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bookishobsessedmama's reviews
522 reviews
Man of the Month Club: March by Callie Love, Ann Omasta
3.5
3.5
LISTEN - this one had the most potential so far, but still left me wanting more.
I feel like if this one was a full size book and there was a twist it would have been such a good romantic suspense.
I was in it the first 50ish pages of the book, I liked the story and was for it. The MMC is kinda strange and rubbed me the wrong way, but I think that was the point.
The last 50% of the book was like 'I need to finish it and keep it novella length so lemme just end it.' The ending was super like 'what?' but no in a good way imo. I was like seriously? when we found out who was stalking her.
Overall, I'll still continue the series because I've read 3 now, I might as well, but truly these aren't anything grand and all of them have left me wanting more at this point.
LISTEN - this one had the most potential so far, but still left me wanting more.
I feel like if this one was a full size book and there was a twist it would have been such a good romantic suspense.
I was in it the first 50ish pages of the book, I liked the story and was for it. The MMC is kinda strange and rubbed me the wrong way, but I think that was the point.
The last 50% of the book was like 'I need to finish it and keep it novella length so lemme just end it.' The ending was super like 'what?' but no in a good way imo. I was like seriously? when we found out who was stalking her.
Overall, I'll still continue the series because I've read 3 now, I might as well, but truly these aren't anything grand and all of them have left me wanting more at this point.
Fake It Like You Mean It by Megan Murphy
5.0
I WAS NOT EXPECTING TO SOB MY EYES OUT MULTIPLE TIMES, but this was such a surprise in the best ways!
Fake It Like You Mean It is absolutely a sweet romance story of two people who are dealing with different things / traumas from the past. You watch them fall for each other and grow as individuals and as partners. BUT it is also so much more than that.
The Alzheimer’s representation in this book is done so very well. The way that the FMC was handling the entire situation was beautifully written in a sense that it was painful, joyous, hopeless, hopeful, and absolutely so accurate to what those in that situation will feel. When she got there at the end when Angie called her I was simply a mess. It was such a beautiful moment and I was so glad that she got to have that.
I really loved Adam. He was a strong character who was super supportive to our FMC, but also had his own growth and story as well.
I really LOVED the narration. The narrator did an absolutely outstanding job. She kept me entertained and into the story the entire time. I would absolutely recommend consuming this via audio.
You’ll find:
-Fake Dating
-Forced Proximity
-Only One Bed
-Snowed in Together
& LET ME JUST ADD. this was a DEBUT. this is OUTSTANDING for a debut novel. 👏🏼 YOU DID THAT.
Truly i loved this book. It touched me in such a special place in my heart. If you’re looking for a beautifully sweet romance that also touches on real world, tough topics, i can’t recommend this one enough.
Fake It Like You Mean It is absolutely a sweet romance story of two people who are dealing with different things / traumas from the past. You watch them fall for each other and grow as individuals and as partners. BUT it is also so much more than that.
The Alzheimer’s representation in this book is done so very well. The way that the FMC was handling the entire situation was beautifully written in a sense that it was painful, joyous, hopeless, hopeful, and absolutely so accurate to what those in that situation will feel. When she got there at the end when Angie called her I was simply a mess. It was such a beautiful moment and I was so glad that she got to have that.
I really loved Adam. He was a strong character who was super supportive to our FMC, but also had his own growth and story as well.
I really LOVED the narration. The narrator did an absolutely outstanding job. She kept me entertained and into the story the entire time. I would absolutely recommend consuming this via audio.
You’ll find:
-Fake Dating
-Forced Proximity
-Only One Bed
-Snowed in Together
& LET ME JUST ADD. this was a DEBUT. this is OUTSTANDING for a debut novel. 👏🏼 YOU DID THAT.
Truly i loved this book. It touched me in such a special place in my heart. If you’re looking for a beautifully sweet romance that also touches on real world, tough topics, i can’t recommend this one enough.
