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hazelgirl21's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Abandonment
samarakroeger's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
another solid small town Tessa Bailey book. if you like her writing style, there’s no reason not to pick this up.
I did think the secret love letter plot line was kinda dumb, but something’s gotta cause some conflict, right?
anyways, these two really like to get down and dirty in the literal dirt (why so much outdoor smut, Tessa?), but seems about right for a gardener, at least. I really could have skipped chapter 21.
I will for sure pick up the other book in the duology when it comes out!
I did think the secret love letter plot line was kinda dumb, but something’s gotta cause some conflict, right?
anyways, these two really like to get down and dirty in the literal dirt (why so much outdoor smut, Tessa?), but seems about right for a gardener, at least. I really could have skipped chapter 21.
I will for sure pick up the other book in the duology when it comes out!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol, and Mental illness
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury and Abandonment
kfmcf's review against another edition
slow-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
2.0
Oof. If it were not for a book club I most likely would have DNF'd this one.
I do not understand why these characters would want to be together- besides Hallie's bizzare 15-year obsession with Julian. One that she has held onto so long and steadfast (despite nothing ever happening between them) that she has never had any other relationship or intimacy. I don't understand her justification there BUT I also don't understand the justification for Julian's insta-love for her, which mainly stems from him hyper- sexualizing Hallie's body - her chest in particular.
I really liked Hallie when she was first introduced, but she grew into a bit of a caricature more than anything. There was so much to add depth to her character but it was sidelined for this superficial relationship.
On the flip side with Julian, his stodginess and anal-retentive personality was supposed to be a bit informed by his past trauma but the mental health issues didn't seem well researched and actually relative to his character. It felt like a flat layer on top almost as an excuse as to why he 'was the way he was.'
Also - I've seen this in other's reviews as well but the disconnect in the sex scenes is odd to say the least. They pop up out of nowhere and then Julian uses dirty talk that seems way out of character with no explanation or reason as to how he could be so different (eg confidence, etc.)
Also Also - the secret admirer subplot was tiring and unnecessary. There were no stakes and it was one of the most frustrating miscommunication bits I've ever read. This also felt really dated? A lot of this book felt like it had a generational gap between author and reader.
The town that Bailey set up is a sweet space with cute characters, but tbh I'm not drawn in for a series. Natalie was definitely my favorite character (sans her losing a BILLION dollars for a company and being asked to believe that she was JUST fired. A billion dollars is far too much). I don't know if I'll read the follow up even knowing it's about her.
Finally, totally semantic but I do not care about wine and there was a bit too much about it for my taste. I think if there was more interest and passion garnered for Corked or ...the vineyard? I don't know. The Corked/Uncorked thing was infuriating.
I do not understand why these characters would want to be together- besides Hallie's bizzare 15-year obsession with Julian. One that she has held onto so long and steadfast (despite nothing ever happening between them) that she has never had any other relationship or intimacy. I don't understand her justification there BUT I also don't understand the justification for Julian's insta-love for her, which mainly stems from him hyper- sexualizing Hallie's body - her chest in particular.
I really liked Hallie when she was first introduced, but she grew into a bit of a caricature more than anything. There was so much to add depth to her character but it was sidelined for this superficial relationship.
On the flip side with Julian, his stodginess and anal-retentive personality was supposed to be a bit informed by his past trauma but the mental health issues didn't seem well researched and actually relative to his character. It felt like a flat layer on top almost as an excuse as to why he 'was the way he was.'
Also - I've seen this in other's reviews as well but the disconnect in the sex scenes is odd to say the least. They pop up out of nowhere and then Julian uses dirty talk that seems way out of character with no explanation or reason as to how he could be so different (eg confidence, etc.)
Also Also - the secret admirer subplot was tiring and unnecessary. There were no stakes and it was one of the most frustrating miscommunication bits I've ever read. This also felt really dated? A lot of this book felt like it had a generational gap between author and reader.
The town that Bailey set up is a sweet space with cute characters, but tbh I'm not drawn in for a series. Natalie was definitely my favorite character (sans her losing a BILLION dollars for a company and being asked to believe that she was JUST fired. A billion dollars is far too much). I don't know if I'll read the follow up even knowing it's about her.
Finally, totally semantic but I do not care about wine and there was a bit too much about it for my taste. I think if there was more interest and passion garnered for Corked or ...the vineyard? I don't know. The Corked/Uncorked thing was infuriating.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Abandonment
nina_readsbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Grief, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Alcohol
hellowildflower's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and HarperCollins Australia for allowing me to read and review this book before release.
Tessa Bailey quickly became one of my favourite authors. Last year I read 14 of her books and Secretly Yours is definitely top 5 for me.
It was the kind of fun and romantic book I was expecting with that grumpy/sunshine trope that Tessa Bailey writes so well.
I love Hallie and Julian together and in the end it really does feel like the complete each other.
I could relate to both main characters in many ways. Julian is the calm and Hallie is the storm and I love it.
A few key elements I loved:
•Anxiety rep
•Hallie is plus-size
•The love letters
•Hallie’s fierce love for her family and friends
•Julian trying to repair the relationship with his mother and sister
•The sexual tension
Secretly Yours was a very fun way for Tessa to kick off a new series of books and I can’t wait to read Natalie’s story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Alcohol, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Abandonment and Death
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