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amanda_reads13's reviews
462 reviews
City of Mirth and Malice by Alexis L. Menard
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
We pick up after the events at the end of book 2. Milla has been captured and taken to Hightower and Nico is scheming to get her out.
There was a lot going on in this book. I think my sentiments from the first book still apply here. I didn't really care about the characters and what happened to them. I think this is because they felt very underdeveloped and quite lackluster.
Also, this stems from over-complicating the plot, which continually pulled me out of the world as I tried to figure out what was going on. Too much, thats what was going on. We get Milla's experience in the tower, Nico's prison break scheme where hegives up his shadow to create a portal , family drama including Nanna's almost dying, the train being destroyed, her brother possibly backstabbing her, Vanya possibly backstabbing her , the attack on the house of blood, all sorts of Felix craziness, Nico almost recklessly dying 1000x, and the list goes on...
I think the idea and world had so much potential had they just edited down the story a bit and focused more on building the world, characters, and magical system. It has a very interest premise, but falls victim to trying to do too much.
I though this was supposed to be a duolology, but the ending signifies more to come. In my opinion, do not get a satisfying ending, there is too much left open. Will they find her mother? What will happen on the continent? Will Order escape?
There was a lot going on in this book. I think my sentiments from the first book still apply here. I didn't really care about the characters and what happened to them. I think this is because they felt very underdeveloped and quite lackluster.
Also, this stems from over-complicating the plot, which continually pulled me out of the world as I tried to figure out what was going on. Too much, thats what was going on. We get Milla's experience in the tower, Nico's prison break scheme where he
I think the idea and world had so much potential had they just edited down the story a bit and focused more on building the world, characters, and magical system. It has a very interest premise, but falls victim to trying to do too much.
I though this was supposed to be a duolology, but the ending signifies more to come. In my opinion, do not get a satisfying ending, there is too much left open. Will they find her mother? What will happen on the continent? Will Order escape?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Gun violence, Sexual content, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Gaslighting
The Women by Kristin Hannah
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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
We follow Frankie journey before, during, and after her service as a nurse in the Vietnam war.
Kristen Hannah manages to capture the spirit of an entire generation in this novel. This is a beautifully written story filled with devastating truths and complex characters. I love how Hannah managed honour these forgotten women while still unveiling the horrible truth of the war.
Vietnam war vets experienced things that no others before them had. They were shunned when they returned home, especially the women. Coupled with the lack understanding of mental health and PTSD, this lead to an epidemic depression drug/alcoholism, and suicide amongst the vets.
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions. There are part of this book that will make you so mad - the unethical war tactics, the white saviour complex, and the horrific treatment of the veterans, especially the women. There are parts that will make you cry - the loss of so many lives, the struggles Frankie goes through to be seen, heard, and healed, and the betrayals. There are parts that will fill your heart - the beautiful friendships, women supporting women, and that ending.The entire ending was such a therapeutic release after so much pain and sadness. Her parents finally recognizing her service and Jamie being alive! This filled my heart with so much joy!
The characters in this book are strong, yet flawed. In the end, Frankie has grown and evolved to the point where she is almost unrecognizable from the woman she was at the start of the book. She grows from a woman who endured so much pain and heartache that she wants to take her own life to a woman who is able to use that pain to help and save other women.
The friendships in this book are so beautifully written. These three women from such different backgrounds and worlds are thrown together in in the midst of war. Their bond is unbreakable. They see each other through every step in life and show up for each other.
Kristen Hannah manages to capture the spirit of an entire generation in this novel. This is a beautifully written story filled with devastating truths and complex characters. I love how Hannah managed honour these forgotten women while still unveiling the horrible truth of the war.
Vietnam war vets experienced things that no others before them had. They were shunned when they returned home, especially the women. Coupled with the lack understanding of mental health and PTSD, this lead to an epidemic depression drug/alcoholism, and suicide amongst the vets.