Ride by Your Side by Kristen Lucero
4.0
this was my first book by Kristen Lucero and i can easily say i loved her writing style. I love an author who loves banter and writes a super bingable, fun and easy read and that was absolutely this.
I loved the idea of the roadtrip to get out of time after a ‘disaster’ (IYKYK) and i loved the mutually longing from both the characters on the road trip the entire time. I think the first 40-50% of the book was my favorite part because you really got to see the change of feelings for the MCs by each other and the different drops along the way was really fun.
The store scene when Ronnie fills the basket with all the snacks was so fun and something I related too with my best friend so I enjoyed that alot!
The Vegas marriage is a storyline that’s done a lot, and it was pretty basic there was nothing for that that stood out in it, but that didn’t necessarily bother me. Accidental marriages are some of my favorite tropes so i was excited to see where we went with it.
My big “issue” for lack of a better word was that i felt like Miles’s grumpiness kinda just randomly disappeared after they got marriage. I almost felt like the tension and mutually pining / longing just disappeared overnight and I wanted it
to build more. It’s def a slow burn, the real “romance” aspect of the book doesn’t begin until 60-75% in but it felt like around 50% when the wedding happened all the build up stopped.
It wasn’t a deal breaker for me, but i would have loved to see that grumpiness and the character traits that Miles had up until that part still build. The “F*** it” part didn’t feel as great cuz the reader could feel it coming.
Overall, I enjoyed this and the writing! I would def recommend it for someone wanting something a bit lighter and quick. 😊
I loved the idea of the roadtrip to get out of time after a ‘disaster’ (IYKYK) and i loved the mutually longing from both the characters on the road trip the entire time. I think the first 40-50% of the book was my favorite part because you really got to see the change of feelings for the MCs by each other and the different drops along the way was really fun.
The store scene when Ronnie fills the basket with all the snacks was so fun and something I related too with my best friend so I enjoyed that alot!
The Vegas marriage is a storyline that’s done a lot, and it was pretty basic there was nothing for that that stood out in it, but that didn’t necessarily bother me. Accidental marriages are some of my favorite tropes so i was excited to see where we went with it.
My big “issue” for lack of a better word was that i felt like Miles’s grumpiness kinda just randomly disappeared after they got marriage. I almost felt like the tension and mutually pining / longing just disappeared overnight and I wanted it
to build more. It’s def a slow burn, the real “romance” aspect of the book doesn’t begin until 60-75% in but it felt like around 50% when the wedding happened all the build up stopped.
It wasn’t a deal breaker for me, but i would have loved to see that grumpiness and the character traits that Miles had up until that part still build. The “F*** it” part didn’t feel as great cuz the reader could feel it coming.
Overall, I enjoyed this and the writing! I would def recommend it for someone wanting something a bit lighter and quick. 😊
Whirlwind by Kayla Grosse
5.0
tbh this was such a treat. the vibes were immaculate.
this was one of the best audios i’ve listened to in a WHILE. the narration was top tier. I loved that it was a duel narration, and the small sound effects throughout were the perfect touch without overdoing and overshadowing the story.
I loved the story. I loved the characters. i just had a great time 🤷🏼♀️
It gave twister vibes and truly it was so fun.
Plus size FMC
MMC that’s obsessed with her
College professor / student
Storm chasers / photographers
SPICE THAT SPICED
forced proximity
it really was just a treat! if you can listen to the audio, i 100% recommend doing that!
was it the greatest book ever written? no. did i have a top tier time and listen to it in 1 sitting? Yes.
Def recommend and will be revisiting this author!
this was one of the best audios i’ve listened to in a WHILE. the narration was top tier. I loved that it was a duel narration, and the small sound effects throughout were the perfect touch without overdoing and overshadowing the story.
I loved the story. I loved the characters. i just had a great time 🤷🏼♀️
It gave twister vibes and truly it was so fun.
Plus size FMC
MMC that’s obsessed with her
College professor / student
Storm chasers / photographers
SPICE THAT SPICED
forced proximity
it really was just a treat! if you can listen to the audio, i 100% recommend doing that!
was it the greatest book ever written? no. did i have a top tier time and listen to it in 1 sitting? Yes.
