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skyhazzard's reviews
1040 reviews
Snowed in for Christmas by Jaqueline Snowe
funny
lighthearted
fast-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 book was so much fun and quite spicy if I do say so.
I loved how bright and bubbly Becca was and that she learned to embrace her shine and that if it was enough for her it'd be enough for the right person and anyone who says otherwise isn't worth her time. Harrison on the other hand is the opposite of her, mister grumpy gills but he does have a right to be. His parents favor and baby his brother over the other two and his ex wife really messed with his head.
Becca and Harrison actually had been on a date before but he ghosted her at the time because he was not ready for a relationship and figured she needed someone who could put in the effort with her. Probably not the best idea seeming they're neighbors.
Despite all that they end up trapped in a blizzard together, trying to deny their chemistry, and avoiding talking about the past. But what else is there to do when you're trapped with your hot neighbor.
I loved how bright and bubbly Becca was and that she learned to embrace her shine and that if it was enough for her it'd be enough for the right person and anyone who says otherwise isn't worth her time. Harrison on the other hand is the opposite of her, mister grumpy gills but he does have a right to be. His parents favor and baby his brother over the other two and his ex wife really messed with his head.
Becca and Harrison actually had been on a date before but he ghosted her at the time because he was not ready for a relationship and figured she needed someone who could put in the effort with her. Probably not the best idea seeming they're neighbors.
Despite all that they end up trapped in a blizzard together, trying to deny their chemistry, and avoiding talking about the past. But what else is there to do when you're trapped with your hot neighbor.
A Daring Arrangement by Joanna Shupe
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book was okay. I don’t know if historicals set in America are for me, I just don’t find them as captivating as the European setting. I did like the chemistry between Nora and Julius but the whole plot of coercing him into pretending to be her fake fiance when he was drunk and then telling people as a fail safe didn't hit with me. And idk her former love Robert was kind of crazy.
The Tattooed Duke by Maya Rodale
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
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
Well I enjoyed this immensely, it’s my favorite from the series. I just really liked Eliza and Sebastian’s characters and liked them together. Sebastian has just come back from years of traveling because he inherited the dukedom and Eliza goes undercover as a maid in his household to discover his secrets so she can report about them in the paper. There’s an immediate attraction for both of them. Sebastian can’t seem to keep his mind (or hands) off of her and the more she learns about the Duke and his love of travel the more she’s falling for him. The only thing I couldn’t believe was that they didn’t give in to each other completely till the very end of the book, all that blustering sexual tension.
A Tale of Two Lovers by Maya Rodale
funny
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
4.0
I enjoyed this one, I found Juliana to be a very interesting character and liked seeing her undercover for her column. Her and the love interest have a bit of an enemies to lovers thing going on, she reported something on him and he discovered she was the gossip columnist and tried to get her to rebuke it but she stood her ground and thus began their bickering lol.
They end up in a bit of a marriage of convenience each for their own benefit but end up developing feelings along the way.
We also got a third pov again this time from the rival male gossip columnist from the other paper.
They end up in a bit of a marriage of convenience each for their own benefit but end up developing feelings along the way.
We also got a third pov again this time from the rival male gossip columnist from the other paper.
A Groom of One's Own by Maya Rodale
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
This was fun but I couldn’t get over the girl who was jilted at the alter wanting a relationship with a man who was getting married. When they met she didn’t know he had a fiancé but I feel like she should have been more upset about it once she learned or told him that nothing would happen unless he freed himself because she knew what it felt like.
I wouldn’t say it was insta love or insta lust (on his part that one could apply) but she was like insta besotted with him, she was just like but he’s the one I want, him being engaged is just an inconvenience because if he truly loves me he’ll leave her. Meanwhile he’s over here like no I signed an ironclad contract I must go through with it because I don’t want love, love hurts I just want a wife that’s perfect on paper without the feelings.
We actually got the POV of the finance which I thought was really fun. I really liked her and cared more about her storyline and relationships. And it did throw me for a little loop.
I wouldn’t say it was insta love or insta lust (on his part that one could apply) but she was like insta besotted with him, she was just like but he’s the one I want, him being engaged is just an inconvenience because if he truly loves me he’ll leave her. Meanwhile he’s over here like no I signed an ironclad contract I must go through with it because I don’t want love, love hurts I just want a wife that’s perfect on paper without the feelings.
We actually got the POV of the finance which I thought was really fun. I really liked her and cared more about her storyline and relationships. And it did throw me for a little loop.
Under Your Spell by Laura Wood
funny
lighthearted
sad
slow-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
3.75
This was a fun but slow book. Probably didn’t help that I was just going into a reading slump when I started this.