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions. There are part of this book that will make you so mad - the unethical war tactics, the white saviour complex, and the horrific treatment of the veterans, especially the women. There are parts that will make you cry - the loss of so many lives, the struggles Frankie goes through to be seen, heard, and healed, and the betrayals. There are parts that will fill your heart - the beautiful friendships, women supporting women, and that ending.
The characters in this book are strong, yet flawed. In the end, Frankie has grown and evolved to the point where she is almost unrecognizable from the woman she was at the start of the book. She grows from a woman who endured so much pain and heartache that she wants to take her own life to a woman who is able to use that pain to help and save other women.
The friendships in this book are so beautifully written. These three women from such different backgrounds and worlds are thrown together in in the midst of war. Their bond is unbreakable. They see each other through every step in life and show up for each other.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and War
House of Bane and Blood by Alexis L. Menard
3.5
Milla, who has lived a sheltered life as a heiress, is married off to Nico to help pay off the family debts.
So, being completely honest, I'm not sure how I feel about this book. At first I felt like the world building and magical system was not well explained and I was very confused about the structure of society. It was eventually explained, but I felt like that should have been explained earlier. I think that really took away from being able to immerse myself into this world. I kept being pulled out trying to figure things out.
That said, I did enjoy the overall plot of the book. I thought that Milla and Nico had good chemistry. I liked that we got dual POVs.
I feel like the characters were severely underdeveloped. I hate how Milla just cowers to her brothers demands and let's them control her, but dealing with Nico, she is so strong and hardheaded. Nico is a pretty smart guy, but is somehow completely blindsided when he was set up by the inspector.
I knew early on thatMilla was going have magic and be a part of chaos. It just made logical sense to me. I am interested in how her powers will develop and lead to changes in the structure of their society.
Tropes: marriage of convenience, magical society, revenge, found family
So, being completely honest, I'm not sure how I feel about this book. At first I felt like the world building and magical system was not well explained and I was very confused about the structure of society. It was eventually explained, but I felt like that should have been explained earlier. I think that really took away from being able to immerse myself into this world. I kept being pulled out trying to figure things out.
That said, I did enjoy the overall plot of the book. I thought that Milla and Nico had good chemistry. I liked that we got dual POVs.
I feel like the characters were severely underdeveloped. I hate how Milla just cowers to her brothers demands and let's them control her, but dealing with Nico, she is so strong and hardheaded. Nico is a pretty smart guy, but is somehow completely blindsided when he was set up by the inspector.
I knew early on that
Tropes: marriage of convenience, magical society, revenge, found family
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan
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
4.5
Ali's life is in a spiral. Her deadbeat husband told her he wanted a divorce on the 1-year anniversary of her mother's passing and she's just been trying to survive in the year since. She ends up meeting Ethan and is incredibly attracted to him, little does she know he is actually her her best friend's brother and he doesn't live in town.
This is a really cute and funny romance about your heart healing and letting people in. What was meant to be a summer romance flips these two lives upside down. The chemistry between them is undeniable, there is no doubt that they are each others person.
Ali is used to having to do everything by herself and barely keeping your head above water. Her husband has never been particularly helpful, especially now that they're separated. She never stands up for herself. She takes care of the house and the children all by herself and she's convinced herself she's content with just living by his schedule and his rules.
Ethan hates going back to his childhood town and has built a happy and fulfilling life away. He tries to spend as little time there as possible, but a surprise from his parents means he's stuck there for most of the summer.
Ali and Ethan have such an adorable connection. They seem to be each other as perfect match and know exactly what the other one needs. Ethan treats and supports Ali in the way she deserves to be. He helps her build back up her confidence and take control of her life. Ali helps Ethan find his place back in his childhood hometown.
I love the interactions between Ethan and the children. It is just so heartwarming to see this man completely embrace Ali's family. I love the way his family just takes Ali and her children under there wings.
Her ex husband is an asshole...