Def recommend and will be revisiting this author!
The Magic of Light by Jordan Abitz
4.0
this is such an impressive debut novel. I was really impressed by the depth of the characters, their growth and just the overall tenderness of the story.
Sawyer is a beautiful character that comes from such a powerfully tough background that can be so relatable to so many readers. I felt seen in parts of her that i’ve never felt seen before and she was beautifully written. Her growth and depth was astounding.
Soren comes from so much tragedy and trauma and still remained calm, respectful and a stronghold for Sawyer.
Their love story was truly beautifully written and lovely to read.
The writing was done so well. It was bingable, quick and easy to read but never lost my attention from start to finish. The pacing was extremely well done and I honestly could have even read more.
You’ll find:
-Small Town Romance
-Found Family
-He falls first & hard
There is a third act conflict but it felt so necessary to the growth of the FMC that it didn’t bother me.
Overall, i will absolutely be reading more by this author & would recommend this to my peers.
Sawyer is a beautiful character that comes from such a powerfully tough background that can be so relatable to so many readers. I felt seen in parts of her that i’ve never felt seen before and she was beautifully written. Her growth and depth was astounding.
Soren comes from so much tragedy and trauma and still remained calm, respectful and a stronghold for Sawyer.
Their love story was truly beautifully written and lovely to read.
The writing was done so well. It was bingable, quick and easy to read but never lost my attention from start to finish. The pacing was extremely well done and I honestly could have even read more.
You’ll find:
-Small Town Romance
-Found Family
-He falls first & hard
There is a third act conflict but it felt so necessary to the growth of the FMC that it didn’t bother me.
Overall, i will absolutely be reading more by this author & would recommend this to my peers.
My Big Fat Fake Marriage by Charlotte Stein
3.25
3.25 ⭐️
I have pretty mixed feelings about this one! I’m a SUCKER for a fake marriage / forced proximity book, but this one was a bit far fetched / awkward for me?
I liked the premise of the book, and the FMC was relatable. I enjoyed the overall writing style. it was bingable and was an easy read.
I didn’t vibe with the MMC. I felt like his character wasn’t believable. He’s in his mid 30s and he’s never even had a kiss before? I don’t know… it felt…. far fetched. I felt the spice was REALLY awkward. I know it’s supposed to have that aspect about it, but it just felt very cringey and while i respect it, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
The inner monologues were a bit much for me as well… i didn’t feel like there was much of any character growth and there was only sexual tension imo, and no emotional tense or angst grown.
Lastly, i read this via digital AND audio, and as a major audiobook consumer i hated this audio. I don’t feel like the narration was sold at all, and maybe with a different reader it would have been better, but there was no emotionality in the narration at all.
Overall… It wasn’t bad, but i feel like i will forget it rather quickly. It wasn’t great, but wasn’t bad. 🤷🏼♀️
I have pretty mixed feelings about this one! I’m a SUCKER for a fake marriage / forced proximity book, but this one was a bit far fetched / awkward for me?
I liked the premise of the book, and the FMC was relatable. I enjoyed the overall writing style. it was bingable and was an easy read.
I didn’t vibe with the MMC. I felt like his character wasn’t believable. He’s in his mid 30s and he’s never even had a kiss before? I don’t know… it felt…. far fetched. I felt the spice was REALLY awkward. I know it’s supposed to have that aspect about it, but it just felt very cringey and while i respect it, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
The inner monologues were a bit much for me as well… i didn’t feel like there was much of any character growth and there was only sexual tension imo, and no emotional tense or angst grown.
Lastly, i read this via digital AND audio, and as a major audiobook consumer i hated this audio. I don’t feel like the narration was sold at all, and maybe with a different reader it would have been better, but there was no emotionality in the narration at all.
