drops_everything_and_reads's Reviews (1.2k)

emotional hopeful lighthearted sad fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Thanks to @BerkleyPub for the eARC of the book. All opinions are my own. 

When I heard about a celebrity/pop star romance with Taylor Swift vibes, I was immensely intrigued. It feels like the authors were sitting around one day sharing “what if” scenarios and one of them said “what if Taylor Swift had a romance with a non-celebrity?” And then asked, what is one of the most non-celebrity jobs someone could do? Answer: run an assisted living facility where the MMC could still play piano. 

This second chance romance was a light and quick read for me. I did find the story dragged out in sections a bit too much and it read more like fanfic than an original story concept. 

The inclusion of song lyrics was fun at first, but then started to be a bit of a crutch and it felt like songs were used in place of a face-to-face conversation and being straightforward with feelings and thoughts instead of requiring characters (and readers) to read between the lines. 

Riley’s mom was definitely my fave character and her story, as a recent divorcee who is figuring out what she wants next in life, and stumbling into a romance along the way, would make for a fun story, IMO. 

Overall, a fun read but a bit forgettable for me.

The Expectant Detectives

Kat Ailes

DID NOT FINISH: 12%
adventurous emotional funny mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I had the privilege of reading an ARC of @lindsaylovise debut book, Never Blow A Kiss, thanks to @readforeverpub and it did not disappoint!! ETA: this book pubs tomorrow, Jan 23, 2024 so add it to your TBR, request it from your library, or buy it from your fave bookstore!

I am a sucker for a historical romance-mystery with a strong female lead and this book DELIVERED.

I think my fave part of the book is knowing that it’s the first in a series and so that had me paying attention to details for clues of what could come next.

Lindsay packed a lot into the book, building a world that I happily immersed myself in. I felt for Emily, the FMC, who has been let down by so many people and just wants some security in life. And Zach is an intriguing MMC; one of the richest men in England thanks to investing in the burgeoning railway industry and when he could live a life of luxury, he instead chooses to be a police officer.

A serendipitous interaction at a ball first brings Emily and Zach together, and the mutual attraction builds each time they meet again, whether planned or by accident. Emily gets drawn further into Zach’s world after she agrees to work for the mysterious Dove and her governess/detective agency, and the more the two get to know each other, the more they become any to - and eventually do - give in to the attraction.

There’s a lot happening in the book, with red herrings mixed in with clues, Emily’s past catching up with her, and so much more.

I had a great time reading it and am excited for the additional books in the series and other books Lindsay publishes!
funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
challenging funny lighthearted relaxing 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: Complicated
lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
emotional funny inspiring 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

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous funny relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No