chelsiejoallen's reviews
195 reviews

Play Maker by Piper Lawson

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The story line in book one started with a bang, it got drug out into book two and was starting to dwindle. Book 3, Play Maker was just drug out drama until they could live happily ever after. There was so much unnecessary drama to keep the books going it was painful. I also feel like book three didn’t have much substance and all three books could have been combined into one good book. The narrators did a great job and helped make the story come to life. I like Piper Lawson’s writing but feel like she missed the mark on these. 

Bed of Roses: A Novel by Caylee Hammack

lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I really struggled with this book! I thought it was a cute storyline and kept waiting for it to get better and better but I just wasn’t the intended audience for it. There were a few ick moments for me like Jack and I just can’t get over that Sam gave in and kissed him! I’m glad she threw up all over him but still a BIG ick. I also thought Noah needed to be a bigger man and not put up with Laura. I know all these parts help make the story but they just didn’t do it for me. It was very slow and really drug on I had a hard time following at times as I got bored. I loved Nibbler, Kathleen and Loretta, they made the story for me and I thought they were hilarious! 

Heart of Thorns by S. Massery

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I thought this was a good audiobook! It was a slow burn, fake dating story! The narrators did a wonderful job! I generally overall liked this story, it was missing something for me I just can’t quite pinpoint what it was. I loved how Briar never gave up and was determined to find her attacker and to get back on the ice! Thorne needed to grow a pair and stick up for what he wanted. I also feel the fake dating aspect needed to be a little more believable with his parents! There wasn’t a lot of spice which was ok and I really enjoyed the suspense aspect to it! 

Among the Willows by Jennifer L. Strand

dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

5.0

A spicy, cowboy romance with suspense? Yes please sign me up! This book hit all the marks! The spice was off the charts, the suspense kept you on the front of your seat and the cowboy was panty melting! Jennifer did a great job with all aspects of this book, it was very well articulated and there were twists I didn’t see coming. I LOVED Jude, he was strong, sexy and a giant golden retriever! Romy was scared and looking for something she didn’t have growing up! I wanted to scream at her a few times to open her eyes and see what’s in front of her! I really loved that Jude never gave up! This book is 5 stars all the way and I can’t wait for the next one! 

Taming You by Alex Taylor

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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? No

4.0

If you are a fan of single dads and friends to lovers then this is a book for you! It was well written and a very cute story! Matt becomes an insta dad and doing the best he can, Zoey is a sweetheart and steps up to help in every way. The banter between the two was great and the story line flowed really well! Alex did a great job executing the friends to lovers transition really well all while add in a baby and other curves. You can read this as a stand alone but I recommend reading as a series as the characters intertwine and make a little more sense. 

This Moment by Kelly Elliott

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious 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? No

5.0

Kelly has done it again…..there is a reason she is my favorite author and reading this book just added to that fact! I don’t know many authors who can add thrilling twists but have you laughing in the middle of them! I loved Cadie, she was so sweet and so willing to help others! Even after everything she went through she still was trying to help Michael and put him first! I don’t know many people who would do that! Kian was the best MMC for Cadie! I love that he followed his dreams and stood up for what was right! Their chemistry was off the charts and the trust they had in one another was a breath of fresh air! Opal, Macy, Mark and all the other supporting characters made this story that much better! This was such a great book, you’re smiling, swooning, snort laughing and even wanting to throat punch a character! Kelly does such a great job when writing her stories to make you feel every emotion, you feel like you are living in the book world. I’m so excited for this series, it’s a must read! 

Tattered Edges by Annie Winston

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious medium-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

5.0

I am very quickly becoming an Annie Winston fan! This is the second book of hers I have read and once I start them I can’t stop! I love me a broody, grumpy man that would do anything for his woman and that is what Rory is! Sawyer is so relatable and lovable! The chemistry between the two is untouchable and I loved the banter! Annie also does an excellent job with the supporting characters! They mix so well and are a perfect touch to the story! This story is a must read and will leave you breathless more than once! 

Loving You by Jami Rogers

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was such a cute story! I love a good small town, fake dating story and this one delivered! From the banter to the baking and the spice this book has everything you need including a cute puppy! Quinn and Miles story was perfection and will leave you smiling throughout the whole book! 

Deep Down the Rabbit Hole by T. R. Hill

dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I’ve never read a book with three POV and it was quite a unique way to write this story. TR Hill did a great job conveying this story and hooking her readers right away. I loved Kinsley and Caleb’s story, it felt so real and heartfelt! I definitely wanted to throttle Landon a couple times throughout the book! This was a fun romance, mystery and suspense story. There were some twists I didn’t see coming and I loved that!  

Play Pretend by Claire Brooks

emotional funny hopeful 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

5.0

If you like fake dating then this book is for you. It was such a cute story and so relatable. First off I love the name Willow, I thought it fit her perfectly! Ronan the broody sheriff neighbor was swoonworthy and super sexy! I love how Claire gave the characters real life problems and mental health issues, it made them that much more lovable! Definitely a must read!