Overall… It wasn’t bad, but i feel like i will forget it rather quickly. It wasn’t great, but wasn’t bad. 🤷🏼♀️
Story Of My Life by Lucy Score
4.0
I really enjoyed the story as a whole. I loved the MCs and their banter was everything. I really love that Lucy writes characters that are in the second half of their life going through real life problems - in their 30s and 40s going through divorce and job loss etc. The characters feel more relatable and realistic due to that.
While I did enjoy the story and characters as a whole, i think i’ve come to find that i more often than not feel like Lucy’s books are unnecessarily too long. While they read easy, the length can usually be cut by removing, honestly, unnecessary fluff. For example, imo, the third act conflict was unnecessary to the plot and could have been removed to cut the length down some.
Overall, it was a good read. I would recommend for readers who enjoy:
-Grumpy / Sunshine
-Small Town Romance
-Top tier banter
-Found Family
-Fake / Secret Relationship
-Slow Burn (romance doesn’t really kick in until 50%)
I’d definitely recommend, just know it’s a big one 😉
While I did enjoy the story and characters as a whole, i think i’ve come to find that i more often than not feel like Lucy’s books are unnecessarily too long. While they read easy, the length can usually be cut by removing, honestly, unnecessary fluff. For example, imo, the third act conflict was unnecessary to the plot and could have been removed to cut the length down some.
Overall, it was a good read. I would recommend for readers who enjoy:
-Grumpy / Sunshine
-Small Town Romance
-Top tier banter
-Found Family
-Fake / Secret Relationship
-Slow Burn (romance doesn’t really kick in until 50%)
I’d definitely recommend, just know it’s a big one 😉
Winning Brynn by Maisie Myers
4.25
i had a lot of fun with this book!
I enjoyed the characters a lot, and the overall plot was good as well.
I felt the writing was well done. Super bingable making it a fast and easy read.
Salem was the sweetest addition to this book! i loved her little character. Brynn was probably my favorite character in the book. Her empathy and overall self confidence was beautiful.
My only “issue” with the book was the first 20-25% of the book just felt so slow! I even considered DNFing, which i’m glad i didn’t cuz once things picked up it was hard to even put it down!
You’ll find:
-soccer romance
-best friend’s sister
-single dad / nanny
-enemies / lovers
I was actually really surprised at the little twist about 70% into the book (IYKYK) and i thought that really added to the book.
This was my first book by this author and i had a great time! i’d def recommend and return to other work she does!
I enjoyed the characters a lot, and the overall plot was good as well.
I felt the writing was well done. Super bingable making it a fast and easy read.
Salem was the sweetest addition to this book! i loved her little character. Brynn was probably my favorite character in the book. Her empathy and overall self confidence was beautiful.
My only “issue” with the book was the first 20-25% of the book just felt so slow! I even considered DNFing, which i’m glad i didn’t cuz once things picked up it was hard to even put it down!
You’ll find:
-soccer romance
-best friend’s sister
-single dad / nanny
-enemies / lovers
I was actually really surprised at the little twist about 70% into the book (IYKYK) and i thought that really added to the book.
This was my first book by this author and i had a great time! i’d def recommend and return to other work she does!
Hidden on the Highest Shelf by R.B. Madison
4.25
4/4.25 ⭐️
I always applaud poets for putting their deepest, most inner thoughts on paper. It takes a level of courage and bravery to write it all down and share it with the world.
I really enjoyed this particular collections of poems. I liked how they were organized and the sectioning of them was done well. I wished there was more drawings throughout because that always adds so much to poems, but it also didn’t take away not having them.
My favorite poems:
waves
my greatest strength
a toast
Rainbow
differences in what we need
Playing the Part
Taken Seriously
How?
Dig, Dig, Dig
Canceled Plans
Enough
I always applaud poets for putting their deepest, most inner thoughts on paper. It takes a level of courage and bravery to write it all down and share it with the world.
I really enjoyed this particular collections of poems. I liked how they were organized and the sectioning of them was done well. I wished there was more drawings throughout because that always adds so much to poems, but it also didn’t take away not having them.
My favorite poems:
waves
my greatest strength
a toast
Rainbow
differences in what we need
Playing the Part
Taken Seriously
How?
