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apagetoturn's reviews
1335 reviews
Leaf It to Me by Laney Hatcher
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
"Leaf It to Me" by Laney Hatcher is a heartwarming, small-town romance that feels like a cozy hug on a crisp autumn day. Candace Judd’s return to Kirby Falls is a journey of rediscovery, not just of her family’s apple orchard but of herself—and the charmingly rugged Mark Mercer.
Laney Hatcher beautifully captures the magic of second chances and the pull of home. Candace’s determination to reconnect with her roots is relatable and inspiring, while Mark’s quiet strength and vulnerability make him a swoon-worthy leading man. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their slow-burn romance unfolds with all the charm of a starry night at the orchard.
The vivid descriptions of Kirby Falls and the orchard make you feel like you’re right there, surrounded by the scent of apples and the warmth of a close-knit community. This story is about finding where you belong, facing your fears, and realizing that love sometimes grows where you least expect it.
A fantastic addition to the Kirby Falls series, Leaf It to Me will leave you smiling, swooning, and ready to pack your bags for a small-town escape.
The Debutantes by Olivia Worley
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Wow, just wow! The Debutantes by Olivia Worley is an absolute must-read for fans of twisty YA thrillers. Think Karen McManus meets the glittering, dark world of New Orleans Mardi Gras. This book hooked me from the very first page and didn’t let go until the jaw-dropping ending—I honestly did NOT see it coming!
The story immerses you in the opulence and intrigue of the Les Masques Ball, where secrets, scandals, and murder lurk behind every mask. The setting is so atmospheric, you can practically hear the jazz and feel the tension in the humid New Orleans air. The characters—Vivian, Piper, and April—are richly drawn and wonderfully flawed, each with secrets that keep you guessing about their motives.
I loved how the mystery unraveled in layers, with clues sprinkled throughout that made you think you’d figured it out, only to be thrown by another twist. The Jester’s eerie threats and the sinister connections to Margot’s death added such a chilling element to the story. And the ending? Absolutely explosive!
This book is a perfect blend of glamour, danger, and suspense. If you love stories where nothing—and no one—is as it seems, The Debutantes is for you. I’m already hoping for more books from Olivia Worley. Five glittering stars!
Forbidden Dreams by Natasha Madison
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
5.0
Forbidden Dreams by Natasha Madison is a thrilling rollercoaster of emotions that will leave you breathless and turning pages until the very end! Brady and Harmony’s story is the perfect mix of tension, desire, and heart-wrenching moments that will make you both swoon and root for them from start to finish.
Brady is everything you want in a hero—determined, strong, and fiercely protective, with just enough vulnerability to make him irresistible. His battle to resist the magnetic pull toward Harmony is palpable, and watching him struggle with the attraction while trying to keep things professional is an emotional journey you won’t be able to put down. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and you’ll find yourself eager for each encounter, knowing that every moment they spend together inches them closer to crossing that line.
Harmony, on the other hand, is the ultimate heroine—smart, strong, and fiercely protective of her son. Her journey from heartache to healing is beautifully written, and you can’t help but cheer for her as she steps into her power. The moments of vulnerability she shares with Brady are so touching, and the slow-burn tension between them is pure magic. I loved seeing her come into her own as she navigates her new life, and Brady proves to be the perfect partner to help her heal.
The world-building in Forbidden Dreams is phenomenal—Montgavin Township feels like a character itself. The small-town vibe, the family dynamics, and the suspense of the distillery showdown all add to the depth of the story. The secondary characters, particularly Brady’s family and Harmony’s ex-husband, add intrigue and drama that keeps you hooked.
Natasha Madison has truly outdone herself with this one. Forbidden Dreams is an absolute must-read for fans of forbidden love, second chances, and swoon-worthy heroes. It’s a beautiful, emotional, and steamy story that will make your heart race and leave you wishing for more. Get ready to fall in love with Brady and Harmony—they are the kind of couple you’ll never forget!
This book gets ALL the stars. Don't miss out on this captivating love story—grab it now!
How to Marry Keanu Reeves in 90 Days by K.M. Jackson
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
K.M. Jackson delivers a laugh-out-loud, heartwarming rom-com in How to Marry Keanu Reeves in 90 Days, a delightful story of celebrity crushes, friendship, and self-discovery.
The novel follows Bethany Lu Carlisle, a talented but slightly chaotic artist whose life is turned upside down when she learns that Keanu Reeves—her lifelong crush and the internet’s favorite boyfriend—is reportedly getting married. What follows is a hilarious and whirlwind road trip from New York to Los Angeles, as Lu, with her loyal best friend Truman Erikson by her side, attempts to stop the impending nuptials and finally meet the man of her dreams.
Jackson skillfully balances humor and heartfelt moments. Lu is a wonderfully relatable protagonist: impulsive, quirky, and stubborn, but also deeply vulnerable as she confronts her fear of missed opportunities and growing older. Truman, her steady and endlessly supportive BFF, is the perfect foil—charming, reliable, and clearly harboring unspoken feelings for Lu. Their banter is sharp and endearing, and their evolving dynamic provides the story with emotional depth.
The road trip itself is a treasure trove of hijinks, complete with unexpected detours, embarrassing missteps, and moments of tender introspection. As Lu and True navigate their journey, readers are treated to a story that is as much about finding oneself as it is about finding love.
Jackson also cleverly uses Lu’s obsession with Keanu Reeves to explore the nature of celebrity worship and how it reflects our own desires and insecurities. The book’s resolution is both satisfying and uplifting, reminding readers that sometimes the love we’ve been chasing has been beside us all along.
