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2.92 AVERAGE
2.92 AVERAGE
Serafina Conte works with her best friends Liberty and Poppy at WiCKed Sisters, a bookshop/tea shop where Sera makes hand-bound journals to sell, and business has been brisk since a famous pop star credited the three women with the "magic" she needed to create her new album. In the midst of all the new business, Sera receives news that both saddens and enrages her: her dear older friend and mentor Ford Sitwell has died, and his grandson Wesley has both banned Sera from the funeral and demanded that she give back the valuable old books Ford left to her.
Wes is suspicious that such a young woman could be good friends with his grandfather without wanting something valuable, and when they meet in her shop, he outright accuses Sera of hooking up with Ford. He realizes immediately that (A) he has hurt Sera, and (B) she doesn't give any appearance of being greedy or manipulative. And since Wes feels a strong attraction to Sera, he makes a quick apology and tries to get to know her instead.
There's a lot about this book that appealed to me: bookbinding as a vocation, three close friends bringing their abilities and "magic" together in business, a grumpy hero who quickly makes amends and gradually deals with his own troubled family relationships. Sera is a likeable character who has her own challenges, chiefly an inability to trust or to believe that someone she cares about will stick around (thanks to growing up in foster homes), and she bounces between being warmly welcoming and retreating into her shell. Wes's trust issues add to the push-pull between the two of them, and he also struggles to recognize and articulate his emotional responses, so the development of their relationship ends up going in cycles of togetherness and hurt separation that got a little frustrating after a while. Because of that, the writing started to feel repetitive at times, and what was actually a relatively short book ended up feeling much longer.
For me, the story had a lot of promise, but the execution felt uneven and not as satisfying as I had hoped. Not a bad read but not a favorite. 2.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you, Harlequin and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.
Wes is suspicious that such a young woman could be good friends with his grandfather without wanting something valuable, and when they meet in her shop, he outright accuses Sera of hooking up with Ford. He realizes immediately that (A) he has hurt Sera, and (B) she doesn't give any appearance of being greedy or manipulative. And since Wes feels a strong attraction to Sera, he makes a quick apology and tries to get to know her instead.
There's a lot about this book that appealed to me: bookbinding as a vocation, three close friends bringing their abilities and "magic" together in business, a grumpy hero who quickly makes amends and gradually deals with his own troubled family relationships. Sera is a likeable character who has her own challenges, chiefly an inability to trust or to believe that someone she cares about will stick around (thanks to growing up in foster homes), and she bounces between being warmly welcoming and retreating into her shell. Wes's trust issues add to the push-pull between the two of them, and he also struggles to recognize and articulate his emotional responses, so the development of their relationship ends up going in cycles of togetherness and hurt separation that got a little frustrating after a while. Because of that, the writing started to feel repetitive at times, and what was actually a relatively short book ended up feeling much longer.
For me, the story had a lot of promise, but the execution felt uneven and not as satisfying as I had hoped. Not a bad read but not a favorite. 2.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you, Harlequin and NetGalley, for providing an eARC of this book. Opinions expressed here are solely my own.
emotional
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
*I received an eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This book had very sweet and tender moments, and a great deal of emotional healing from the two main characters. I was immediately hooked in the first two chapters. The description of the store Sera owns with her two best friends and the immediate conflict of her not being allowed to attend her friend Ford’s funeral was excellent.
What fell short for me was the intimate scenes and the internal dialogue. Given the clear emotional and physical connection Wes and Sera had (even before they realized it) with each other, the intimate scenes seemed rushed and intercourse focused. I wanted to see more of their emotional connection play out in those scenes.
Additionally, I found the internal dialogue of Sera and Wes to be repetitive. I understand they both had childhood traumas and working through those is certainly a central theme to the book. But it felt like they were having the same therapy induced debates inside their own heads over and over.
I enjoyed the plot of this book and the entire cast of characters. I am hoping that Liberty and Poppy get books of their own!
This book had very sweet and tender moments, and a great deal of emotional healing from the two main characters. I was immediately hooked in the first two chapters. The description of the store Sera owns with her two best friends and the immediate conflict of her not being allowed to attend her friend Ford’s funeral was excellent.
What fell short for me was the intimate scenes and the internal dialogue. Given the clear emotional and physical connection Wes and Sera had (even before they realized it) with each other, the intimate scenes seemed rushed and intercourse focused. I wanted to see more of their emotional connection play out in those scenes.
Additionally, I found the internal dialogue of Sera and Wes to be repetitive. I understand they both had childhood traumas and working through those is certainly a central theme to the book. But it felt like they were having the same therapy induced debates inside their own heads over and over.