Tropes: best friend's brother, single mother, summer romance turned more, found family
This is a really cute and funny romance about your heart healing and letting people in. What was meant to be a summer romance flips these two lives upside down. The chemistry between them is undeniable, there is no doubt that they are each others person.
Ali is used to having to do everything by herself and barely keeping your head above water. Her husband has never been particularly helpful, especially now that they're separated. She never stands up for herself. She takes care of the house and the children all by herself and she's convinced herself she's content with just living by his schedule and his rules.
Ethan hates going back to his childhood town and has built a happy and fulfilling life away. He tries to spend as little time there as possible, but a surprise from his parents means he's stuck there for most of the summer.
Ali and Ethan have such an adorable connection. They seem to be each other as perfect match and know exactly what the other one needs. Ethan treats and supports Ali in the way she deserves to be. He helps her build back up her confidence and take control of her life. Ali helps Ethan find his place back in his childhood hometown.
I love the interactions between Ethan and the children. It is just so heartwarming to see this man completely embrace Ali's family. I love the way his family just takes Ali and her children under there wings.
Her ex husband is an asshole...
Tropes: best friend's brother, single mother, summer romance turned more, found family
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Grief, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
Unwanted by Mia Sheridan
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
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
4.0
After two people are found murdered in a small town, a unknown "wild man" becomes the prime suspect.
This had everything I could have wanted: romance, suspense, and twist and turns. This was a rollercoaster of emotions: it was sweet, heartbreaking, thrilling, and uplifting. You need to suspend reality for a bit with this plot as it is pretty far fetched, but very intriguing.
Though I generally don't enjoy 3rd person POV, I kind of liked it within this story. We start our with 4 POVs - Jak a child abandoned in the wilderness, Lucas a "wild man" living alone in the bush, Harper a wilderness guide, and Mark a police officer investigating two murders. We jump between the past and present, which gives us a better understanding of Jak's experience and trauma,
These characters are definitely reminiscent of those in Archer's Voice. We have a very naive and inexperienced MMC and a strong willed FMC who continues to show up for the MMC.
Jak,who we come to find out is the same person as Lucas, has lived alone in the wilderness since he was 8 years old. His story is one of suffering, survival, isolation, strength, and bravery. We also see a tremendous amount of growth in his willingness to assimilate back into society once he is "discovered". I feel like in reality he would have been more resistant and had a more difficult time adjusting to living in town than what was shown in then book.
Harper was a wildlife guide and worked part time at a group home. She lost her parents at a very young age and was bounced around the foster care system. Harper is very intrigued by Jak and very drawn to him. She keeps going back to him despite the risk of the unknown.
I liked the addition of Mark and Laurie and how all four characters helped each other heal from their past trauma.
I figured out a few of the twist quickly, but two I didn't see coming!I figured out that Lucas and Jak were the same person and that he was a part of some kind of social experiment. I still can't believe that Harper was the fourth child and that Jak had saved her life by helping her on the ledge and she had essentially saved his by giving him the knife.
I didn't guess at the Dr. being the one who was running the experiments . I thought that tipped it a bit into the side of not being believable. I think had it just been the one crazy dude and the four kids, I could have bought into the reality of it more.
Tropes: found family, inexperienced MMC, Suspenseful Romance
This had everything I could have wanted: romance, suspense, and twist and turns. This was a rollercoaster of emotions: it was sweet, heartbreaking, thrilling, and uplifting. You need to suspend reality for a bit with this plot as it is pretty far fetched, but very intriguing.
Though I generally don't enjoy 3rd person POV, I kind of liked it within this story. We start our with 4 POVs - Jak a child abandoned in the wilderness, Lucas a "wild man" living alone in the bush, Harper a wilderness guide, and Mark a police officer investigating two murders. We jump between the past and present, which gives us a better understanding of Jak's experience and trauma,
These characters are definitely reminiscent of those in Archer's Voice. We have a very naive and inexperienced MMC and a strong willed FMC who continues to show up for the MMC.