How to Marry Keanu Reeves in 90 Days is a feel-good story with sharp wit, lovable characters, and a central romance that will have readers swooning. Fans of road trip adventures and best-friends-to-lovers romances will adore this book. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a joyful, escapist read with a healthy dose of Keanu magic.
Variation by Rebecca Yarros
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Absolutely loved this story. Read it in 24 hours.
Booked for Murder by P. J. Nelson
Book for Murder is a light and entertaining read, perfect for fans of southern cozy mysteries looking for a quick escape. However, its uneven pacing and lack of character depth prevent it from standing out in the genre.
3.0
PJ Nelson’s Book for Murder is an atmospheric southern cozy mystery with a charming premise, but it struggles to fully deliver on its potential. While the small-town Georgia setting and quirky bookstore backdrop create a delightful and intriguing ambiance, the pacing and character development leave something to be desired.
Madeline Brimley, the spirited protagonist, is a mix of determination and drama, which suits her backstory as a failed actress. Her return to the small town of Enigma and the inheritance of her Aunt Rose’s eccentric bookstore offer the perfect setup for a cozy mystery. The Victorian mansion-turned-bookstore is vividly described, adding a sense of place that’s rich and engaging.
However, the story’s execution feels uneven. While the threats and mysterious fires initially create tension, the plot takes a while to build momentum. The pacing falters with long stretches of exposition and Madeline’s inner monologue, which often feels repetitive and slows the narrative down. The murder mystery, while intriguing, lacks the complexity and twists needed to keep readers fully engaged, and the resolution feels rushed and somewhat predictable.
The supporting cast of small-town characters has potential, but many of them are underdeveloped. Their quirks are more surface-level than substantial, making it difficult to connect with them or to fully invest in the web of secrets Madeline is trying to unravel.
That said, the book has its strengths. The southern charm, atmospheric setting, and cozy mystery tropes make it an enjoyable, if not groundbreaking, read. Nelson’s writing shines when describing the gothic elements of the Victorian mansion and the cozy yet eerie feel of the bookstore.
The supporting cast of small-town characters has potential, but many of them are underdeveloped. Their quirks are more surface-level than substantial, making it difficult to connect with them or to fully invest in the web of secrets Madeline is trying to unravel.
That said, the book has its strengths. The southern charm, atmospheric setting, and cozy mystery tropes make it an enjoyable, if not groundbreaking, read. Nelson’s writing shines when describing the gothic elements of the Victorian mansion and the cozy yet eerie feel of the bookstore.
Book for Murder is a light and entertaining read, perfect for fans of southern cozy mysteries looking for a quick escape. However, its uneven pacing and lack of character depth prevent it from standing out in the genre.
Snowed in for Christmas by Jaqueline Snowe
4.0
Jaqueline Snowe’s Snowed In for Christmas is a delightful holiday romcom that perfectly blends sizzling chemistry, laugh-out-loud humor, and a generous dose of Christmas cheer. Fans of grumpy/sunshine pairings and forced-proximity tropes will be absolutely charmed by this festive debut.
The forced proximity during the blizzard is the perfect setup for romance. As the snow falls and power outages force Becca and Harrison to hunker down together, their walls begin to crumble. Snowe masterfully builds tension, balancing banter, heartfelt conversations, and moments of undeniable heat. The chemistry between Becca and Harrison feels authentic, and readers will root for them as they navigate their undeniable connection and the emotional baggage holding them back.
What sets this book apart is the balance of humor and heart. Becca’s witty inner monologue and her ability to draw out Harrison’s softer side bring levity, while the exploration of their vulnerabilities and fears adds emotional depth. The holiday setting—complete with cozy fires, hot cocoa, and snow-covered scenery—wraps the story in a festive glow, making it a perfect seasonal read.
Snowed In for Christmas is the kind of book that feels like a warm hug on a cold winter night. Becca and Harrison’s story is proof that sometimes, love can thaw even the iciest hearts.
Snowed In for Christmas is the kind of book that feels like a warm hug on a cold winter night. Becca and Harrison’s story is proof that sometimes, love can thaw even the iciest hearts.
A Wish for Christmas by Courtney Cole
3.5
Courtney Cole delivers a tender, magical tale in A Wish for Christmas, a story that explores the complexities of love, regret, and the enduring power of second chances.
Cole’s writing shines with evocative descriptions of the snowy, enchanting holiday backdrop, adding warmth and atmosphere to an already touching story. The themes of forgiveness, self-discovery, and the enduring strength of love are woven seamlessly throughout, making this book more than just a holiday romance—it’s a heartfelt celebration of the resilience of relationships.
The magic of the story lies in its transformation. Watching Noel and Jonah rediscover what drew them together in the first place—through new eyes and fresh circumstances—is both heartwarming and poignant. Their chance encounter in their “new lives” is beautifully crafted, filled with moments that tug at the heartstrings and remind readers of the power of fate and connection.
Cole’s writing shines with evocative descriptions of the snowy, enchanting holiday backdrop, adding warmth and atmosphere to an already touching story. The themes of forgiveness, self-discovery, and the enduring strength of love are woven seamlessly throughout, making this book more than just a holiday romance—it’s a heartfelt celebration of the resilience of relationships.
The magic of the story lies in its transformation. Watching Noel and Jonah rediscover what drew them together in the first place—through new eyes and fresh circumstances—is both heartwarming and poignant. Their chance encounter in their “new lives” is beautifully crafted, filled with moments that tug at the heartstrings and remind readers of the power of fate and connection.
Highly recommended for anyone looking to feel the magic of love and Christmas all over again.