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brazenbookbabe's reviews
487 reviews
Case Histories by Kate Atkinson
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Rape, and Murder
The Beast Takes a Bride by Julie Anne Long
5.0
Beast Takes a Bride by Julie Anne Long is a captivating blend of emotional depth, swoon-worthy romance, and high stakes. Set outside the traditional ballrooms of historical romance, it offers a refreshing take on the genre with the Grand Palace on the Thames as its backdrop.
The estranged marriage trope is handled beautifully as Alexandra and Magnus, separated for five years, find themselves forced back together by scandal. Their journey from icy strangers to rediscovering passion and love was utterly compelling. Magnus, the brooding war hero, falls first and hard, a trope I adore, and their slow-burn connection is both tender and fiery.
With an ensemble cast that adds warmth and humor, and a plot packed with tension and heart, this was a cozy, heartfelt read. Perfect for fans of second-chance romances and heroes with layers to uncover. Highly recommend!
My Big Fat Fake Marriage by Charlotte Stein
5.0
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC of this delightful, laugh-out-loud rom-com!
Connie has always distrusted nice guys—they seem too good to be true. Enter Henry Samuel Beckett (aka Beck): bow-tie-wearing, sunshine-beaming, cinnamon-roll editor extraordinaire. Beck might just be the exception… until his big secret slips out—he’s told his entire publishing house he’s married. Cue Connie accidentally stepping into the role of his fake wife.
Off they go to a writing retreat, trying to convince everyone this “marriage” is legit. But with shared beds, sizzling tension, and moments that make your heart flutter, the line between fake and real starts to blur. And let me tell you—it’s perfection.
Charlotte Stein is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her books are so funny that I catch myself snort-laughing and sighing dramatically in public (zero regrets). This one checks all the boxes:
✔️ Grumpy-sunshine dynamic with a twist—the grump is our FMC, Connie!
✔️ Fake marriage trope done to rom-com perfection.
✔️ 90s rom-com vibes without the characters compromising their identities to “fit.”
✔️ Plus-size representation for BOTH leads (love to see it!).
Let’s talk about Beck for a second: this man is the sweetest, softest cinnamon roll, and I would burn the world to keep him happy. He’s officially my new favorite fictional character, and I am ready to wield an imaginary sword in his honor. Seriously.
The tension? Off. The. Charts. Stein masterfully builds it so well that you feel every single moment between these two. And the payoff? Chef’s kiss.
If you’re looking for a romantic, laugh-out-loud, feel-good story with all the tropes you love, My Big Fat Fake Marriage is an absolute must-read.
🌟Rating: 5/5 stars
Would I read it again? Absolutely.