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emileereadsbooks's reviews
1064 reviews
Runaway Bride and Prejudice by Emma St. Clair
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
5.0
Anytime I need to inject some book momentum into my life, I just need to read some Emma St. Clair. She always hits it out of the park for me, and this book is no exception.
I may not like a bad boy in real life, but I play someone who does in my reading life. I'm here for more of Van and his snark and penchant for fun! Plus he is SO CHARMING. The way Emma balances his bad boy persona with his more gentle side that he only shows Amelia and his sisters is just perfection.
Amelia is so relatable. Writing the end of the story in her head instead of living it out is so frustrating to read and yet, I do it, so I get it. I loved her character arc here.
As always the Appies text chain was so fun and that alone could be a whole hilarious book. Give us some bonus scenes from the text chain Jenny and Emma!
I will be forever recommending this one!
Content Warning (from author): Parents passing away (past), Divorce and parental neglect (past), Cheating boyfriends (VERY present), Some punching, Some pinching, Criticism of Keanu Reeves’s body of work
Thanks to the author for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
I may not like a bad boy in real life, but I play someone who does in my reading life. I'm here for more of Van and his snark and penchant for fun! Plus he is SO CHARMING. The way Emma balances his bad boy persona with his more gentle side that he only shows Amelia and his sisters is just perfection.
Amelia is so relatable. Writing the end of the story in her head instead of living it out is so frustrating to read and yet, I do it, so I get it. I loved her character arc here.
As always the Appies text chain was so fun and that alone could be a whole hilarious book. Give us some bonus scenes from the text chain Jenny and Emma!
I will be forever recommending this one!
Content Warning (from author): Parents passing away (past), Divorce and parental neglect (past), Cheating boyfriends (VERY present), Some punching, Some pinching, Criticism of Keanu Reeves’s body of work
Thanks to the author for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
Betting on the Brainiac by Melanie Jacobson
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
Ruby made a bet this year that she would find love for each of her roommates. And Madison isn't into this bet. So when Ruby assures her that Oliver, the tech bro, needing to rent out the club Madison is a bottle girl at to have a quiet place to work, is NOT set up, Madison agrees.
And as Oliver and Madison spend more time in close proximity, they each let their walls down and show each other what is behind the mask they protect themselves with.
Can they fight the feelings or will they have to surrender to the chemistry between them?
_____
This series continues to draw me in. I love the camaraderie between all the roommates and their significant others and neighbors. It makes me want to move into their apartment complex.
I wasn't fully excited at first in anticipation of Madison's book. She seemed the least relatable of the roommates to me, but I came to adore her spunk. Plus how Oliver took down her defenses and got to know the real Madison behind the facade she presents to the world, was rom com perfection. Their chemistry was so sweet and undeniable. I just was rooting for them so hard!
I cannot wait for Ruby's story in this series. I think it's going to be my favorite one yet!
_____
This is a closed door, kisses only rom com. It is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
Thanks to the author for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
And as Oliver and Madison spend more time in close proximity, they each let their walls down and show each other what is behind the mask they protect themselves with.
Can they fight the feelings or will they have to surrender to the chemistry between them?
_____
This series continues to draw me in. I love the camaraderie between all the roommates and their significant others and neighbors. It makes me want to move into their apartment complex.
I wasn't fully excited at first in anticipation of Madison's book. She seemed the least relatable of the roommates to me, but I came to adore her spunk. Plus how Oliver took down her defenses and got to know the real Madison behind the facade she presents to the world, was rom com perfection. Their chemistry was so sweet and undeniable. I just was rooting for them so hard!
I cannot wait for Ruby's story in this series. I think it's going to be my favorite one yet!
_____
This is a closed door, kisses only rom com. It is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
Thanks to the author for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
Cold Pursuit by Nancy Mehl
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.5
Nancy Mehl is a very cinematic writer. I could easily see this series becoming a TV mini series.
I love that this book has its own case as well as an overarching case and romance as well as a strong character arc of each of the two leads.
I love how Mehl weaves in the story of the crime (through the perspective of the victims and the criminals) with the perspectives of River and Tony. She slowly reveals what happening, layer by layer, and always leaves you wanting more in the best way!
The crimes here are realistic but not gratuitous. If you like crime procedurals that air on network channels, I think you will appreciate these books!
Plus, the faith elements in these is so realistic! I love how the characters have to contend with real life issues and confront their faith in the process. This isn’t surface level belief, but deep soul change and understanding.
Content Note: murder, stalking, death, arson, kidnapping, Alzheimer’s, infidelity
Thanks to Bethany House Fiction for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
I love that this book has its own case as well as an overarching case and romance as well as a strong character arc of each of the two leads.
I love how Mehl weaves in the story of the crime (through the perspective of the victims and the criminals) with the perspectives of River and Tony. She slowly reveals what happening, layer by layer, and always leaves you wanting more in the best way!
The crimes here are realistic but not gratuitous. If you like crime procedurals that air on network channels, I think you will appreciate these books!
