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mjsam's review against another edition
4.0
ARC received via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Melissa Brayden writes good books that are peppered with interesting characters, witty dialogue, and sweet romances.
This book has all of those things, but for some reason, it just didn't hit the sweet spot for me. I don't know if it was just this book, or that I've never noticed it before, but all of her characters here sounded the same for the most part. There was also so much witty banter that I grew tired of it. I also noticed that she constantly has characters referring to each other by their full names (though this mostly happened with Izzy's name) and it was a bit weird.
The friendship between the four main characters also didn't work for me as well as it did in the SoHo series, because there was no background to it, they were just friends by proximity.
Taylor and Izzy were both good characters, although I admit to liking Izzy more for about 4/5s of the book, because much like her, I was annoyed by Taylor's constant appeasing of Aspen, and it bit her in exactly the way I'd assumed it would. Then right at the end of the book there's a switcharoo, and I really didn't like Izzy, the end sort of made up for it, but in all honesty her choice was barren of any actual backbone or character, and I didn't agree with it.
There's also the issue of the two leads spending a fair bit of time together but not really actually getting to know anything about each other, the reader is told this happens at the mid point when they get together, but it all happens in a few paragraphs, 'off-screen' as it were.
Still, it's a sweet romance for the most part, and there is plenty of amusing dialogue to keep readers entertained. As the entry point for a new series, it was enough to keep me intrigued for the next book. It's probably a 3.5 but I've rounded up because it's Melissa Brayden.
Melissa Brayden writes good books that are peppered with interesting characters, witty dialogue, and sweet romances.
This book has all of those things, but for some reason, it just didn't hit the sweet spot for me. I don't know if it was just this book, or that I've never noticed it before, but all of her characters here sounded the same for the most part. There was also so much witty banter that I grew tired of it. I also noticed that she constantly has characters referring to each other by their full names (though this mostly happened with Izzy's name) and it was a bit weird.
The friendship between the four main characters also didn't work for me as well as it did in the SoHo series, because there was no background to it, they were just friends by proximity.
Taylor and Izzy were both good characters, although I admit to liking Izzy more for about 4/5s of the book, because much like her, I was annoyed by Taylor's constant appeasing of Aspen, and it bit her in exactly the way I'd assumed it would. Then right at the end of the book there's a switcharoo, and I really didn't like Izzy, the end sort of made up for it, but in all honesty her choice was barren of any actual backbone or character, and I didn't agree with it.
There's also the issue of the two leads spending a fair bit of time together but not really actually getting to know anything about each other, the reader is told this happens at the mid point when they get together, but it all happens in a few paragraphs, 'off-screen' as it were.
Still, it's a sweet romance for the most part, and there is plenty of amusing dialogue to keep readers entertained. As the entry point for a new series, it was enough to keep me intrigued for the next book. It's probably a 3.5 but I've rounded up because it's Melissa Brayden.
theamandashelby's review against another edition
5.0
I have to admit I am very excited to have a new Brayden series to look forward to. As always Brayden has provided a fantastic read. I loved her Soho series, and listen to it on audiobook often. I have read everything written by Brayden and her novels always entertain and are worth the read. Her books are always well written and full of romance. This book is similar to the Soho series as it revolves around a group of friends, who hopefully will all find love. The biggest difference is the setting, as this one is set in California. Brayden does a great job of writing in such a way to allow her readers to visualize her characters and setting. I liked both main characters, and enjoyed their story. However, I am super excited for Gia and Hadley’s books. They quickly became my favorite characters of the series. This could of course change later in the series. If you haven’t read a Melissa Brayden book I have no idea what you are waiting for. Pick this one up, you will not be disappointed.
capellan's review
4.0
Solidly enjoyable contemporary lesbian romance novel. Likeable main characters whose inevitable relationship blips feel natural in the context of who they are. Some other elements of the plotline feel a bit too easy, overall, but it's not hard to overlook in a light read like this.
fthepatriarchy's review
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
i wasn’t actually expecting this to be that good but it was 🫂 a lot of sarcastic humour which took me an embarrassingly long time to get but was good. also described panic attacks in an actually accurate way + showed the mc getting help and support off friends too instead of just the dumb “s/o saved me🥺” trope. I finished it in one night and loved it but i don’t think its gonna be the kind of book that sticks with me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
brennooth's review
5.0
Something about this reminded me of Kiss The Girl in that I was completely in love with Taylor on this one. Yet another light and fun read that was just absolutely charming and made my heart burst with all the feels that both Taylor and Isabel gave me. Also... a dog called Raisin? Perfection :D
vixdag's review
5.0
***No Synopsis***
Once again, Ms. Brayden has created a whole new world full of intriguing and unique characters that I would like to go out to brunch with. She has a knack for writing strong, and sometimes quirky women who are likable while at the same time far from perfect.