The thing I enjoyed most about this book was the relationship between Clemmie, Serena, and Lil, I really loved their sisterly bond and the kooky things they do together. I was really glad to see that throughout the book.
I did think Clemmie and Theo were very sweet together. I liked watching their relationship ship develop over the course of the book. They were killing me though waiting for something to happen between them. The wait was long.
The thing I enjoyed most about this book was the relationship between Clemmie, Serena, and Lil, I really loved their sisterly bond and the kooky things they do together. I was really glad to see that throughout the book.
I did think Clemmie and Theo were very sweet together. I liked watching their relationship ship develop over the course of the book. They were killing me though waiting for something to happen between them. The wait was long.
The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
Reread December 2024
This is such a fun story and honestly I forgot some details so it was nice to be surprised again.
Original Review
“But love doesn’t always have to be about the happy ending. Love can be about beginnings, too.”
This book surprised me with how much I liked it. I figured I was going to enjoy it but not nearly as much as I did. I listened to the audiobook for this and they did a fantastic job, the narrator did a good job of conveying Holly's emotions and really making me feel for her character.
So basically Holly is kind of a terrible person at the beginning of this book, so much so she is deemed the Scrooge for the year and is visited by three ghosts to show her how much of a brat she's become. But instead of heeding their warnings she blows them off and ends up dead a couple days later and then is recruited to be the new Ghost of Christmas Past for Project Scrooge. 5 years later we pick back up with her and that's where the story continues.
It was really interesting to see the process behind Project Scrooge, it was a lot more than just showing up on Christmas Eve and presenting the past, present and future to the current Scrooge. They did a lot of research into their subjects, setting up surveillance, knowing where they'd be at all times, searching through their dreams and memories...it's basically a year round operation with a few months vacation.
Holly's still pretty much the same old Holly when we pick back up with her, she's basically just going with her new role because what else can she do. Slowly throughout the book you notice little changes about her and it was nice to see her progress.
I did kind of predict the ending but I liked it, it didn't happen in the exact way I thought it was going to. I really wish we'd gotten to see a bit more of her at the end.
"I can tell some of you want to be upset because this is a story where the girl doesn't end up with the hot guy. You were shipping me and Ethan."
OMG YES I FREAKING WAS!! That's the one thing I was sad about because I liked them together so much. In my mind, a few years down the road when he's no longer 12 in her current time, I'm hoping they bump into each other and something starts up again. Especially in a world where his dad didn't die and he grew up being the nice, charming guy he should have been.
Also, I think about midway through I realized that that years Scrooge was all set up for her to redeem herself. I really liked how it all came together.
This is such a fun story and honestly I forgot some details so it was nice to be surprised again.
Original Review
“But love doesn’t always have to be about the happy ending. Love can be about beginnings, too.”
This book surprised me with how much I liked it. I figured I was going to enjoy it but not nearly as much as I did. I listened to the audiobook for this and they did a fantastic job, the narrator did a good job of conveying Holly's emotions and really making me feel for her character.
So basically Holly is kind of a terrible person at the beginning of this book, so much so she is deemed the Scrooge for the year and is visited by three ghosts to show her how much of a brat she's become. But instead of heeding their warnings she blows them off and ends up dead a couple days later and then is recruited to be the new Ghost of Christmas Past for Project Scrooge. 5 years later we pick back up with her and that's where the story continues.
It was really interesting to see the process behind Project Scrooge, it was a lot more than just showing up on Christmas Eve and presenting the past, present and future to the current Scrooge. They did a lot of research into their subjects, setting up surveillance, knowing where they'd be at all times, searching through their dreams and memories...it's basically a year round operation with a few months vacation.
Holly's still pretty much the same old Holly when we pick back up with her, she's basically just going with her new role because what else can she do. Slowly throughout the book you notice little changes about her and it was nice to see her progress.
I did kind of predict the ending but I liked it, it didn't happen in the exact way I thought it was going to. I really wish we'd gotten to see a bit more of her at the end.
OMG YES I FREAKING WAS!! That's the one thing I was sad about because I liked them together so much. In my mind, a few years down the road when he's no longer 12 in her current time, I'm hoping they bump into each other and something starts up again. Especially in a world where his dad didn't die and he grew up being the nice, charming guy he should have been.
Also, I think about midway through I realized that that years Scrooge was all set up for her to redeem herself. I really liked how it all came together.
Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
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
4.5
I love this book as much as the first one and deducted a half a star for the same reason. Self sabotage breakups are the worst, you’re just like why are you doing this to yourselves and us the readers.