I enjoyed the plot of this book and the entire cast of characters. I am hoping that Liberty and Poppy get books of their own!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
This book is FINE. It’s not spectacular, it’s not terrible, it’s just very middle of the road. This may be my own biases against straight white romances, especially contemporary romances, but I’m just kinda bored reading this. And especially having just read Helena Greer’s Carrigans series, the grief element is not hitting my emotions. The premise of this sounded really cute, but with the antagonism being so utterly short lived (especially because they’re just oh-so-attracted to one another) and it kinda hitting my brain like nothing is happening to move the story forward, I’m going to go ahead and say this isn’t a book for me.
funny
lighthearted
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:
Yes
lighthearted
fast-paced
I had high hopes for this but it wasn't as great as I thought it might be.
I thought Sera and Wes jumped too quickly into a physical relationship especially the way her accused her of things with his Grandpa.
I wish we had more of the bookbinding prices explained. I wish we had more of the WiCKed group of friends and their dynamics.
I thought this book would have benefitted better from having the relationship be a small part and the friend group larger. The way it abruptly ended also after certain declarations was just too weird.
I thought Sera and Wes jumped too quickly into a physical relationship especially the way her accused her of things with his Grandpa.
I wish we had more of the bookbinding prices explained. I wish we had more of the WiCKed group of friends and their dynamics.
I thought this book would have benefitted better from having the relationship be a small part and the friend group larger. The way it abruptly ended also after certain declarations was just too weird.
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I won an arc of The Bookbinder's Guide to Love and here's my honest review:
I really enjoyed this read, I loved the writing, pacing, characters, friendships and plot. Not only this but I loved the dedication too: 'This book is for everyone who has found solace, family and adventure in the pages of a book'.
We follow 26 year old Serafina who owns a book, journal and cafe shop which also provides tarot readings with her two best friends - the three friends are known as the town's coven of witches.
Serafina doesn't feel like the leading lady in her life but is trying to change that. So when her mentor and friend passes away but the grandson barres her from the funeral and tries to force her to return books that she was given, she decides to fight back.
This provides a great basis for an enemies to lovers type plot between two people who don't think they're worthy of being loved, with difficult family lives and some emotional constipation.
I loved the friendships in this book, everyone felt real and had other things going on, and the characterisations within the first chapter (and even sentences) were superb.
We also had some great references to other literature such as Anne of Green Gables and Tolkein (among many more).
The only thing I didn't get on with was the ticking clock, I was never really sure why he had to leave in 6 weeks, but that was something that I could somewhat ignore.
I really enjoyed this read.
I really enjoyed this read, I loved the writing, pacing, characters, friendships and plot. Not only this but I loved the dedication too: 'This book is for everyone who has found solace, family and adventure in the pages of a book'.
We follow 26 year old Serafina who owns a book, journal and cafe shop which also provides tarot readings with her two best friends - the three friends are known as the town's coven of witches.
Serafina doesn't feel like the leading lady in her life but is trying to change that. So when her mentor and friend passes away but the grandson barres her from the funeral and tries to force her to return books that she was given, she decides to fight back.
This provides a great basis for an enemies to lovers type plot between two people who don't think they're worthy of being loved, with difficult family lives and some emotional constipation.
I loved the friendships in this book, everyone felt real and had other things going on, and the characterisations within the first chapter (and even sentences) were superb.
We also had some great references to other literature such as Anne of Green Gables and Tolkein (among many more).
The only thing I didn't get on with was the ticking clock, I was never really sure why he had to leave in 6 weeks, but that was something that I could somewhat ignore.
I really enjoyed this read.
This is 100% a book where the grandfather is trying to set his grandson up from the grave. I loved the bickering and banter that occurred in this book. Also the idea of whether are witches real or just fortunate people was intriguing. All in all, I really enjoyed this book.
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I received a advance reading copy of Bookbinder's Guide to Love from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for this opportunity.
The Bookbinder's Guide to Love is a pretty quick read and had things that I liked and things that I didn't.
I loved the friendship Serafina (Sera) had with her friends. They are all slightly eccentric but it works well together. You can totally believe these girls are friends and that they have a joint business. Card readings, tea shop, bookstore/bindery. I wish we had a more fleshed out start with them.
I also enjoyed the slight detail to the actual art of bookbinding. While you can't use it as a how-to guide, it's way more info on bookbinding than most people have.
Obviously I loved all things books and the bit about Dnd was *chef's kiss*. 'Nerds' were represented here. I am obviously one of them.
However, I found Wes really hard to like at first. The fact that he automatically jumps to the conclusion that Sera was manipulating his grandfather for whatever valuables she could get out of him and that she might even be sleeping with him to do it...to calling her a hot Hermione he'd basically love to get into the pants of, to thinking of her as someone he could use to get to learn more about his deceased grandfather, rather than the nice person she is for at least the first 20-25% of the book is not flattering to his character.
