks of it all). They were two puzzles pieces that just fit together. They saw each other, while others didn’t understand them. I do wish they communicated more openly about their feelings. It felt a little dragged out. Also, I have to say it- I did not like Pen at all and didn’t want redemption for her. Despite that I really enjoyed this book. I recommend this if you are looking for hot af spice paired with deep emotional connection. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey

Go to review page

funny lighthearted medium-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

3.75

In classic Tessa Bailey fashion, this book is out of pocket but does offer up a good time. The entertainment value is what keeps you reading along. This book is heavy on the instalove which I always find too far fetched to truly enjoy. I did enjoy the  bond and connection between Sig and Chloe. He is down bad and will do literally anything for her. While Chloe does gain independence, I wanted to see more for her in her journey. I also was bummed that we didn’t get as many scenes with the teammates or Tallulah. This book is for fans of the chaotic and unrealstic vibes of Fan Girl Down.  
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison

Go to review page

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

BK Borison knows how to write a romance!! Aiden is such a babe I can’t even deal. I absolutely loved the meet cute involving the radio show. It offered up the best opportunity for Aiden and Lucie to banter. I enjoyed seeing them become friends and fall in love. He is such a sucker for her quickly on. We love a man who is down bad. This book is perfectly sexy while offering ooey gooey sweetness too. Lucie and Aiden help each other in their journeys- both find ways to help the other be vulnerable and open again. I loved this story so much. Honorable mention to Grayson, Mateo, Patty, and Maya. As always, BK writes the cutest little self made families. This Sleepless in Seattle retelling does the original justice while standing firmly on its own. Definitely recommend reading this book! 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Comeback by Rebecca Jenshak

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted 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

4.25

Those Holland boys know how to deliver! We have finally made it to Archer’s chance at love and it was as good as expected. Archer is sweet and sensitive while also being fiercely protective of the ones he loves. Sabrina is fun and bubbly and trying to develop a relationship with her newly found brother Brogan. Despite suspicions at the start, Archer and Sabrina quickly get the hots for each other. I loved seeing them open up and build their close bond. Sabrina seemed to understand Archer in a way that he had never had outside of his family. Her support clearly was impactful. Archer loves hard and he quickly found himself all in on his girl. This one was fun and light. Great for fans of a sports romance, this one is two for the price of one- dance and football. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings