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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
Thank you Netgalley, the author, and publisher for the eARC.
This is a cute romance novel that has autism representation, plus size FMC, and fake dating trope. The banter and the chemistry between the two main characters is amazing and so sweet. The author shows communication and respecting boundaries; which is amazing for this cute, fluffy romance. Oh! And did I mention that he is a Librarian? Cause that made me swoon for him even more... especially the bookshelf scene *wink wink*
Overall, this is a cozy, quick read.
This is a cute romance novel that has autism representation, plus size FMC, and fake dating trope. The banter and the chemistry between the two main characters is amazing and so sweet. The author shows communication and respecting boundaries; which is amazing for this cute, fluffy romance. Oh! And did I mention that he is a Librarian? Cause that made me swoon for him even more... especially the bookshelf scene *wink wink*
Overall, this is a cozy, quick read.
I was fortunate to being an arc reader for this book and I'm super sorry to say that this book wasn't for me.
The premise was very interesting, with a con woman trying to con an evil mayor with a fake festival, but after that it just felt flat. Which was very sad as I was super interested to read this book.
The characters felt very bland, and while we kind of jumped straight into the deep end, after that most of the book was pretty boring. Nothing really happened except so much talk about technicalities of throwing a festival, I started skimming these chapters very early on, because they didn't really bring anything new to the story. The main female character also felt unnecessary annoying and self-centered, and was so unnecessarily mean to her friend from the start. The main romance also felt very much like insta lust and I didn't feel any proper chemistry between the characters.
The book it self was easy to read and some parts were fun. I guessed the ending 40% in, but didn't mind that much as this was a romance book.
2,75 stars, very interesting premise and story, but sadly not for me,
The premise was very interesting, with a con woman trying to con an evil mayor with a fake festival, but after that it just felt flat. Which was very sad as I was super interested to read this book.
The characters felt very bland, and while we kind of jumped straight into the deep end, after that most of the book was pretty boring. Nothing really happened except so much talk about technicalities of throwing a festival, I started skimming these chapters very early on, because they didn't really bring anything new to the story. The main female character also felt unnecessary annoying and self-centered, and was so unnecessarily mean to her friend from the start. The main romance also felt very much like insta lust and I didn't feel any proper chemistry between the characters.
The book it self was easy to read and some parts were fun. I guessed the ending 40% in, but didn't mind that much as this was a romance book.
2,75 stars, very interesting premise and story, but sadly not for me,
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This book, along with Butcher & Blackbird, got my through election week. I loved the heart in this story and both Harmony and Preston were such wonderful characters. Schwartz is pretty much an auto-buy for me at this point!
Thanks to netgalley for an ARC copy exchange for a honest review.
I don’t know if it was the writing or the 3rd pov but it was soo hard to get through it
It took me so long to finish it.
The plot was good, the characters were likable.
It did end abruptly at the end. It was okay overall.
Safety
Omd: he was jealous of men talking/flirting with her. It was mentioned she had ons with men beforehand
Owd: a few mentions of girls he hang out with beforehand but it was difficult for him.
And he was dating a girl in grad school.
He pushed away few time, i kind of understand him a little, i tend to run away from confrontation or face difficulties but its fiction
I don’t know if it was the writing or the 3rd pov but it was soo hard to get through it
It took me so long to finish it.
The plot was good, the characters were likable.
It did end abruptly at the end. It was okay overall.
Safety
Omd: he was jealous of men talking/flirting with her. It was mentioned she had ons with men beforehand
Owd: a few mentions of girls he hang out with beforehand but it was difficult for him.
And he was dating a girl in grad school.
He pushed away few time, i kind of understand him a little, i tend to run away from confrontation or face difficulties but its fiction
My Kind of Trouble by L.A. Schwartz
Rating: 3.5/5
Release Date: 8 October 2024
Harmony Hale, a seasoned conwoman, has made a career out of selling deception and fleeting encounters across California. Now, she's set her sights on Brookville, with a vendetta against its wealthy mayor—the man who destroyed her father's life by stealing his music-streaming algorithm. Harmony's plan? Execute her trusty con of peddling a non-existent music festival. But to pull it off, she needs the cooperation of the man who owns the potential festival site.
Preston Jones, an autistic librarian and piano teacher, is constantly battling against those trying to shut down his library programs. He's the sole caretaker of his selectively nonspeaking little sister and must concentrate on safeguarding his job. Romance isn't on his agenda, especially not with the bold festival promoter aiming to turn his land into "Coachella North." Preston sees the world in stark contrasts, and he views Harmony—charismatic and alluring though she may be—as nothing but trouble.
Yet, when Harmony offers to help him rally public support and preserve his youth programs, Preston begins to question whether this hustler with a hidden kindness could be the person he's been searching for. As their relationship heats up amidst the library stacks, and with Harmony's con reaching its climax, she faces a crucial decision: pursue revenge and flee once more, or embrace the unexpected happy ending that awaits.
L.A.'s writing exudes a special charm, and witnessing the unlikely romance between an autistic librarian and a confident conwoman was truly heartwarming.
Seeing these two characters find comfort and connection in each other warmed my heart.
The representation in this book was executed exceptionally well, encompassing themes such as autism, LGBTQIA+ identities, and body positivity with sensitivity and authenticity. The portrayal of a healthy relationship was incredibly uplifting and powerful. Preston, in particular, resonated deeply with me—his inner struggles and journey towards self-confidence, as well as his nurturing approach to caring for his sister, were both relatable and heartwarming.
It was refreshing to see Harmony's body representation handled so naturally, without unnecessary focus or commentary—she simply existed in her body with pride, confidence, and allure, as she rightfully should. The supporting characters were well-developed and added depth to athe story, enhancing the overall reading experience.
This may have been my first encounter with this author, but it certainly won't be my last.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Alcove Press, and the author, L.A. Schwartz, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
Rating: 3.5/5
Release Date: 8 October 2024
Harmony Hale, a seasoned conwoman, has made a career out of selling deception and fleeting encounters across California. Now, she's set her sights on Brookville, with a vendetta against its wealthy mayor—the man who destroyed her father's life by stealing his music-streaming algorithm. Harmony's plan? Execute her trusty con of peddling a non-existent music festival. But to pull it off, she needs the cooperation of the man who owns the potential festival site.
Preston Jones, an autistic librarian and piano teacher, is constantly battling against those trying to shut down his library programs. He's the sole caretaker of his selectively nonspeaking little sister and must concentrate on safeguarding his job. Romance isn't on his agenda, especially not with the bold festival promoter aiming to turn his land into "Coachella North." Preston sees the world in stark contrasts, and he views Harmony—charismatic and alluring though she may be—as nothing but trouble.
Yet, when Harmony offers to help him rally public support and preserve his youth programs, Preston begins to question whether this hustler with a hidden kindness could be the person he's been searching for. As their relationship heats up amidst the library stacks, and with Harmony's con reaching its climax, she faces a crucial decision: pursue revenge and flee once more, or embrace the unexpected happy ending that awaits.
L.A.'s writing exudes a special charm, and witnessing the unlikely romance between an autistic librarian and a confident conwoman was truly heartwarming.
Seeing these two characters find comfort and connection in each other warmed my heart.
The representation in this book was executed exceptionally well, encompassing themes such as autism, LGBTQIA+ identities, and body positivity with sensitivity and authenticity. The portrayal of a healthy relationship was incredibly uplifting and powerful. Preston, in particular, resonated deeply with me—his inner struggles and journey towards self-confidence, as well as his nurturing approach to caring for his sister, were both relatable and heartwarming.
It was refreshing to see Harmony's body representation handled so naturally, without unnecessary focus or commentary—she simply existed in her body with pride, confidence, and allure, as she rightfully should. The supporting characters were well-developed and added depth to athe story, enhancing the overall reading experience.
This may have been my first encounter with this author, but it certainly won't be my last.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Alcove Press, and the author, L.A. Schwartz, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
fast-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:
Yes
I loved this book! Harmony is an incredible main character and Preston was the perfect love interest with just enough flaws to make him incredibly lovable and make the reader (well, this reader) want to manifest a Preston of her own.
The supporting cast was great too: Trevor was a very realistic villain, Lacey's (and Preston's) autism rang true, Alice was so sweet, and it all just really came together into a perfect whole. I didn't want to leave Brookville.
(Also: Harmony is a black licorice lover! Finally, us black licorice lovers get our rep!)
The supporting cast was great too: Trevor was a very realistic villain, Lacey's (and Preston's) autism rang true, Alice was so sweet, and it all just really came together into a perfect whole. I didn't want to leave Brookville.
(Also: Harmony is a black licorice lover! Finally, us black licorice lovers get our rep!)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Violence
Minor: Homophobia, Transphobia, Death of parent
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is such a thoughtful and fun story about a small-town autistic librarian and a traveling heart-of-gold con woman finding each other. It has brilliant representation for non-traditional main characters that roots this story in whole lived experiences— not just passing caricatures.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Homophobia
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes