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cozycornernovels's reviews
196 reviews
This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
emotional
funny
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
4.5
I shucking loved this book! 🦪
Carley Fortune does it again! This book transported me to PEI and left me wanting to plan a trip to visit and explore the island.
Lucy and Felix’s love story is one that I’ll remember for a long, long time. All of the sweet, intimate moments between the two of them captured that “forbidden love” in such a realistic way. It really showed how connected and drawn to one another they truly were. I loved the little glimpses we got of their relationship throughout the years. There were so many subtle moments between the two that were very loving and tender, they had me blushing and swooning throughout the whole book! 🥰
This book does a great job at not only showcasing romantic love, but a strong love between friends. Solid friendships are something I love to read about in books, and this one does a great job at describing it on page. I adored Lucy and Bridget’s love for one another. To have a lifelong friend like that, who is your biggest cheerleader and best confidant is so incredibly special! Also have to point out that Farah was HILARIOUS! She had some of the best one liners! 😂
Sometimes I found myself double checking what timeline we were in (this only really happened when I was listening to the audiobook, not when I was reading the physical book), but I did enjoy the differing timelines in this book overall. It’s something I tend to gravitate towards, because it really makes a story feel well rounded and cohesive. Carley Fortune always does this well in her books. Her writing in this one was especially beautiful!
Overall, I highly suggest this book if you’re wanting a quick and fun summer read that packs a punch emotionally and romantically!
Read if you like/you can expect:
💛 past/present timelines
🧡 summer love
💛 best friend’s brother trope
🧡 forbidden romance
💛 Atlantic Canada setting
🧡 strong female friendship
💛 found family
My rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Carley Fortune does it again! This book transported me to PEI and left me wanting to plan a trip to visit and explore the island.
Lucy and Felix’s love story is one that I’ll remember for a long, long time. All of the sweet, intimate moments between the two of them captured that “forbidden love” in such a realistic way. It really showed how connected and drawn to one another they truly were. I loved the little glimpses we got of their relationship throughout the years. There were so many subtle moments between the two that were very loving and tender, they had me blushing and swooning throughout the whole book! 🥰
This book does a great job at not only showcasing romantic love, but a strong love between friends. Solid friendships are something I love to read about in books, and this one does a great job at describing it on page. I adored Lucy and Bridget’s love for one another. To have a lifelong friend like that, who is your biggest cheerleader and best confidant is so incredibly special! Also have to point out that Farah was HILARIOUS! She had some of the best one liners! 😂
Sometimes I found myself double checking what timeline we were in (this only really happened when I was listening to the audiobook, not when I was reading the physical book), but I did enjoy the differing timelines in this book overall. It’s something I tend to gravitate towards, because it really makes a story feel well rounded and cohesive. Carley Fortune always does this well in her books. Her writing in this one was especially beautiful!
Overall, I highly suggest this book if you’re wanting a quick and fun summer read that packs a punch emotionally and romantically!
Read if you like/you can expect:
💛 past/present timelines
🧡 summer love
💛 best friend’s brother trope
🧡 forbidden romance
💛 Atlantic Canada setting
🧡 strong female friendship
💛 found family
My rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Kingdom of the Cursed by Kerri Maniscalco
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Never Lie by Freida McFadden
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Guys I was HOOKED on this book! I simply could not put it down and I needed to know what happened next!
Freida McFadden is my go to when it comes to needing to be pulled out of a reading slump. Her books captivate you and keep you on your toes. This book was no different! I thought I knew what the twist was going to be, but it ended up being something else entirely. I will say, the twist was a little convoluted and confusing and I’m not entirely sure it all made sense, but I really enjoyed reading this one all the same!
Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a fast paced, quick thriller to read!
Freida McFadden is my go to when it comes to needing to be pulled out of a reading slump. Her books captivate you and keep you on your toes. This book was no different! I thought I knew what the twist was going to be, but it ended up being something else entirely. I will say, the twist was a little convoluted and confusing and I’m not entirely sure it all made sense, but I really enjoyed reading this one all the same!
Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a fast paced, quick thriller to read!
Wild Love by Elsie Silver
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Wild Love was not what I expected! It had a lot of cute moments, witty banter and funny one liners, but lacked the depth that I’ve come to love in Elsie Silver’s books.
