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chelsss_ann's reviews
363 reviews
The Bloke by Jacklyn Parker
Did not finish book. Stopped at 32%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 32%.
**Thank you to Jacklyn Parker and The Author Agency for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
***I was in a funk when I picked this up, so this review could totally be biased by that book slump.
DNFed around 32%. The leap from male revue dancer to murderer just seemed too sudden. And I get that should play into his character, but it felt too different from what we had already learned about him. There also seemed to be a lack of chemistry between the two MCs too. I don't know. It just fell flat for me.
***I was in a funk when I picked this up, so this review could totally be biased by that book slump.
DNFed around 32%. The leap from male revue dancer to murderer just seemed too sudden. And I get that should play into his character, but it felt too different from what we had already learned about him. There also seemed to be a lack of chemistry between the two MCs too. I don't know. It just fell flat for me.
Double Fault by Ella Wren
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Thank you to Ella Wren & Valentine PR for the arc in exchange for an honest review! š¾
Whew. What a debut. We get emotion. We get pining. We get adult decisions. And we get spice. *fans self* Noah was trying to hold back his attraction to Sabrina, which just made him finally letting go even hotter. š„µš„µ
Honestly there were just so many good relationships in this book. The friendships were so heartwarming, from the ones that have stood the test of time to the ones that are newly formed, they all just tugged at the heartstrings...though I will say. That one suggestion Elias had... I thought we would see that in the epilogue, and I was a little disappointed it didn't happen. Perhaps we'll see it when Elias gets his own book?? Plus the relationships that both Noah and Sabrina have with Maddie are just so freaking sweet. Apparently I'm stull solidly in my single dad romance era.
Whew. What a debut. We get emotion. We get pining. We get adult decisions. And we get spice. *fans self* Noah was trying to hold back his attraction to Sabrina, which just made him finally letting go even hotter. š„µš„µ
Honestly there were just so many good relationships in this book. The friendships were so heartwarming, from the ones that have stood the test of time to the ones that are newly formed, they all just tugged at the heartstrings...though I will say. That one suggestion Elias had... I thought we would see that in the epilogue, and I was a little disappointed it didn't happen. Perhaps we'll see it when Elias gets his own book?? Plus the relationships that both Noah and Sabrina have with Maddie are just so freaking sweet. Apparently I'm stull solidly in my single dad romance era.
Falling for the Forward: A Fake Marriage Hockey Romance by Brenda Rothert
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you to Brenda Rothert and Hambright PR for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was a super easy read, but it neededā¦more. I didnāt feel the connection between these two. And I think the book being less than 200 pages had a lot to do with that. It went from nanny and boss to married so quickly. And even though we know the basis of these fake relationships are BS in these romances, I usually eat them up...but not this one.
The relationships I really enjoyed in this book were Sukiās with the girls. They were so sweet with one another, and I loved how Suki allowed the girls to grieve. She never pushed them to move past their mother's death just because their grief made her uncomfortable, and she made sure to talk to them about their mom. To let them know she'd be there if they needed/wanted someone to talk to.
I wish I could have loved this one. I think it just needed a little bit more meat to it.
This was a super easy read, but it neededā¦more. I didnāt feel the connection between these two. And I think the book being less than 200 pages had a lot to do with that. It went from nanny and boss to married so quickly. And even though we know the basis of these fake relationships are BS in these romances, I usually eat them up...but not this one.
The relationships I really enjoyed in this book were Sukiās with the girls. They were so sweet with one another, and I loved how Suki allowed the girls to grieve. She never pushed them to move past their mother's death just because their grief made her uncomfortable, and she made sure to talk to them about their mom. To let them know she'd be there if they needed/wanted someone to talk to.
I wish I could have loved this one. I think it just needed a little bit more meat to it.
Between the Pines by Amber Palmer
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Thank you Amber Palmer for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I'm just as shocked as you are that my cowboy romance era is still going strong. So when I saw a teaser for Between the Pines come across my feed, I knew I had to sign up for an ARC. I mean, they have a week of bliss and then don't see each other for a year, but he pines (pun intended) for her for a year before finally seeing her again, just to find out she's with someone else? Oh yea, I needed to read it.
You're immediately thrown into the chemistry with these two. How Josie ever walked away from Lincoln to begin with is beyond me. And then when he walks onto her ranch a year later and she still sticks with her boyfriend, whose name I can't even remember? Yea, girl, get your head on straight. Lincoln is everything you want in a man. The thoughtfulness, the effort, the š„µš„µ.
I also loved the side characters of this book. And the set up for the MCs of book 2 and 3 is already so good. I'm frothing at the mouth for both books. Book 2 is going to have a whole lot of hate to love (I think) and I feel like book is going to rip my heart out. But I'm ok with that. Anyways, I'm super excited that I found this book before Apollycon, because now I'm even more excited to meet Amber Palmer!