Her world of weekly television production is spot on and she did a great job conveying the crazy pace and demands of that millieu as well as giving the reader a fairly accurate representation of the trendy side of Los Angeles.
Isabel Chase has a wicked sense of humor and her drive and talent are a wonderful juxtaposition with her self-deprecating demeanor, adorable bouts of awkwardness and debilitating anxiety attacks. Taylor Andrews is the quintessential Hollywood power player and while she is a take-no-prisoners executive, she is also warm and respectful with the people she works with and a bit awkward when it comes to the dating scene as well. I think the charisma between the two women radiates off each page and I was pulling for them the whole way.
The plot moves at a great pace with twists and turns that are unexpected and realistic. The break up is timed just right and the make up is slow and sweet.
One of Ms. Brayden's talents is creating a cast of supporting characters who are as interesting and fleshed out as the two leads. She clearly has this set up for at least two or three more books and I can't wait for them.
Once again, Ms. Brayden has created a whole new world full of intriguing and unique characters that I would like to go out to brunch with. She has a knack for writing strong, and sometimes quirky women who are likable while at the same time far from perfect.
Her world of weekly television production is spot on and she did a great job conveying the crazy pace and demands of that millieu as well as giving the reader a fairly accurate representation of the trendy side of Los Angeles.
Isabel Chase has a wicked sense of humor and her drive and talent are a wonderful juxtaposition with her self-deprecating demeanor, adorable bouts of awkwardness and debilitating anxiety attacks. Taylor Andrews is the quintessential Hollywood power player and while she is a take-no-prisoners executive, she is also warm and respectful with the people she works with and a bit awkward when it comes to the dating scene as well. I think the charisma between the two women radiates off each page and I was pulling for them the whole way.
The plot moves at a great pace with twists and turns that are unexpected and realistic. The break up is timed just right and the make up is slow and sweet.
One of Ms. Brayden's talents is creating a cast of supporting characters who are as interesting and fleshed out as the two leads. She clearly has this set up for at least two or three more books and I can't wait for them.
tara_ej's review
4.0
This book was just gorgeous! I love Melissa Brayden's writing, and Eyes Like Those did not disappoint. I had previously read, Hearts Like Hers (book 2 in the 4 book series), so I did have some inside information aha. Regardless, the group of friends is just beautiful and Melissa captured their friendship beautifully. I've noticed before that Melissa includes cameos from her characters in other books but they particularly stood out in this one. The character of Isabel is easily likable but has her faults, I found myself especially laughing at her sarcasm, I laughed so hard my parents genuinely asked me what was so funny. I found the vulnerability of Taylor just magnificent and loved the characters! I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves good writing and a beautiful love-story!
munleigh's review against another edition
4.0
Isabel Chase lands a dream job as one of the staff writers on a popular television show. There she meets its executive producer Taylor Andrews and they are attracted to one another.
Isabel Chase is a strong character most of the time but sometimes you'll find a slightly insecure woman with a few issues she has to deal with. Taylor, on the other hand, seems almost too perfect but I still enjoyed reading about her.
As always, I enjoyed the dialogue between the main characters and the secondary characters. Also, the friendships made in this story was compelling and I look forward to reading more about it in Melissa Brayden's future works.
This book did not grab me like some of Brayden's other works but Eyes Like Those was still a solid read, not to mention the first of its series. Overall, the book was a good read and holds lots of promise for the rest of the Seven Shores series. I'm glad I don't have to wait much longer to read Hearts Like Hers.
Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-Js
Isabel Chase is a strong character most of the time but sometimes you'll find a slightly insecure woman with a few issues she has to deal with. Taylor, on the other hand, seems almost too perfect but I still enjoyed reading about her.
As always, I enjoyed the dialogue between the main characters and the secondary characters. Also, the friendships made in this story was compelling and I look forward to reading more about it in Melissa Brayden's future works.
This book did not grab me like some of Brayden's other works but Eyes Like Those was still a solid read, not to mention the first of its series. Overall, the book was a good read and holds lots of promise for the rest of the Seven Shores series. I'm glad I don't have to wait much longer to read Hearts Like Hers.
Review also posted here: https://wp.me/p4Pp9O-Js