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aelitareads's reviews
24 reviews
Bright Lights and Summer Nights by Kat Singleton
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
5.0
I knew this was going to be perfection incarnate, but oh my gosh I was not prepared. Kat did a phenomenal job writing the ending to the Black Tie Billionaires series. Also, the pacing? Oh my gosh so good. The scenes we all love were spaced out plot wise much better than the first two books imo. I felt like the characters had time to breathe before getting into it again which made them more relatable hahaha.
Emma is a lost soul hoping to find herself in the Hamptons this summer. Preston is a football superstar who is making this year his last season(hopefully, his best) and coincidentally happens to be in the Hamptons for his little sisters wedding. Imagine his suprise when he steps outside the arrival party for a break, and ends up getting hit in the head by one of Emma's heels as she climbs the fence to sneak in. π
By a means of saving himself from awkward flirting Preston says Emma is his girlfriend. Unfortunately for them, his family overhears and suddenly they're swept into a week of fake dating and wedding family obligations. By the end of the week, nothing feels fake at all.
Favorite character- Gram (Preston's Grandmother)
She is the life of the party, sharp as a whip, and the things that she says- hilarious! 10/10 banter from Grams.
Favorite Quote-
"It was okay to put yourself first before jumping headfirst into falling in love."
As someone who still doesn't have their life and goals figured out AND happens to be the same age as Emma, this one hit hard. I love my life, don't get me wrong, but I would have also loved to learn who I am before I jumped headfirst into marriage and kids. It's nice to see Emma get her head on and find herself before prioritizing love.
Emma is a lost soul hoping to find herself in the Hamptons this summer. Preston is a football superstar who is making this year his last season(hopefully, his best) and coincidentally happens to be in the Hamptons for his little sisters wedding. Imagine his suprise when he steps outside the arrival party for a break, and ends up getting hit in the head by one of Emma's heels as she climbs the fence to sneak in. π
By a means of saving himself from awkward flirting Preston says Emma is his girlfriend. Unfortunately for them, his family overhears and suddenly they're swept into a week of fake dating and wedding family obligations. By the end of the week, nothing feels fake at all.
Favorite character- Gram (Preston's Grandmother)
She is the life of the party, sharp as a whip, and the things that she says- hilarious! 10/10 banter from Grams.
Favorite Quote-
"It was okay to put yourself first before jumping headfirst into falling in love."
As someone who still doesn't have their life and goals figured out AND happens to be the same age as Emma, this one hit hard. I love my life, don't get me wrong, but I would have also loved to learn who I am before I jumped headfirst into marriage and kids. It's nice to see Emma get her head on and find herself before prioritizing love.
The Expiration Date by Leslie McElroy
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-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
5.0
ππ©·ππ©·ππ©·ππ©·ππ©·
Y'all I was squealing reading this book. It was so freaking cute, I was blushing and kicking my feet the whole time. The perfect serotonin boost to get me through my week.
The Expiration Date by Leslie McElroy was brilliant. Dare I say, the RomCom of June 2024. Aidan Stone and Haley Swann had me kicking my feet and blushing like I've never been flirted with before.
Aidan Stone is a world renowned moviestar and Haley Swann an aspiring screenwriter who's making ends meet by being Aidan's personal assistant. 6 months ago Aidan went through a horrid breakup and started going down the path of self destruction. Unfortunately the tabloids caught on and his PR was tanking from it.
To mitigate the damage, his PR Manager decides he needs to appear to be going steady. Presenting Aidan with a list of A-List Actresses he disagrees with all of them, his trust has been broken one too many times. Who better to trust with this fake dating scenario than the woman who's been by his side for 3 years?
Enter Haley Swann. Still healing the wounds her ex-fiance caused 3 years ago, she decides to take a chance on this fake dating with a few conditions.
1) They need to discuss the terms of their situation. Something solid. Something with an Expiration Date.
2) She needs a date to her best friends wedding weekend in the Hamptons... Who better than Aidan Stone?
ππ©·ππ©·ππ©·ππ©·ππ©·
Aidan Stone fan for life!
Y'all I was squealing reading this book. It was so freaking cute, I was blushing and kicking my feet the whole time. The perfect serotonin boost to get me through my week.
The Expiration Date by Leslie McElroy was brilliant. Dare I say, the RomCom of June 2024. Aidan Stone and Haley Swann had me kicking my feet and blushing like I've never been flirted with before.
Aidan Stone is a world renowned moviestar and Haley Swann an aspiring screenwriter who's making ends meet by being Aidan's personal assistant. 6 months ago Aidan went through a horrid breakup and started going down the path of self destruction. Unfortunately the tabloids caught on and his PR was tanking from it.
To mitigate the damage, his PR Manager decides he needs to appear to be going steady. Presenting Aidan with a list of A-List Actresses he disagrees with all of them, his trust has been broken one too many times. Who better to trust with this fake dating scenario than the woman who's been by his side for 3 years?