I'm just as shocked as you are that my cowboy romance era is still going strong. So when I saw a teaser for Between the Pines come across my feed, I knew I had to sign up for an ARC. I mean, they have a week of bliss and then don't see each other for a year, but he pines (pun intended) for her for a year before finally seeing her again, just to find out she's with someone else? Oh yea, I needed to read it.
You're immediately thrown into the chemistry with these two. How Josie ever walked away from Lincoln to begin with is beyond me. And then when he walks onto her ranch a year later and she still sticks with her boyfriend, whose name I can't even remember? Yea, girl, get your head on straight. Lincoln is everything you want in a man. The thoughtfulness, the effort, the š„µš„µ.
I also loved the side characters of this book. And the set up for the MCs of book 2 and 3 is already so good. I'm frothing at the mouth for both books. Book 2 is going to have a whole lot of hate to love (I think) and I feel like book is going to rip my heart out. But I'm ok with that. Anyways, I'm super excited that I found this book before Apollycon, because now I'm even more excited to meet Amber Palmer!
Carving Shadows into Gold by Brigid Kemmerer
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I've been finished with Carving Shadows into Gold since this weekend, and I've been trying to think of a way to make my review do it justice. I don't think that's going to happen, because as much as I love reading, I can't always get my thoughts into words, which is so sad when it comes to books like this!!
Ok, first, Tycho has my whole heart. I really didn't pay much attention to him in Cursebreakers, but I would go to battle for him in an instant in Forging Silver into Stars and Caving Shadows into Gold. He's having to come to terms with learning that he's given his complete loyalty to people that have not given it back him. And he just wants someone to choose him so badly.
Gray, well, he was probably my favorite character in Cursebreakers, but guy is too much in his head now. He's making all the wrong decisions and seems to be taking out all his anger out on the wrong people. He's going to learn the hard way that he's pushing away everyone who's ever cared for him.
And Jax. I love his fierce loyalty to Tycho. I can't imagine what he's going through, trying to learn a new language and adjust to a new country while unexpectedly alone. But he's being a little harsh to Rhen (who reminds me so much of Dorian from ToG). Rhen is just a tortured soul who's just trying to make up for his past mistakes, both to his friends and his people. I already forgive him. Tycho already forgives him. Jax needs to as well.
Callyn. Whew. I wasn't sure where her story was going to end up, but she's in a right mess. I'm hoping that she gets to remain a fierce ally to the Queen and her whole mess is worked out in the next book. Her whole storyline shows that what people fear is often just the unknown.
This book gives you fantasy elements (like scravers, a fantasy character I didn't even mention in my review even though they have an important part of this book š¤¦āāļø), political intrigue, romance, romantic tension, and all the emotional complexities of being human. It's technically YA, but it's NA, with heavy topics written in a way that is easy to read. I don't know why this series isn't more popular, because it's amazing. And if this series is this good, I can't wait to see what she does with her adult fantasy coming out in August.
Ok, first, Tycho has my whole heart. I really didn't pay much attention to him in Cursebreakers, but I would go to battle for him in an instant in Forging Silver into Stars and Caving Shadows into Gold. He's having to come to terms with learning that he's given his complete loyalty to people that have not given it back him. And he just wants someone to choose him so badly.
Gray, well, he was probably my favorite character in Cursebreakers, but guy is too much in his head now. He's making all the wrong decisions and seems to be taking out all his anger out on the wrong people. He's going to learn the hard way that he's pushing away everyone who's ever cared for him.
And Jax. I love his fierce loyalty to Tycho. I can't imagine what he's going through, trying to learn a new language and adjust to a new country while unexpectedly alone. But he's being a little harsh to Rhen (who reminds me so much of Dorian from ToG). Rhen is just a tortured soul who's just trying to make up for his past mistakes, both to his friends and his people. I already forgive him. Tycho already forgives him. Jax needs to as well.
Callyn. Whew. I wasn't sure where her story was going to end up, but she's in a right mess. I'm hoping that she gets to remain a fierce ally to the Queen and her whole mess is worked out in the next book. Her whole storyline shows that what people fear is often just the unknown.
This book gives you fantasy elements (like scravers, a fantasy character I didn't even mention in my review even though they have an important part of this book š¤¦āāļø), political intrigue, romance, romantic tension, and all the emotional complexities of being human. It's technically YA, but it's NA, with heavy topics written in a way that is easy to read. I don't know why this series isn't more popular, because it's amazing. And if this series is this good, I can't wait to see what she does with her adult fantasy coming out in August.
Fire Line by Maggie C. Gates
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Good lord Carson is an asshole to Lennon. Poor thing probably got whiplash from him. I know I did. From one hell of spicy scene to meeting her on the ranch for the first time, he did a complete 180. But when he finally starts to make it up to her? Oh I completely fell for him. The only thing wrong with this book is that it's the end of this series.
Downpour by Maggie C. Gates
emotional
funny
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
*4.5 stars
Ray and Brooke are complete opposites in their personalities. Yet I love them together. I especially loved how Brooke treated Ray. Yes, he's in a wheelchair, but sh never expected him to need her help. It was more that she just offered to be there for him if he wanted it. If he needed life to be a little easier that day. Two other takeaways from this book. 1) I'm in love with Cassandra even more after this book. 2) I'm so glad that Maggie didn't "fix" Ray.
