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chrisljm's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Car accident, and Death
blackveilbeccy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
This was adorable. It took me a little to get into it, but once it got going I was sucked in. I loved all the characters - the protagonist, the love interest and the glorious array of supportive, fleshed-out side characters. Just lovely.
It wasn’t overly fluffy, and dealt with heavy themes amidst the romance. As per usual I skimmed theexplicit sexual content as that is really, REALLY not my thing. The dynamic of the romance was wonderful though and I loved how both characters had growth both in the context of the relationship as well as personally. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
It wasn’t overly fluffy, and dealt with heavy themes amidst the romance. As per usual I skimmed the
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Car accident, Death, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cancer, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, and Medical content
Minor: Alcohol, Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Emotional abuse, and Sexual harassment
quirkykayleetam's review against another edition
lighthearted
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
This book includes correct stereotypes about small town America: If you get together with someone, everyone and their elderly next door will know about it the next day and you will be roped into strange seasonal events held in the honor of someone who died young that have now taken on a life of themselves. In this book, it happens to be a Renaissance Faire.
I picked up this novel for a fun, fast read because I love fake pirates in guyliner, flirty banter, and tight leather pants. The Renaissance Faire setting did not disappoint, coming complete with stage fighting, tavern teasing, and (eventually) Shakespeare sex. The female main character's side of the story was surprisingly poignant as she learned to put herself first, to become part of a community, and to become part of a family. Like her, I am a helper, and it was gratifying to see her not only find her place in a bookstore, but also in her sister and her niece's lives.
The love affair, however, felt a little one-sided. I wish we would have heard from the male main character's point of view and I wish I had felt more chemistry between the characters when they were not in costume at the Faire. Instead, they both swung between over-the-top gestures and real-life insecurity so often that they did not seem like the best fit together.
This book was fun. I am still interested in reading more in the semi-connected series because all of the side characters shone so brightly on their own. However, with time mostly spent with only one of the love interests and the other jumping from prickly to wooing so quickly throughout the book, I found more cheese than long-lasting love in this relationship.
I picked up this novel for a fun, fast read because I love fake pirates in guyliner, flirty banter, and tight leather pants. The Renaissance Faire setting did not disappoint, coming complete with stage fighting, tavern teasing, and (eventually) Shakespeare sex. The female main character's side of the story was surprisingly poignant as she learned to put herself first, to become part of a community, and to become part of a family. Like her, I am a helper, and it was gratifying to see her not only find her place in a bookstore, but also in her sister and her niece's lives.
The love affair, however, felt a little one-sided. I wish we would have heard from the male main character's point of view and I wish I had felt more chemistry between the characters when they were not in costume at the Faire. Instead, they both swung between over-the-top gestures and real-life insecurity so often that they did not seem like the best fit together.
This book was fun. I am still interested in reading more in the semi-connected series because all of the side characters shone so brightly on their own. However, with time mostly spent with only one of the love interests and the other jumping from prickly to wooing so quickly throughout the book, I found more cheese than long-lasting love in this relationship.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Grief
kdailyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
I really enjoyed this book! I loved the main characters Emily and Simon. They’re both people I would like to be friends with in real life. They’re funny, caring, organized, and like reading and history. The relationship between the two of them was fun and heart-warming to see develop. The supporting characters were also well-developed and entertaining, and I found myself wishing Willow Creek was a real place I could visit. I definitely want to go to a Renaissance Faire sometime in the future now! Maybe I’m even motivated to try to read some Shakespeare again?? Absolutely I am looking forward to reading more of Jen DeLuca’s writing, particularly this series!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Terminal illness, Grief, Death, Car accident, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, and Sexual content
aargot1's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Grief, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death
Minor: Car accident
jude7's review against another edition
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Death and Cancer
takarakei's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
hummingbird0525's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A really adorable story with a very creative setting!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
kfmcf's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
OK so first and foremost I am a Renaissance Faire dork so I love that aspect of this book. Just to preface.
I think this book has a lot of successes. I love the grump/sunshine dynamic and I think the characters are great. They all have flaws and depth and are relatable in some way. The side characters are so strong and add a great stability to the story.
I've already bought this and the sequels with no shame.
I think this book has a lot of successes. I love the grump/sunshine dynamic and I think the characters are great. They all have flaws and depth and are relatable in some way. The side characters are so strong and add a great stability to the story.
I've already bought this and the sequels with no shame.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Sexual content
kylieqrada's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.0
This was adorable. I love a Ren Faire moment, and the character development for Simon Emily was on point. The only issue I had was that I couldn't help picturing an old work friend as Simon and then the sex scenes got REAL WEIRD and I would not recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Sexual content
Moderate: Car accident, Cancer, and Grief
Minor: Terminal illness and Toxic relationship