Enter Haley Swann. Still healing the wounds her ex-fiance caused 3 years ago, she decides to take a chance on this fake dating with a few conditions.
1) They need to discuss the terms of their situation. Something solid. Something with an Expiration Date.
2) She needs a date to her best friends wedding weekend in the Hamptons... Who better than Aidan Stone?
ππ©·ππ©·ππ©·ππ©·ππ©·
Aidan Stone fan for life!
Destined trinity by Christine Besze
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I tried really hard to like this, but unfortunately it is not for me. I DNF'd at 75% because the plot was barely there. 75% through and all I got was that this trio mating is supposed to help the vampires walk in day, there's werewolves that are after her too to stop the pairing(Still not 100% sure on the why), and that the mythical species(vampire, nephilim, shifters, witches) are descendants of fallen angels. Oh and theres some conflicting prophecies and reincarnation happening too.
The spice was decent and I learned some new piercings, but it could have been more fluid. The characters would go from talking about the evenings plans on opposite sides of the room in one paragraph, to touching each other the next. No character movement or build up... for lack of better term- the reader foreplay was slim to non-existent.
If you're looking for a spice filled book and aren't too worried on plotline, you might like this one. If you're a reader who needs plot to get into the characters before they get it on, skip this one.
The spice was decent and I learned some new piercings, but it could have been more fluid. The characters would go from talking about the evenings plans on opposite sides of the room in one paragraph, to touching each other the next. No character movement or build up... for lack of better term- the reader foreplay was slim to non-existent.
If you're looking for a spice filled book and aren't too worried on plotline, you might like this one. If you're a reader who needs plot to get into the characters before they get it on, skip this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Murder, Sexual content, and Blood
Enemies With Benefits by Roxie Noir
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wish You Weren't Here by Erin Baldwin
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
"Wish You Weren't Here is a love letter about home-away-from-homes, inner children, and the wonder of summer." Is what author Erin Baldwin says in the acknowledgments of her sapphic teen romance and I couldn't agree more.
WYWH was a beautiful story of summer love and awkward situations. It had me kicking my feet in joy and guessing at when the MC's would finally realized their feelings. Lovable characters, a lighthearted read, corny jokes, and summer nights- what more could you ask for?
Half point taken off just because this felt like something 23 year old me would have loved way more. It just doesn't hit the same when you're a decade out from high school.
WYWH was a beautiful story of summer love and awkward situations. It had me kicking my feet in joy and guessing at when the MC's would finally realized their feelings. Lovable characters, a lighthearted read, corny jokes, and summer nights- what more could you ask for?
Half point taken off just because this felt like something 23 year old me would have loved way more. It just doesn't hit the same when you're a decade out from high school.
The Unforgotten Vow by Rebekah Sinclair, Rebekah Sinclair
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Lost in the Light by JJ Kang
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-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
5.0
βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈx a million!
I say this in the best way, this book WRECKED me. 5 stars. 5 million stars. I want the next book NOW- or rather yesterday when I finished Lost in the Light and kept trying to swipe for more just to realize it had ended. Oh, and bonus points! This is the first book in over a year to make me cry. Nay! Sob. 3 times. The emotional turning points and descriptions are spot on and hurt so good.
Ari Barlow is a badass filled with rage, grey morals, a haunted past, and a protective streak a mile wide. She's willing to fly the span of the universe and start a war just to be back with the people she loves most and I don't blame her(She makes some very good points). Strong found family vibes and "touch them and die" but in a familial way.
I can't even begin on how many loveable characters there were in this book... J.J. Kang has some great character synopsis on her IG that you should check out to get more detail. Favorite MC was obviously Ari but side character? I think I've gotta go with Orion, an automaton cat that's called a "spark" who is companions with Reagan (a child Ari and her partner, Kennex, saved from ritualistic sacrifice which started Ari's chase through the universe to reunite with Kennex).
I can't recommend this debut novel enough. Prepare yourself because you're in for a ride with this one
I say this in the best way, this book WRECKED me. 5 stars. 5 million stars. I want the next book NOW- or rather yesterday when I finished Lost in the Light and kept trying to swipe for more just to realize it had ended. Oh, and bonus points! This is the first book in over a year to make me cry. Nay! Sob. 3 times. The emotional turning points and descriptions are spot on and hurt so good.
Ari Barlow is a badass filled with rage, grey morals, a haunted past, and a protective streak a mile wide. She's willing to fly the span of the universe and start a war just to be back with the people she loves most and I don't blame her(She makes some very good points). Strong found family vibes and "touch them and die" but in a familial way.
I can't even begin on how many loveable characters there were in this book... J.J. Kang has some great character synopsis on her IG that you should check out to get more detail. Favorite MC was obviously Ari but side character? I think I've gotta go with Orion, an automaton cat that's called a "spark" who is companions with Reagan (a child Ari and her partner, Kennex, saved from ritualistic sacrifice which started Ari's chase through the universe to reunite with Kennex).
