emileereadsbooks's reviews
1123 reviews

The Cupid Chronicles by Courtney Walsh

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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

I loved the first book in this series, but the magic in this one was even better. The newspapers reminded me of the rug from Aladdin, a inanimate object with a bit of personality. But once again, it didn't overpower the story. It hit exactly the right balance.  

Now Iris and Matteo, hello and yes please! 

One of my favorite micro tropes is the protagonists helping each other bring out the best in their personalities. I think so many people put up masks to be who we think people want us to be that we forget how to live authentically as ourselves. When books like this highlight how much better our lives and the lives of those around us can be when we lean into who we are, I think it does a world of good. 

Courtney Walsh is really a master at the third act conflict that doesn't feel overwhelming or forced. It always feels earned. And this book is no exception. Plus I definitely cried at how sweet and tender it was. 

Bonus, Iris just chowing down on good with zero abandon is perfection. 
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Thanks to the author for a gifted copy. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

The Serendipity by Emma St. Clair

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? Yes

4.75

 

I am a sucker for some very light magical realism, so when this series was announced with most of my favorite rom com authors writing a connected magical realism series I was so in! And it did not disappoint! The magic here is like sprinkles on a cupcake, it adds fun, but it's not the real feature. 

Now for the romance! Willa and Archer are so cute together. The way they play off each other, although they come from opposite worlds and have opposite personalities, makes for some excellent banter and tension leading up to them getting together. I also love how low angst this is. Even when they have a conflict, it is handled in a way that didn't give me heart palpitations. 

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Thanks to the author for the gifted book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own 

Petals and Plot Twists by Jenny Proctor

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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

4.75

Are we all suckers for he falls first romances? Because I sure am. And this one was so sweet. 

Friends to Lovers has been my favorite for a long time but recently there have been some misses for me. This one is done well however and I enjoyed the ride. 

Poor Sophie has been so scarred by her parents relationship issues that she cannot see relationship potential staring her in the face. I loved her slow realization and how she had to peel back the layers of obliviousness she had to see what had been in front of her for years. 

Plus, Peter is such a cinnamon roll and I love a nerdy, but oh so sincere leading man. He is patient and kind and genuine andI was so happy when Sophie opened her eyes to who he had been all along. 

Jenny Proctor remains on my Mount Rushmore of sweet rom com authors and I will continue to read everything she writes. 
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Thank you to the author for the gifted book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own 

Mystery of Crocodile Island by Carolyn Keene

2.75

Murder and Mamon by Mia P. Manansala

4.0

Blackmail and Bibingka by Mia P. Manansala

4.0

Homicide and Halo-Halo by Mia P. Manansala

4.0

Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala

4.0

Guilt and Ginataan by Mia P. Manansala

3.0

Peril in Pink by Sydney Leigh

emotional funny mysterious medium-paced

4.0

What a fun different twist that I haven't read before of a cozy mystery. This one is very millennial in its focus and ideal client and caters to those who want to have an "Insta Worthy" experience. Full of a vibrant and quirky cast of characters, I was speeding through to find out "who dun it"!

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Dreamscape Media for the gifted book. I received a complimentary copy of this books but was not required to leave reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death, Murder

Minor: Infidelity, Physical abuse, Grief