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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Grumpy/Sunshine isn't one of my favourite tropes, but I still enjoyed James and Winnie's story.
I believe James is on the autism spectrum, like his sister. The character growth for both James and Winnie was done well, and I enjoyed the plot as well.
I believe James is on the autism spectrum, like his sister. The character growth for both James and Winnie was done well, and I enjoyed the plot as well.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
James & Winnie
- grump & sunshine
- Workplace romance
- Gilmore Girls type small town setting
- Stubborn, emotionally closed off, closeted softie, Badboy MMC
- Sassy, strong-willed, opinionated, jack-of-all-trades FMC
- The three best friends
James & Winnie
- grump & sunshine
- Workplace romance
- Gilmore Girls type small town setting
- Stubborn, emotionally closed off, closeted softie, Badboy MMC
- Sassy, strong-willed, opinionated, jack-of-all-trades FMC
- The three best friends
My review is best read in context on my blog. My apologies to those who prefer not to click on a link, but it is easier to maintain the proper format on my blog: https://cindysbookcorner.blogspot.com/2022/06/the-bluff.html
UPDATE AUDIO REVIEW since Goodreads does not have the audio version on here: https://cindysbookcorner.blogspot.com/2023/02/the-bluff-audio-review.html
UPDATE AUDIO REVIEW since Goodreads does not have the audio version on here: https://cindysbookcorner.blogspot.com/2023/02/the-bluff-audio-review.html
loved it!
So fun to visit Sheetcake and the Graham brothers again. There is no denying the attraction between James and Winnie. I loved their chemistry and their banter. I love that Emma’s books never fail to have an insanely funny/ridiculous moment that has you thinking, did that really just happen? Looking at you King the Turkey.
The characters in Emma’s stories are always very real. James has to deal with unpacking some of the things he’s held on to from having to hold his family together at a young age. Winnie has things from her past that hold her back as well. They are both able to address their issues and grow. It all culminates to a lovely HEA. Nice clean romance with wonderful kisses. Also appreciate not having to wait until almost the end of the big for a good kiss. Read this one!
So fun to visit Sheetcake and the Graham brothers again. There is no denying the attraction between James and Winnie. I loved their chemistry and their banter. I love that Emma’s books never fail to have an insanely funny/ridiculous moment that has you thinking, did that really just happen? Looking at you King the Turkey.
The characters in Emma’s stories are always very real. James has to deal with unpacking some of the things he’s held on to from having to hold his family together at a young age. Winnie has things from her past that hold her back as well. They are both able to address their issues and grow. It all culminates to a lovely HEA. Nice clean romance with wonderful kisses. Also appreciate not having to wait until almost the end of the big for a good kiss. Read this one!
Wish we dived into why James was so grumpy and potentially rude.
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Cute and laugh out loud funny (someone needs to get this author a real book deal, publisher and cover artist because she's actually a great writer!) but some of my least favorite romance tropes. Someone get these characters therapists stat!! Overall, still fun and loved the continuation of the cheesy small town community with Stars Hallow vibes.
I have a special place in my heart for Emma/Kirstin's books. The Sheetcake, TX, universe she has created is precious and I love my time spent there. Honestly, Winnie was one of my least favorite heroines she's written, but I loved James and related so much to him. If real life fit within the tropes of romantic comedy, I, like James, would be a grump that pushes people away rather than accepts help because god forbid I have to be vulnerable! The only places I even flirt with vulnerability are in reviews like this and a few other places where I know few, if any, people will see it, so I can appreciate how guarded James was, and I guess it was okay to see him start to open up (traitor). Of course, in series like these, it's nice to see former characters bopping around, like Pat (love that guy) and, of course, Chase and Harper. Anyway, this was a solid quick little closed-door read.