Dig, Dig, Dig
Canceled Plans
Enough
Fire Fight by Amanda Chaperon
5.0
AMANDA CHAPERON.
first & foremost I am so proud of Amanda. This was such a great new world and story and I just ate every second of it up! 👏🏼 You did that an you should be so unbelievably proud of yourself!
NOW. let’s get into the meat & potatoes of it-
FIRST - Crew Lawless. ARE YOU KIDDING ME.
You will love him. It’s that simple. Crew is emotionally available, he has a past but he’s healed and not afraid of it, he’s strong, respectable and DIIRTTYYYYY 😜 IYKYK. I adore Crew. I didn’t want Crew to end.
Aspen was such a spitfire. I adored her. She was strong and resilient but also vulnerable and emotional all at the same time. She was the epitome of all the best parts of my favorite strong, bada$$ women. Amanda did an amazing job at making Aspen hella relatable while also giving her an aura at the same time.
All of the side characters will make you want to immediately read more of this place and family. Lane had so much growth and it wasn’t even his book, so i cannot wait to read more of him. Trey i can just TELLLL is a huge teddy bear (that better be with Wyatt IM JUST SAYING lmfao), Birdie was so sweet. I loved the twins…. basically if you haven’t noticed yet. Dusk Valley and the Lawless family are just everything.
NOW - the story itself. I was giggling, I was fanning myself, I was sitting on the edge of my seat, I was yelling at the book, I was swooning. Sincerely, this had everything and more you’d want from a romantic suspense. There’s tension, angst, character depth and growth, spice, suspense.. truly I couldn’t ask for anything more.
The only part I didn’t like? IT ENDED. Truly this was one book i feel like i purposely read slower because i loved the world and characters.
You’re gonna find:
🔥 Firefighter / PI
🔥 Romantic Suspense
🔥 Forced Proximity
🔥 Slow Burn (in the best ways)
🔥 Touch basically anyone and ☠️
🔥 Reformed Bad Boy
I can’t wait for more from this series! AMANDA YOU DID THAT 👏🏼
first & foremost I am so proud of Amanda. This was such a great new world and story and I just ate every second of it up! 👏🏼 You did that an you should be so unbelievably proud of yourself!
NOW. let’s get into the meat & potatoes of it-
FIRST - Crew Lawless. ARE YOU KIDDING ME.
You will love him. It’s that simple. Crew is emotionally available, he has a past but he’s healed and not afraid of it, he’s strong, respectable and DIIRTTYYYYY 😜 IYKYK. I adore Crew. I didn’t want Crew to end.
Aspen was such a spitfire. I adored her. She was strong and resilient but also vulnerable and emotional all at the same time. She was the epitome of all the best parts of my favorite strong, bada$$ women. Amanda did an amazing job at making Aspen hella relatable while also giving her an aura at the same time.
All of the side characters will make you want to immediately read more of this place and family. Lane had so much growth and it wasn’t even his book, so i cannot wait to read more of him. Trey i can just TELLLL is a huge teddy bear (that better be with Wyatt IM JUST SAYING lmfao), Birdie was so sweet. I loved the twins…. basically if you haven’t noticed yet. Dusk Valley and the Lawless family are just everything.
NOW - the story itself. I was giggling, I was fanning myself, I was sitting on the edge of my seat, I was yelling at the book, I was swooning. Sincerely, this had everything and more you’d want from a romantic suspense. There’s tension, angst, character depth and growth, spice, suspense.. truly I couldn’t ask for anything more.
The only part I didn’t like? IT ENDED. Truly this was one book i feel like i purposely read slower because i loved the world and characters.
You’re gonna find:
🔥 Firefighter / PI
🔥 Romantic Suspense
🔥 Forced Proximity
🔥 Slow Burn (in the best ways)
🔥 Touch basically anyone and ☠️
🔥 Reformed Bad Boy
I can’t wait for more from this series! AMANDA YOU DID THAT 👏🏼