That said, I do like the amount of guilt and regret he has at allowing himself to push his grandfather out of his life after everything he did for him. That was very believable and made him pretty redeemable. And the fact he has to work through that grief and starts working on his family's issues result in Wes having some decent character growth.
Sera(fina) has her own character growth. While she also had cringe-worthy thoughts upon meeting Wesley, I still liked her as a character. It pretty much solidified when she started wondering if Ford left her his books to help his grandson. A passing thought, but to me it really showed her true kind character. Her inability to easily trust people, due to her constant moving about in foster care, is pretty darn sad, but believable. But she does work on herself in order to be a better person and partner, which is refreshing. Character growth is a great thing.
With both of their trust issues though, the book does cycle through on/off again situation as they work their way into being a 'couple.' Not a bad thing, just a thing that happens.
Insta-lust/love. This is something I struggle to enjoy and the way it was done in this story wasn't for me. The idea that Wes and Sera were instantly thinking about making out/ doing it with each other is kind of ick, in my personal opinion. You are totally allowed to disagree with me. Wes thinking about Sera's hair and his wondering "if he'd feel the gap between her front teeth when he pushed his tongue into her mouth" </spoiler> is just...no. No thank you. Not for me.
The fact Wes waffles between wanting to do 'things' to her and thinking of her as a thief and a liar who was just out to get his grandpa's expensive old books, and whatever else she could, sigh. I don't understand, to be honest. How can you think these things about someone but still fantasize about banging them? No thanks. Fortunately that train of thought leaves the station within the first 25% of the book.
Side note:
Sera and Wes both seem to have a thing for hair. This is neither good or bad. Just an observation after noting how much they both imagine their hands, in, going through, or on the other person's hair.
All in all
It's a cute read for anyone who is okay with insta-lust/love and likes books that have a small town vibes, some character growth, bit of spice scenes, witchy feels (card reading, etc), and of course books and bookshops.
The Bookbinder's Guide to Love is a pretty quick read and had things that I liked and things that I didn't.
I loved the friendship Serafina (Sera) had with her friends. They are all slightly eccentric but it works well together. You can totally believe these girls are friends and that they have a joint business. Card readings, tea shop, bookstore/bindery. I wish we had a more fleshed out start with them.
I also enjoyed the slight detail to the actual art of bookbinding. While you can't use it as a how-to guide, it's way more info on bookbinding than most people have.
Obviously I loved all things books and the bit about Dnd was *chef's kiss*. 'Nerds' were represented here. I am obviously one of them.
However, I found Wes really hard to like at first. The fact that he automatically jumps to the conclusion that Sera was manipulating his grandfather for whatever valuables she could get out of him and that she might even be sleeping with him to do it...to calling her a hot Hermione he'd basically love to get into the pants of, to thinking of her as someone he could use to get to learn more about his deceased grandfather, rather than the nice person she is for at least the first 20-25% of the book is not flattering to his character.
That said, I do like the amount of guilt and regret he has at allowing himself to push his grandfather out of his life after everything he did for him. That was very believable and made him pretty redeemable. And the fact he has to work through that grief and starts working on his family's issues result in Wes having some decent character growth.
Sera(fina) has her own character growth. While she also had cringe-worthy thoughts upon meeting Wesley, I still liked her as a character. It pretty much solidified when she started wondering if Ford left her his books to help his grandson. A passing thought, but to me it really showed her true kind character. Her inability to easily trust people, due to her constant moving about in foster care, is pretty darn sad, but believable. But she does work on herself in order to be a better person and partner, which is refreshing. Character growth is a great thing.
With both of their trust issues though, the book does cycle through on/off again situation as they work their way into being a 'couple.' Not a bad thing, just a thing that happens.
Insta-lust/love. This is something I struggle to enjoy and the way it was done in this story wasn't for me. The idea that Wes and Sera were instantly thinking about making out/ doing it with each other is kind of ick, in my personal opinion. You are totally allowed to disagree with me. Wes thinking about Sera's hair and his wondering
The fact Wes waffles between wanting to do 'things' to her and thinking of her as a thief and a liar who was just out to get his grandpa's expensive old books, and whatever else she could, sigh. I don't understand, to be honest. How can you think these things about someone but still fantasize about banging them? No thanks. Fortunately that train of thought leaves the station within the first 25% of the book.
Side note:
Sera and Wes both seem to have a thing for hair. This is neither good or bad. Just an observation after noting how much they both imagine their hands, in, going through, or on the other person's hair.
All in all
It's a cute read for anyone who is okay with insta-lust/love and likes books that have a small town vibes, some character growth, bit of spice scenes, witchy feels (card reading, etc), and of course books and bookshops.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A