Ray and Brooke are complete opposites in their personalities. Yet I love them together. I especially loved how Brooke treated Ray. Yes, he's in a wheelchair, but sh never expected him to need her help. It was more that she just offered to be there for him if he wanted it. If he needed life to be a little easier that day. Two other takeaways from this book. 1) I'm in love with Cassandra even more after this book. 2) I'm so glad that Maggie didn't "fix" Ray.
Penn by Jennifer Millikin
funny
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
"Daisy St. James was created to ruin me. I was made to burn for her."
Thank you to Jennifer Millikin & Valentine PR for the gifted arc in exchange for an honest review!
Oh man, I ate this book up. It usually takes me a little while to get through a Jennifer Millikin book because they hit me hard, emotionally, but I read this in two days. There's tension, mystery (not romantic suspense though), grief, true friendship, and yes, The Princess Bride references.
True love, in all its forms, is a main theme of this book (and if you've ever watched The Princess Bride, please tell me you just said that in your head like the marriage guy). And I loved the way true love was shown in friendship form in this book. Between Penn and Daisy. Hugo and Penn. Daisy and Vivi. And even Duke and Daisy. I loved seeing all of the different friendships on display throughout this story.
At times, the dialogue was a little formal, but it only really pulled me out of the book once. It was during a smutty scene, so that's probably why. But overall, it didn't take away from the story.
You're going to want to read Hugo's story, which comes out in May, because there are still questions we want answers to and I know he's going to end up falling for that podcaster. But the books in this series aren't going to be able to be read as standalones. So make sure you pick up Penn's story now.
Thank you to Jennifer Millikin & Valentine PR for the gifted arc in exchange for an honest review!
Oh man, I ate this book up. It usually takes me a little while to get through a Jennifer Millikin book because they hit me hard, emotionally, but I read this in two days. There's tension, mystery (not romantic suspense though), grief, true friendship, and yes, The Princess Bride references.
True love, in all its forms, is a main theme of this book (and if you've ever watched The Princess Bride, please tell me you just said that in your head like the marriage guy). And I loved the way true love was shown in friendship form in this book. Between Penn and Daisy. Hugo and Penn. Daisy and Vivi. And even Duke and Daisy. I loved seeing all of the different friendships on display throughout this story.
At times, the dialogue was a little formal, but it only really pulled me out of the book once. It was during a smutty scene, so that's probably why. But overall, it didn't take away from the story.
You're going to want to read Hugo's story, which comes out in May, because there are still questions we want answers to and I know he's going to end up falling for that podcaster. But the books in this series aren't going to be able to be read as standalones. So make sure you pick up Penn's story now.
The Problem With Falling by Brittainy C. Cherry
Did not finish book. Stopped at 27%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 27%.
I was so excited for this book because I LOVED The Problem with Players. But I just could not connect with these characters. And when Peter was really bad mouthing the MMC in front of the FMC, and she wasn't saying anything, I wasn't a fan. And then when the MMC said he didn't need a woman saying things for him? Yea, that's when I DNFed. I had already been on the fence and that just made it a done deal for me. I wish I could have loved this one as much as the previous book in this series, but it just wasn't for me.
The Roommate Mistake by Pippa Grant
funny
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Thank you to Pippa Grant & Hambright PR for the finished copy of The Roommate Mistake in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first Pippa Grant book, and I'm so glad this one caught my attention. Pretty much from the moment you open this book, you are laughing. Yes, you deal with heavy topics, like grief in many forms, but it's paired so well with things that literally have you laughing out loud. My favorite of those things in this book? Jessica (a dog). She is for sure a show stealer. I love her little man-hating ass so much.
I loved the romance between Ziggy and Holt, even if they do have absolute shit luck. He is so thoughtful. Yes, it's super easy for him to order dinner while she's sleeping, but he went above and beyond by ordering her every type of potato he could think of. And don't get me started on their little found family. I love it so much.
This is the second book in a series, but you seriously don't need to read the first book. I would just because I love Pippa Grant's storytelling, but you can also start with this one if you can't wait to read Ziggy and Holt's story.
This was my first Pippa Grant book, and I'm so glad this one caught my attention. Pretty much from the moment you open this book, you are laughing. Yes, you deal with heavy topics, like grief in many forms, but it's paired so well with things that literally have you laughing out loud. My favorite of those things in this book? Jessica (a dog). She is for sure a show stealer. I love her little man-hating ass so much.
I loved the romance between Ziggy and Holt, even if they do have absolute shit luck. He is so thoughtful. Yes, it's super easy for him to order dinner while she's sleeping, but he went above and beyond by ordering her every type of potato he could think of. And don't get me started on their little found family. I love it so much.
This is the second book in a series, but you seriously don't need to read the first book. I would just because I love Pippa Grant's storytelling, but you can also start with this one if you can't wait to read Ziggy and Holt's story.