I really enjoyed where this book started, specifically with Rosie. Immediately, I felt like I could relate to her struggles with her prior relationship. Ford’s story was a more confusing to me. I definitely think his situation was a little unrealistic, but still ended up with some very cute moments in the end with Cora, which I adored!
The spicy scenes were great, which I’ve come to expect from Elsie Silver’s writing, however I feel like the overall story was missing some key elements? The found family and background knowledge of the main characters that we got in Chestnut Springs seemed to be lacking here. Part of the reason I ADORED that series is because of how tight knit the characters were and how we always got some supporting info into why the main couple fell for one another. However, I do think the banter between Ford and Rosie was fantastic! The whole love/hate situation was great to build that tension between the two.
Overall, I still enjoyed the book and will continue the series, but it had some things that I couldn’t get past that lowered the rating for me.
My ratings
3/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
I really enjoyed where this book started, specifically with Rosie. Immediately, I felt like I could relate to her struggles with her prior relationship. Ford’s story was a more confusing to me. I definitely think his situation was a little unrealistic, but still ended up with some very cute moments in the end with Cora, which I adored!
The spicy scenes were great, which I’ve come to expect from Elsie Silver’s writing, however I feel like the overall story was missing some key elements? The found family and background knowledge of the main characters that we got in Chestnut Springs seemed to be lacking here. Part of the reason I ADORED that series is because of how tight knit the characters were and how we always got some supporting info into why the main couple fell for one another. However, I do think the banter between Ford and Rosie was fantastic! The whole love/hate situation was great to build that tension between the two.
Overall, I still enjoyed the book and will continue the series, but it had some things that I couldn’t get past that lowered the rating for me.
My ratings
3/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
Reckless by Elsie Silver
emotional
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
Winter and Theo? SO DANG CUTE!! 🥰
I loved this story! It incudes a few tropes that I don’t typically read (secret baby trope) but I really loved it all. Their story may have started in an unexpected way, but the love, respect and joy in this book made it all worthwhile.
This story was tender and raw and I really appreciated that about it! I actually really liked Winter as a character, and I didn’t think that would be the case considering the previous books in the series. This one really uncovers the things that make Winter who she is and lets us see her in a different light. I felt like I could relate to her in many ways and she ended up being one of my fave characters so far! Her character arc definitely was giving me Nesta vibes!
Now Theo…he is so loving and caring and he had me SWOONING! 🥰 The way he’s able to step up and help those he loves with everything he has is admirable. He goes through so many emotions in this book, but was able to work through them at the end of the day. You can tell he just feels with his whole being which is a perfect opposite to Winter’s tough exterior. They worked so well together. I was rooting for them entire time!
On a side note: I also loved the addition of Theo’s dog! I’m a sucker for MCs having a pet, especially a dog. It makes the dog lover in me so happy! 🥰🐾
Read if you like/you can expect:
🧡 one night stand
🧡 surprise baby
🧡 reverse grumpy x sunshine
🧡 he falls first
🧡 mmc has a grumpy dog 🐾
My ratings:
5/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
I loved this story! It incudes a few tropes that I don’t typically read (secret baby trope) but I really loved it all. Their story may have started in an unexpected way, but the love, respect and joy in this book made it all worthwhile.
This story was tender and raw and I really appreciated that about it! I actually really liked Winter as a character, and I didn’t think that would be the case considering the previous books in the series. This one really uncovers the things that make Winter who she is and lets us see her in a different light. I felt like I could relate to her in many ways and she ended up being one of my fave characters so far! Her character arc definitely was giving me Nesta vibes!
Now Theo…he is so loving and caring and he had me SWOONING! 🥰 The way he’s able to step up and help those he loves with everything he has is admirable. He goes through so many emotions in this book, but was able to work through them at the end of the day. You can tell he just feels with his whole being which is a perfect opposite to Winter’s tough exterior. They worked so well together. I was rooting for them entire time!
On a side note: I also loved the addition of Theo’s dog! I’m a sucker for MCs having a pet, especially a dog. It makes the dog lover in me so happy! 🥰🐾
Read if you like/you can expect:
🧡 one night stand
🧡 surprise baby
🧡 reverse grumpy x sunshine
🧡 he falls first
🧡 mmc has a grumpy dog 🐾
My ratings:
5/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
Hopeless by Elsie Silver
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
And with that, my Chestnut Springs era comes to an end! What a fantastic series overall with so many liveable and relatable characters, hilarious moments and heartwarming found family vibes.