I can't recommend this debut novel enough. Prepare yourself because you're in for a ride with this one
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Drug abuse, Racial slurs, Religious bigotry, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Grief, Violence, Murder, Blood, Addiction, Child abuse, Classism, Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, Injury/Injury detail, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Trafficking and War
Broken Flames by M.K. Ahearn
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.0
βIf I am the burning sun, ruled by flames, then you are my moon, ruling over the tides and completing the missing half of me.β
Rating: βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ
Spice Level: πΆπΆ
MK Ahearn dedicated this book to all the Zutara shippers who thought Zuko and Katara were the OTP and she nailed it. In this enemies to lovers romantasy a moody fire prince with a haunted past is arranged to marry the daughter of a water tribe general in an effort to unite their nations. Tie in a tyrannical Fire Lord who wants to watch the world burn and you have yourself a war brewing.
As a diehard ATLA fan I had fun finding the similarities and differences between the two stories. While you can absolutely tell Ahearn drew influences from ATLA, I think she did a great job making this book her own and I look forward to the release of Warring Tides in January 2025.
Forewarning- it does end on a huge cliff hanger so if you're someone that needs a completed story, maybe wait until December or January to read it. Broken Flames and the pre-order for Warring Tides is available on amazon.
Rating: βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ
Spice Level: πΆπΆ
MK Ahearn dedicated this book to all the Zutara shippers who thought Zuko and Katara were the OTP and she nailed it. In this enemies to lovers romantasy a moody fire prince with a haunted past is arranged to marry the daughter of a water tribe general in an effort to unite their nations. Tie in a tyrannical Fire Lord who wants to watch the world burn and you have yourself a war brewing.
As a diehard ATLA fan I had fun finding the similarities and differences between the two stories. While you can absolutely tell Ahearn drew influences from ATLA, I think she did a great job making this book her own and I look forward to the release of Warring Tides in January 2025.
Forewarning- it does end on a huge cliff hanger so if you're someone that needs a completed story, maybe wait until December or January to read it. Broken Flames and the pre-order for Warring Tides is available on amazon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Sexual harassment, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Trafficking
Cliff Hanger Ending
The Inn on Harmony Island by Anne-Marie Meyer
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I really wanted to love this book but honestly? 3 Stars.βοΈβοΈβοΈ
I feel like it had a lot of potential but it just jumps around way too much.
The FMC (Shelby) is very much a stereotype of a woman who's life goes to shit and she tries to ignore it all rather than going to therapy or talking to someone. The whole story is about her "facing her past" and in the end I don't feel like her past got resolved at all. There's mentions of abusive parents, pregnancy loss, abandonment, and family feuds but the ending of the book (spoiler) is pretty much her just getting with the MMC(Miles) like that'll just fix all of her problems??
Speaking of Miles- picture a Hallmark boyfriend with stereotypical small town energy, an "I'll fix you" attitude, and "fatherhood is my whole life" and you've pretty much got him... He literally catches Shelby watching him work out and flexes for her... I don't know, I guess I'm just more into strong FMCs and MMCs that woo with emotion and words rather than looks.
There were too many plot holes for me to fully enjoy this as a standalone. I feel like if you get one, you're committing to buying the whole series just to fill in the plot holes. There's such an emphasis on Shelby being a wedding planner in the beginning just for nothing to happen with that, the whole side plot with Abigail and her guy(s?), and let's not forget the Feuding Families trope that kinda gets glossed over even though it's one of the top reasons that Shelby even goes to the reading of her grandmothers will.
If you're looking for something angsty and easy, go for it. But maybe just check this one out from your library or Libby instead of buying it.
I feel like it had a lot of potential but it just jumps around way too much.
The FMC (Shelby) is very much a stereotype of a woman who's life goes to shit and she tries to ignore it all rather than going to therapy or talking to someone. The whole story is about her "facing her past" and in the end I don't feel like her past got resolved at all. There's mentions of abusive parents, pregnancy loss, abandonment, and family feuds but the ending of the book (spoiler) is pretty much her just getting with the MMC(Miles) like that'll just fix all of her problems??
Speaking of Miles- picture a Hallmark boyfriend with stereotypical small town energy, an "I'll fix you" attitude, and "fatherhood is my whole life" and you've pretty much got him... He literally catches Shelby watching him work out and flexes for her... I don't know, I guess I'm just more into strong FMCs and MMCs that woo with emotion and words rather than looks.
There were too many plot holes for me to fully enjoy this as a standalone. I feel like if you get one, you're committing to buying the whole series just to fill in the plot holes. There's such an emphasis on Shelby being a wedding planner in the beginning just for nothing to happen with that, the whole side plot with Abigail and her guy(s?), and let's not forget the Feuding Families trope that kinda gets glossed over even though it's one of the top reasons that Shelby even goes to the reading of her grandmothers will.
If you're looking for something angsty and easy, go for it. But maybe just check this one out from your library or Libby instead of buying it.
Content Warnings
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Abandonment, Alcoholism, and Miscarriage
All the Young Dudes by MsKingBean89
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
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