Jak,
Harper was a wildlife guide and worked part time at a group home. She lost her parents at a very young age and was bounced around the foster care system. Harper is very intrigued by Jak and very drawn to him. She keeps going back to him despite the risk of the unknown.
I liked the addition of Mark and Laurie and how all four characters helped each other heal from their past trauma.
I figured out a few of the twist quickly, but two I didn't see coming!
I didn't guess at the Dr. being the one who was running the experiments . I thought that tipped it a bit into the side of not being believable. I think had it just been the one crazy dude and the four kids, I could have bought into the reality of it more.
Tropes: found family, inexperienced MMC, Suspenseful Romance
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Sexual content, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Car accident, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Fall With Me by Becka Mack
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
4.75
After having a one night stand with Lennon, the woman alone on her honeymoon, Jaxon discovers she is the new team photographer.
Talk about a rollercoaster! This story gave me all the feels. I was laughing at the guys antics one minute, swooning over Jaxon's thoughtfulness the next, and then tearing up after hearing about his past.
Jaxon seemed like your typical playboy athlete. Soon we learn that it is just a front he puts on to keep everyone at arm's length because he is absolutely terrified to be loved and let anyone in. Him as a "cat" daddy was adorable. His story is so heartbreaking. When he was young his best friend died in his arms. They were playing in the forest when he was stung by a bee, he didn't have his EpiPen with him. Jaxon tried to get help and get his EpiPen, but it was too late. That trauma in added on to losing both of his parents, being traded every two years by hockey teams, and his old teammates "forgetting " about him, resulted in a feeling of constant rejection and being unworthy of love.
Jaxon may feel unworthy of love, but he does everything he can to make those around him feel loved. He may not have been able to verbally express his feelings, but he showed it in a million different ways. Behind that wall was a softie crying out to be accepted and respected.
Lennon is a force! She is such a strong woman who knows her worth and won't accept anything less. After being absolutely humiliated by her ex cheating on her, she vowed never again. After being manipulated and gaslit for so long, she has finally found her voice and is determined to follow her dreams.
Their chemistry was instantaneous and their banter was hilarious. They are so perfect for each other. Lennon gave Jaxon the space and patience he needed to learn to be vulnerable with her. In turn, he showed her how much he loved and respected her by how closely he listened to her and his million little acts of service. I liked that we really saw the relationship grow and develop. Miscommunication/lack of communication usually makes me so mad, but it absolutely made sense with this story and characters. We saw Jaxon struggle to communicate his needs and worries, but Lennon was by his side giving him all the support he needed.
As always, I ADORE the found family aspect of this series. I love that this group is so close and you cannot have one story without everyone else so intertwined within it. This is the group of friends that many people would kill for. They accept each other just the way they are and are there for one another no matter what. They surround their people with love and support, and have such a pure connection. I love how they continuously prop Jaxon up and reassure him about how much they love him and want him around. Also their antics and groups chats continue to be absolutely hilarious!
I did feel like some parts became a bit repetitive.
I cannot wait for Cara and Emmett's book!
Tropes: one night stand to lovers, NHL player, co-workers, opposites attract, found family
Talk about a rollercoaster! This story gave me all the feels. I was laughing at the guys antics one minute, swooning over Jaxon's thoughtfulness the next, and then tearing up after hearing about his past.
Jaxon seemed like your typical playboy athlete. Soon we learn that it is just a front he puts on to keep everyone at arm's length because he is absolutely terrified to be loved and let anyone in. Him as a "cat" daddy was adorable. His story is so heartbreaking.
Jaxon may feel unworthy of love, but he does everything he can to make those around him feel loved. He may not have been able to verbally express his feelings, but he showed it in a million different ways. Behind that wall was a softie crying out to be accepted and respected.