Beau and Bailey going toe to toe in this book was what made it for me. These two are so headstrong and open with one another and it was great to see their power dynamic and how well they work together! I thought Bailey’s story could have been explored a little more, to create a little more tension/conflict in the story, but the romance and spice between Beau and Bailey was what made the book for me! They had so many sweet and heartfelt moments and many, MANY, spicy moments as well. It was the perfect balance! I think that having a little bit more conflict within the story would have made the book even better though. The ending did seem a tad rushed to me as well, but I still really enjoyed the book, nonetheless! The epilogue and Harvey’s bonus scene were so adorable as well. 🥰
Read if you like/you can expect:
💚 age gap
💚 found family
💚 fake fiancé
💚 forced proximity
💚 ex-military mmc
💚 small town romance
My ratings:
4/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
Beau and Bailey going toe to toe in this book was what made it for me. These two are so headstrong and open with one another and it was great to see their power dynamic and how well they work together! I thought Bailey’s story could have been explored a little more, to create a little more tension/conflict in the story, but the romance and spice between Beau and Bailey was what made the book for me! They had so many sweet and heartfelt moments and many, MANY, spicy moments as well. It was the perfect balance! I think that having a little bit more conflict within the story would have made the book even better though. The ending did seem a tad rushed to me as well, but I still really enjoyed the book, nonetheless! The epilogue and Harvey’s bonus scene were so adorable as well. 🥰
Read if you like/you can expect:
💚 age gap
💚 found family
💚 fake fiancé
💚 forced proximity
💚 ex-military mmc
💚 small town romance
My ratings:
4/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Ada and Wes are the cutest! 🥹
I literally could not put this book down and finished it in one sitting! I loved the banter between Ada and Wes and especially loved how the story began. It gave us a little taste of what was to come which I really enjoyed. Wes is just a sweet and gentle soul, and Ada is so hardworking and even though she’s a tad closed off, she really cares about those she loves. I appreciated the mental health rep in this book as well. I thought it was handled with care and written in a truly authentic way!
I do feel somewhat similar to how I felt reading Done and Dusted where we needed some more substance and understanding of some aspects of the book, but still loved the book! These are quick reads, so it’s understandable that they’re pretty fast paced.
Overall, I did really enjoy this one and had a fun time reading it! I’m so excited for book 3 because I LOVE Teddy, so I can’t wait to see what her book has in store for us!
Read if you like/you can expect:
🤎 cowboy romance
🤎 fast paced
🤎 black cat x golden retriever
🤎 small town romance
🤎 found family
🤎 mental health rep
🤎 forced proximity
My ratings:
4/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
I literally could not put this book down and finished it in one sitting! I loved the banter between Ada and Wes and especially loved how the story began. It gave us a little taste of what was to come which I really enjoyed. Wes is just a sweet and gentle soul, and Ada is so hardworking and even though she’s a tad closed off, she really cares about those she loves. I appreciated the mental health rep in this book as well. I thought it was handled with care and written in a truly authentic way!
I do feel somewhat similar to how I felt reading Done and Dusted where we needed some more substance and understanding of some aspects of the book, but still loved the book! These are quick reads, so it’s understandable that they’re pretty fast paced.
Overall, I did really enjoy this one and had a fun time reading it! I’m so excited for book 3 because I LOVE Teddy, so I can’t wait to see what her book has in store for us!
Read if you like/you can expect:
🤎 cowboy romance
🤎 fast paced
🤎 black cat x golden retriever
🤎 small town romance
🤎 found family
🤎 mental health rep
🤎 forced proximity
My ratings:
4/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
What a wild ride this book was! It definitely takes the cake for the most toxic book I’ve ever read…but I still loved it?
This book made me want to scream into the abyss and continue reading all at the same time. It was a definite love/hate relationship for me. I was so frustrated with many of the characters and it wasn’t an easy read BUT I really loved that about it? I’m here for the drama and this book gives us ALLLLLL the drama! 👀
I definitely think this book could have been shorter, which is one of the main reasons why it wasn’t a 4 ⭐️ or above for me. Some parts were a tad repetitive, and I feel like the same point could have been made even with cutting a few of those scenes out! I also didn’t really connect fully with any of the characters in this one, but since it’s a series, I could see myself really growing to like them as it continues (hopefully)!