Plus, the faith elements in these is so realistic! I love how the characters have to contend with real life issues and confront their faith in the process. This isn’t surface level belief, but deep soul change and understanding.
Content Note: murder, stalking, death, arson, kidnapping, Alzheimer’s, infidelity
Thanks to Bethany House Fiction for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
Cold Threat by Nancy Mehl
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.5
Nancy Mehl is a very cinematic writer. I could easily see this series becoming a TV mini series.
I love that this book has its own case as well as an overarching case and romance as well as a strong character arc of each of the two leads.
I love how Mehl weaves in the story of the crime (through the perspective of the victims and the criminals) with the perspectives of River and Tony. She slowly reveals what happening, layer by layer, and always leaves you wanting more in the best way!
The crimes here are realistic but not gratuitous. If you like crime procedurals that air on network channels, I think you will appreciate these books!
Plus, the faith elements in these is so realistic! I love how the characters have to contend with real life issues and confront their faith in the process. This isn’t surface level belief, but deep soul change and understanding.
Content Note: murder, stalking, death, arson, kidnapping, Alzheimer’s, infidelity
Thanks to Bethany House Fiction for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
I love that this book has its own case as well as an overarching case and romance as well as a strong character arc of each of the two leads.
I love how Mehl weaves in the story of the crime (through the perspective of the victims and the criminals) with the perspectives of River and Tony. She slowly reveals what happening, layer by layer, and always leaves you wanting more in the best way!
The crimes here are realistic but not gratuitous. If you like crime procedurals that air on network channels, I think you will appreciate these books!
Plus, the faith elements in these is so realistic! I love how the characters have to contend with real life issues and confront their faith in the process. This isn’t surface level belief, but deep soul change and understanding.
Content Note: murder, stalking, death, arson, kidnapping, Alzheimer’s, infidelity
Thanks to Bethany House Fiction for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
Cold Vengeance by Nancy Mehl
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.5
Nancy Mehl is a very cinematic writer. I could easily see this series becoming a TV mini series.
I love that this book has its own case as well as an overarching case and romance as well as a strong character arc of each of the two leads.
I love how Mehl weaves in the story of the crime (through the perspective of the victims and the criminals) with the perspectives of River and Tony. She slowly reveals what happening, layer by layer, and always leaves you wanting more in the best way!
The crimes here are realistic but not gratuitous. If you like crime procedurals that air on network channels, I think you will appreciate these books!
Plus, the faith elements in these is so realistic! I love how the characters have to contend with real life issues and confront their faith in the process. This isn’t surface level belief, but deep soul change and understanding.
Content Note: murder, stalking, death, arson, kidnapping, Alzheimer’s, infidelity
I love that this book has its own case as well as an overarching case and romance as well as a strong character arc of each of the two leads.
I love how Mehl weaves in the story of the crime (through the perspective of the victims and the criminals) with the perspectives of River and Tony. She slowly reveals what happening, layer by layer, and always leaves you wanting more in the best way!
The crimes here are realistic but not gratuitous. If you like crime procedurals that air on network channels, I think you will appreciate these books!
Plus, the faith elements in these is so realistic! I love how the characters have to contend with real life issues and confront their faith in the process. This isn’t surface level belief, but deep soul change and understanding.
Content Note: murder, stalking, death, arson, kidnapping, Alzheimer’s, infidelity
Wish You Weren't Here by Gracie Ruth Mitchell
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
In her middle of the night wander through the antique store, Clementine accidentally bumps into a teapot, freeing a British genie. And her wish is that it hasn't happened.
But her compassion for him (and her appreciation for his good looks) leads her to promise to set him free from his genie existence.
But before she can wish him into a human, he has to prove he can be a good one. And he has to do it within a month or he'll just fade away. So Clementine starts giving him human lessons and they spend more time together (especially since they are pretending to date to try and deter suitors to fix a wish gone wrong), they both have to grow and change to embrace what it means to be a good person.
_____
I kept telling a friend that this was a slow read for me, which is *normally* a yellow flag in my reading life. But it was slow because there were so many instances where I really had to stop and think about what this book was saying about what it means to be human. I highlighted the heck out of this one because there were too many hilarious and wise nuggets that I wanted to be able to revisit easily.
I loved the banter between Clementine and Alaric. The way Mitchell writes Alaric as the most poised bumbling snarky gentleman is perfection. And I loved the anxiety representation in Clementine. The way she isn't ashamed of who she is was refreshing.
If you like a rom com with a sprinkle of magic, I urge you to pick this one up!
_____
This is a closed door, kisses only magical realism rom com.
Thank you to the author for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
But her compassion for him (and her appreciation for his good looks) leads her to promise to set him free from his genie existence.
But before she can wish him into a human, he has to prove he can be a good one. And he has to do it within a month or he'll just fade away. So Clementine starts giving him human lessons and they spend more time together (especially since they are pretending to date to try and deter suitors to fix a wish gone wrong), they both have to grow and change to embrace what it means to be a good person.