Lennon is a force! She is such a strong woman who knows her worth and won't accept anything less. After being absolutely humiliated by her ex cheating on her, she vowed never again. After being manipulated and gaslit for so long, she has finally found her voice and is determined to follow her dreams.
Their chemistry was instantaneous and their banter was hilarious. They are so perfect for each other. Lennon gave Jaxon the space and patience he needed to learn to be vulnerable with her. In turn, he showed her how much he loved and respected her by how closely he listened to her and his million little acts of service. I liked that we really saw the relationship grow and develop. Miscommunication/lack of communication usually makes me so mad, but it absolutely made sense with this story and characters. We saw Jaxon struggle to communicate his needs and worries, but Lennon was by his side giving him all the support he needed.
As always, I ADORE the found family aspect of this series. I love that this group is so close and you cannot have one story without everyone else so intertwined within it. This is the group of friends that many people would kill for. They accept each other just the way they are and are there for one another no matter what. They surround their people with love and support, and have such a pure connection. I love how they continuously prop Jaxon up and reassure him about how much they love him and want him around. Also their antics and groups chats continue to be absolutely hilarious!
I did feel like some parts became a bit repetitive.
I cannot wait for Cara and Emmett's book!
Tropes: one night stand to lovers, NHL player, co-workers, opposites attract, found family
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Middle of the Night by Riley Sager
mysterious
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
3.5
30 years after his best friend goes missing, Ethan moves back to his childhood home and comes face to face with his past.
At first I found this to be fast paced and gripping, but the last chunk was such a let down. There was so much potential for a killer ending, especially with the supernatural/cult elements we see throughout the book. The big reveal felt very underwhelming.Billy snuck out at night to go to the institute and was accidentally hit by a car. Ethan's babysitter was driving drunk and underage. She panicked and threw Billy's body into the lake. The flash forward at the end was enderring, but felt like a very awkward ending. I really wish the story had leaned into the supernatural elements more, there was so much potential there!
The story switches to the past leading up to Billy's disappearance and the present in which Ethan is trying to solve the mystery. We see the story through multiple POVs. I found that despite there being a fairly large cast of characters, they were all fleshed out and had pretty good character development.
At first I thought Ethan was a pretty reliable narrator, but after we find out thathis wife is actually dead, I started to question his sanity . There are so many red herrings in this book, and honestly I did see a lot of them coming: his neighbour and mother working for the institute, someone trying to mess with him with the baseballs, etc...
Overall, this was a pretty decent thriller.
At first I found this to be fast paced and gripping, but the last chunk was such a let down. There was so much potential for a killer ending, especially with the supernatural/cult elements we see throughout the book. The big reveal felt very underwhelming.
The story switches to the past leading up to Billy's disappearance and the present in which Ethan is trying to solve the mystery. We see the story through multiple POVs. I found that despite there being a fairly large cast of characters, they were all fleshed out and had pretty good character development.
At first I thought Ethan was a pretty reliable narrator, but after we find out that
Overall, this was a pretty decent thriller.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child death, Grief, and Car accident
Three Ways to Mend a Broken Heart by Trilina Pucci
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
After finding her bf cheating on her, Millie heads to Hawaii with her friends. Once there, she finds her ex has not only taken her reservation, but brought the woman he cheated on her. She and the Tweedles concoct a plan to get revenge.
As with the rest of the books in this series there wasn't a deep plot with a tone of character development, but that's not really what you read this kind of book for. It is quick, spicy, and funny romantic comedy.
The characters are over the top, but so loveable. You can't help but root for them to get together.
Tropes: Romantic Comedy, Fake Dating, Forced Proximity, NFL players, One bed
As with the rest of the books in this series there wasn't a deep plot with a tone of character development, but that's not really what you read this kind of book for. It is quick, spicy, and funny romantic comedy.
The characters are over the top, but so loveable. You can't help but root for them to get together.