I instantly fell back into this storyline when I started it, I was a little worried cause it’d been two years since I read the first one that I wouldn’t remember things or I would connect with the characters like I did in book one but turns out I was worried for nothing.
I loved Hannah and Fox, how their relationship started out as friends who constantly text each other and then when they’re finally able to see each other again they both just felt this magnetic pull towards each other. Hannah is concerned with trying to make some career moves so her attraction to Fox throws her a bit as she’s also been crushing on her director. And Fox has just been in love with Hannah this whole time but thinks he’s unworthy of having love due to his reputation and everyone’s opinions about how he’s just a playboy. That man had so many issues surrounding that I felt so bad for him. I absolutely hate whenever someone would comment on it and so did Hannah. She was instantly protective of him and knew he was capable of more than he thought he was. It was undeniable their chemistry but she had to break through a lot of layers to get him to realize he deserves to be happy.
I instantly fell back into this storyline when I started it, I was a little worried cause it’d been two years since I read the first one that I wouldn’t remember things or I would connect with the characters like I did in book one but turns out I was worried for nothing.
I loved Hannah and Fox, how their relationship started out as friends who constantly text each other and then when they’re finally able to see each other again they both just felt this magnetic pull towards each other. Hannah is concerned with trying to make some career moves so her attraction to Fox throws her a bit as she’s also been crushing on her director. And Fox has just been in love with Hannah this whole time but thinks he’s unworthy of having love due to his reputation and everyone’s opinions about how he’s just a playboy. That man had so many issues surrounding that I felt so bad for him. I absolutely hate whenever someone would comment on it and so did Hannah. She was instantly protective of him and knew he was capable of more than he thought he was. It was undeniable their chemistry but she had to break through a lot of layers to get him to realize he deserves to be happy.
Would I Lie to the Duke by Eva Leigh
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
sad
fast-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
3.75
This was a fun read but I didn’t find myself overly attached to the characters.
I did like Jess’s hustle with her family’s soap making business. She was like one way or another we are going to get back on our feet! And they talked about it throughout the book, it wasn’t just something that we pushed aside partway through.
I’ve read two of this authors books now and it seems like she also likes writing sex positive female leads. Usually we always seem to have a virgin heroine but in this one she’d already slept with the man she was intending to marry before breaking it off prior to this book and she was very in charge when it came to scenes between her and our love interest.
I did like Jess’s hustle with her family’s soap making business. She was like one way or another we are going to get back on our feet! And they talked about it throughout the book, it wasn’t just something that we pushed aside partway through.
I’ve read two of this authors books now and it seems like she also likes writing sex positive female leads. Usually we always seem to have a virgin heroine but in this one she’d already slept with the man she was intending to marry before breaking it off prior to this book and she was very in charge when it came to scenes between her and our love interest.
So, This Is Christmas by Tracy Andreen
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This book was okay but didn’t really give me anything special to make it stand out. I mean at the start of the book Finley goes on about how boring and ordinary she is which feels like what every main character ever says but for some reason the girls are jealous and the guys want her. Now back in her hometown she felt like someone, she was smart and had top grades, has some friends, had a good looking boyfriend but once she goes to boarding school she’s no longer top of the class she’s just average, she has trouble making friends with her rich classmates, and forget about boys.
So she basically gives up, decides to go back home for Christmas and possibly permanently but one classmate follows her home wanting the promise of her hometown of Christmas. Girl dug herself into that one making it look like this town was a perfect Christmas getaway but she was also really blind to the fact that this boy didn’t just come there cause of how she advertised the town, he came because he likes her but she’s never really thought about him until he puts on a pair of jeans and then suddenly she’s all about Arthur.
I did enjoy the part of the book where she had to make it up to him and fulfill her promise of all the things she’d advertised on the website (which somehow managed to keep falling into her lap). She also had some family storylines going on that I enjoyed.
But overall might have DNF’d had I not listened to the audiobook.
So she basically gives up, decides to go back home for Christmas and possibly permanently but one classmate follows her home wanting the promise of her hometown of Christmas. Girl dug herself into that one making it look like this town was a perfect Christmas getaway but she was also really blind to the fact that this boy didn’t just come there cause of how she advertised the town, he came because he likes her but she’s never really thought about him until he puts on a pair of jeans and then suddenly she’s all about Arthur.
I did enjoy the part of the book where she had to make it up to him and fulfill her promise of all the things she’d advertised on the website (which somehow managed to keep falling into her lap). She also had some family storylines going on that I enjoyed.
But overall might have DNF’d had I not listened to the audiobook.