ctg424's reviews
516 reviews

Scot and Bothered by Alexandra Kiley

4.0

The Kilt Trip was one of my favorite books from last year, so I was beyond excited for this second installment in the series. I loved the setting (hiking/camping through Scotland), the poignant tale of grief, and the second chance aspect (that always gets me). For me, it didn’t quite live up to the first one, mostly because the “then” part of the dual timeline was rather frustrating — they were both idiots! — but on the whole this was a touching, complex, and very sweet romance. 

4 stars

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez

4.0

Abby Jimenez delivers again! This is such a fun, cute, unique story. Though it surprised me a bit with how violent the story was, it felt quick and relatable and sweet. This was excellent as a short read between heavier books, and I will always sign up for more Abby!

4 stars

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Five-Letter Word for Love by Amy James

2.5

This book just wasn’t my taste. I liked the idyllic setting in a small town in PEI and some of the more quaint friendships described in the book. However, I found the style of writing somewhat grating (it read like a 20-yr old’s diary) and the central theme of the Wordle annoying — who takes HOURS to do a Wordle??? Maybe I just wasn’t the right audience for this one. 

2.5 stars

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Love Lyric by Kristina Forest

3.5

Through the Greene sisters trilogy, I’ve become a big Kristina Forest fan! This was the book in the set that I felt least emotionally invested in, but it was still a great rom com and it put a great capper on the series. 

3.5 stars

Veronica Ruiz Breaks the Bank by Elle Cosimano

3.5

I am 100% on the Javi and Vero train, and this was a fun, short delight. However, this didn’t feel totally cohesive with the rest of the series because Vero has never been this responsible before. A great little novella and I’m excited for book 4!

3.5 stars

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano

4.0

This was my least favorite of the series so far, but it was still an utterly addicting read. The setting (primarily at cop camp) was a fun departure from the previous books and gave us all new challenges. Plus, I love that Vero is starting to get her own side quests and love interests. I have a hard time sometimes with how many bad choices Finn and Vero make, but I just can’t stop reading!

4 stars

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore

4.0

What I love about this series is how light, and easy, and fun it is. Reading feels like watching a rom com and being wrapped in a warm hug. Even for the heavier elements of this book (discovering an unknown child, the grief of losing a parent, dealing with a surprise pregnancy), it all manages to feel rather happy. It’s not the most hard-hitting book, but it’s exactly the comforting balm my brain wanted. 

4 stars

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood

3.5

My relationship with Ali Hazelwood books is getting increasingly complicated. I liked her old stuff, I loved Bride, I hated Not in Love, and this fell kind of in the middle for me. It felt like the first half lacked a lot of emotional depth. And so much of the story was just the passing of time. For me, this simply wasn’t her best. 

3.5 stars

Zoe Brennan, First Crush by Laura Piper Lee

4.0

This was such a delightful read! It was spicy and fun, with a unique setting down in a Georgia vineyard. I appreciated the references back to Hannah Tate, Beyond Repair (also a great book), but reading that previous book definitely wasn’t a requirement for this one. The love story had strong development, and I appreciated that there wasn’t a big, manufactured third-act breakup. The support between the two partners made this feel warm and happy. 

4 stars

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Elle Cosimano

4.0

This series is so fun and funny, and with each book I’m finding myself absolutely enthralled. However, the carelessness Finlay and Vero show sometimes gives me so much anxiety! It’s like a delightful trainwreck I can’t stop watching. I’m both hyped and terrified for what comes next. 

4 stars

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.