Tropes: Romantic Comedy, Fake Dating, Forced Proximity, NFL players, One bed
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Gaslighting
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
4.5
Phoebe has decided that she doesn't want to live anymore. She goes to the Grand Cornwall Inn, her happy place, where she has meticulously planned out her last evening. There she meets Lila, who is there for her wedding weekend, and the "Wedding People". After forming a bond with the wedding people, she gains a new lease on life.
Phoebe has a very flippant attitude towards suicide, which some readers may be put off by. I believe this can be attributed to her mental state. Mentally Phoebe is in a place where she has completely given up on herself and is at peace with her decision. This is what we see, a woman who is speaking very frankly about accepting giving up.
This is a story about hope and finding what makes you joyful and happy. It's about being brave, speaking your truth, and going after what you want. It's about learning how to shed the facade that you put on in front of others and learning to be your true authentic self.
Phoebe, Lila, and Gary are all perfect examples of how we suppress our own desires in order to fit into someone else's mould of us. Phoebe makes herself and her life so small that she is afraid to show anyone her true self and desires, including her husband. Lila is afraid to be her authentic self in front of anyone and puts on a "show" for others. Gary is a people pleaser and has taken a backseat in his own life.
These characters were complex and had so much dimension. They go through a tremendous amount of growth, especially Phoebe. I found her interactions with both Lila and Gary to be very refreshing. They were completely honest with one another and were able to shed any facade so that they could just be themselves.
I actually really appreciated the ending of this book. This isn't a romance book. This is a book about learning to love yourself again. Though we get the possibility of Phoebe and Gary in the future, what we end on is Phoebe discovering her own joy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Knot So Lucky by Trilina Pucci
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
After drunkenly getting married in Vegas, Eleanor and Crew are forced to stay together for 30 days before they can get a divorce.
This book was so funny, I was in stitches half of the time. The banter between the two characters and the side characters was absolutely hilarious.
No, this book doesn't have a super deep plot or strong character development, but it's also not that kind of book. This is a spicy and funny romantic comedy.
Both the main characters and their friends remind me of like a Jersey Shore type cast. They are all pretty wild, like to party, and don't want to settle down. I think that it's kind of adds to the humor of the book. It's a bunch of over-the- top behavior from pretty ridiculous characters. But I also found them lovable in a goofy way.
Eleanor or Crew are actually perfect for each other, they are each other's match. Unfortunately, they are terrible at voicing their feelings. This leads to some miscommunication about what they actually want. They want each other, but are too afraid to actually say anything. I think there's also a lot of confusion due to the fact they've convinced themselves they don't want a relationship. So when they do develop feelings they are genuinely unsure of what to do.
The end was adorable, I liked that it ended with her going for what she wanted.
The spice is spicing, as one would expect from a Pucci book. The scene with the friends...iykyk.
Tropes: drunken marriage, strangers to friends to lovers, professional athlete, romantic comedy
This book was so funny, I was in stitches half of the time. The banter between the two characters and the side characters was absolutely hilarious.
No, this book doesn't have a super deep plot or strong character development, but it's also not that kind of book. This is a spicy and funny romantic comedy.
Both the main characters and their friends remind me of like a Jersey Shore type cast. They are all pretty wild, like to party, and don't want to settle down. I think that it's kind of adds to the humor of the book. It's a bunch of over-the- top behavior from pretty ridiculous characters. But I also found them lovable in a goofy way.
Eleanor or Crew are actually perfect for each other, they are each other's match. Unfortunately, they are terrible at voicing their feelings. This leads to some miscommunication about what they actually want. They want each other, but are too afraid to actually say anything. I think there's also a lot of confusion due to the fact they've convinced themselves they don't want a relationship. So when they do develop feelings they are genuinely unsure of what to do.
The end was adorable, I liked that it ended with her going for what she wanted.
The spice is spicing, as one would expect from a Pucci book. The scene with the friends...iykyk.
Tropes: drunken marriage, strangers to friends to lovers, professional athlete, romantic comedy
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content