With the way this book ended, I definitely want to dive into Daisy Haites sooner than later cause I NEED to know what happens next in this universe! 🐝
Read if you like/you can expect:
❤️ gossip girl vibes
❤️ large friend group dynamics
❤️ toxic behaviour (and lots of it)
❤️ little to no spice
My rating:
3.5/5 ⭐️
This book made me want to scream into the abyss and continue reading all at the same time. It was a definite love/hate relationship for me. I was so frustrated with many of the characters and it wasn’t an easy read BUT I really loved that about it? I’m here for the drama and this book gives us ALLLLLL the drama! 👀
I definitely think this book could have been shorter, which is one of the main reasons why it wasn’t a 4 ⭐️ or above for me. Some parts were a tad repetitive, and I feel like the same point could have been made even with cutting a few of those scenes out! I also didn’t really connect fully with any of the characters in this one, but since it’s a series, I could see myself really growing to like them as it continues (hopefully)!
With the way this book ended, I definitely want to dive into Daisy Haites sooner than later cause I NEED to know what happens next in this universe! 🐝
Read if you like/you can expect:
❤️ gossip girl vibes
❤️ large friend group dynamics
❤️ toxic behaviour (and lots of it)
❤️ little to no spice
My rating:
3.5/5 ⭐️
Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book was SO cute! I never thought I would love a golf romance so much, but I really enjoyed this one. Josephine and Wells’ banter was next level, they had me howling throughout the book! I loved how strong they each were individually as characters, so together as a couple, they were amazing! Since this was a grumpy x sunshine trope we definitely saw a lot of their differences as well. Wells was soooo grumpy in some moments that it almost would have bothered me, but Josephine really knew how to handle his grumpiness in a hilarious way which made it better for me. In true Tessa Bailey fashion, this book also had lots of spice (IYKYK 🚿)! I loved how the book ended off and the epilogue had me like 🥹🥹🥹!!!
I just had a blast reading this book honestly! It was a fun, spicy and quick read and I would definitely recommend it.
Read if you like/you can expect:
💚 sports romance (golf)
💚 grumpy x sunshine
💚 dual pov
💚 banter
💚 touch her and 💀 trope
💚 lots of open door spice
💚 diabetes rep
I just had a blast reading this book honestly! It was a fun, spicy and quick read and I would definitely recommend it.
Read if you like/you can expect:
💚 sports romance (golf)
💚 grumpy x sunshine
💚 dual pov
💚 banter
💚 touch her and 💀 trope
💚 lots of open door spice
💚 diabetes rep
Powerless by Elsie Silver
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.0
Jasper + Sloane = 🥰🥹🫶🏽
These two had me all mushy and in my feels! I absolutely adored their story. I love how connected they were to one another and how much they truly knew about each other. True soulmates.
The conflicts in this one were very entertaining, and ended up creating a lot of character growth. It was clear that the Sloane and Jasper from the beginning of the book were different from the Sloane and Jasper at the end of the book - in the best way possible! I was cheering them on as individuals and wanted to see them grow.
There were so many laugh out loud moments in this book, I was howling at some parts! It truly had it all. A heartwarming love story, spicy scenes, hilarious moments, and the Chestnut Springs crew that we know and love! I really adored this book and can’t wait to continue the series!
My ratings:
4.5 ⭐️
4 🌶️
These two had me all mushy and in my feels! I absolutely adored their story. I love how connected they were to one another and how much they truly knew about each other. True soulmates.
The conflicts in this one were very entertaining, and ended up creating a lot of character growth. It was clear that the Sloane and Jasper from the beginning of the book were different from the Sloane and Jasper at the end of the book - in the best way possible! I was cheering them on as individuals and wanted to see them grow.
There were so many laugh out loud moments in this book, I was howling at some parts! It truly had it all. A heartwarming love story, spicy scenes, hilarious moments, and the Chestnut Springs crew that we know and love! I really adored this book and can’t wait to continue the series!
My ratings:
4.5 ⭐️
4 🌶️