_____
I kept telling a friend that this was a slow read for me, which is *normally* a yellow flag in my reading life. But it was slow because there were so many instances where I really had to stop and think about what this book was saying about what it means to be human. I highlighted the heck out of this one because there were too many hilarious and wise nuggets that I wanted to be able to revisit easily.
I loved the banter between Clementine and Alaric. The way Mitchell writes Alaric as the most poised bumbling snarky gentleman is perfection. And I loved the anxiety representation in Clementine. The way she isn't ashamed of who she is was refreshing.
If you like a rom com with a sprinkle of magic, I urge you to pick this one up!
_____
This is a closed door, kisses only magical realism rom com.
Thank you to the author for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
World's Worst Boyfriend by Carina Taylor
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-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
Saidy has some legitimate concerns about how her boyfriend Fletcher is treating her. And so when she enters in a contest and gets a trophy dubbing him the World's Worst Boyfriend, she feels validated enough to call it quits.
But, she can't seem to get Fletcher out her head or her life. And perhaps that's a sign that she doesn't need to completely expel him from her heart. Perhaps he can redeem himself. He does keep telling her he'll explain everything soon. Will it make up for all the nonsense he has put her through?
_____
This book is exhibit A in why dual POV romance books are the best! Saidy has every reason to despise Fletcher because of his actions, and yet when you get his POV you get layers of nuance and the story explodes with perspective.
I loved the stakes of this one and how they both had to shed preconceived ideas from their past to be able to move forward individually and as a couple.
I love a straight forward rom com, but one like this, with a bit of mystery and adventure, is really just adding a cherry on top of the whole experience!
_____
This is a closed door, kisses only rom com. It is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
House Rules: How to Decorate for Every Home, Style, and Budget by Myquillyn Smith
If you are in need of a good pep talk about your house or need some concrete rules to try and implement, you can find that here.
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
I love the way Myquillyn doesn't encourage us to copy her style but to copy the concepts that allow her style to shine in her home. I knew a lot of these rules, but I was inspired reading this to give a few spots in my home a little facelift to make it work and feel better to me.
If you are in need of a good pep talk about your house or need some concrete rules to try and implement, you can find that here.
A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall by Jasmine Warga
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
4.25
"Art is a wish you make with your hands."
Perfect for younger middle grade readers interested in a slightly spooky (but not at all scary) mystery, this book is a bit quirky and moves quickly.
I liked how it was told to the reader, roping them into being invested in each facet of the story, from the ghost, to the turtle, to Rami's perspective.
As an adult, I do always take note of how children are punished for their rebellious actions in books like these. This one does say the characters are punished, but it doesn't say enough about the danger of sneaking out of your house at night and going places your parents do not know about (especially as a middle grader).
Thanks to Harper Kids for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
Perfect for younger middle grade readers interested in a slightly spooky (but not at all scary) mystery, this book is a bit quirky and moves quickly.
I liked how it was told to the reader, roping them into being invested in each facet of the story, from the ghost, to the turtle, to Rami's perspective.
As an adult, I do always take note of how children are punished for their rebellious actions in books like these. This one does say the characters are punished, but it doesn't say enough about the danger of sneaking out of your house at night and going places your parents do not know about (especially as a middle grader).
Thanks to Harper Kids for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
Down the Hill: My Descent Into the Double Murder in Delphi by Susan Hendricks
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
fast-paced
4.25
If you listened to the Down the Hill podcast, then you know most of the case presented in this book. But as someone who listened to the podcast, I still found this book insightful and heartbreaking.
As we come to know better as true crime consumers, we have realized that much of true crime genre has glorified the offender and minimized the victims. But this book does not do that. This book celebrates the lives of Abby and Libby and takes a look at how their murders also made victims of their families and their community. It also takes a hard look at this case as a whole and tries to solve it, but it never dishonors the victims as it does so.
Something that is interesting about this is how invested Susan becomes in the lives of these families. She goes much beyond reporter, podcaster, or representative. She becomes friends with these families and is almost as invested in this case's outcome as they are.
Speaking of outcome, I know this is just an unfortunate timing issue, but the trial for this case begins next Monday (October 14). I would love for the trial to have been wrapped up in the book as well. Maybe when it's over, there can be a special edition of the book with a trial addendum.
Content Note: child death, murder, grief
Thanks to Hachette Books for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
As we come to know better as true crime consumers, we have realized that much of true crime genre has glorified the offender and minimized the victims. But this book does not do that. This book celebrates the lives of Abby and Libby and takes a look at how their murders also made victims of their families and their community. It also takes a hard look at this case as a whole and tries to solve it, but it never dishonors the victims as it does so.
Something that is interesting about this is how invested Susan becomes in the lives of these families. She goes much beyond reporter, podcaster, or representative. She becomes friends with these families and is almost as invested in this case's outcome as they are.
Speaking of outcome, I know this is just an unfortunate timing issue, but the trial for this case begins next Monday (October 14). I would love for the trial to have been wrapped up in the book as well. Maybe when it's over, there can be a special edition of the book with a trial addendum.
Content Note: child death, murder, grief
Thanks to Hachette Books for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.