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fullybookedjess's reviews
828 reviews
Battle of the Bookstores by Ali Brady
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
Thank you for the free book, Berkley Romance!
In this book lover’s dream of a rom com, two bookstore owners are forced to compete to become the sole manager when the stores combine. Josie is the stoic and buttoned-up owner of the literary fiction store, and she immediately dislikes Ryan, the tall and outgoing owner of the romance bookshop. They sabotage each other’s efforts at first, while maintaining their sanity by chatting online in a book forum with a trusted book friend.
This is my first book written by this author duo, and now I feel like I need to go read their entire backlist. I absolutely adored this book. It was like a love letter to so many of my favorite things- You’ve Got Mail, the romance genre, bookstores, ARCs, the online book community, and so many references to well-known books and authors. I loved this fresh spin on the You’ve Got Mail storyline, and the first half reminded me a lot of The Hating Game (another favorite) as well. It felt very meta to read about these romance plot devices within a romance book! I enjoy when authors are clearly having fun with their audience and this book really feels full of love for the romance genre, readers, and book sellers. I highly recommend it for avid romance readers- you’ll have a great time!
In this book lover’s dream of a rom com, two bookstore owners are forced to compete to become the sole manager when the stores combine. Josie is the stoic and buttoned-up owner of the literary fiction store, and she immediately dislikes Ryan, the tall and outgoing owner of the romance bookshop. They sabotage each other’s efforts at first, while maintaining their sanity by chatting online in a book forum with a trusted book friend.
This is my first book written by this author duo, and now I feel like I need to go read their entire backlist. I absolutely adored this book. It was like a love letter to so many of my favorite things- You’ve Got Mail, the romance genre, bookstores, ARCs, the online book community, and so many references to well-known books and authors. I loved this fresh spin on the You’ve Got Mail storyline, and the first half reminded me a lot of The Hating Game (another favorite) as well. It felt very meta to read about these romance plot devices within a romance book! I enjoy when authors are clearly having fun with their audience and this book really feels full of love for the romance genre, readers, and book sellers. I highly recommend it for avid romance readers- you’ll have a great time!
It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-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
4.0
Jane, a former nerdy child star, is having a rough time being taken seriously at work. In order to get her project approved, she claimed to be in contact with music superstar Jack, who she hasn’t seen since her teenage heartbreak. Her lies pile up and result in a weekend work trip and fake dating scheme with her coworker Dan, who she can’t stand.
I absolutely love Annabel Monaghan’s writing, and this novel is every bit as much fun as her others. She writes with such charisma and relatability that you can’t help but root for the characters. I think many readers will relate to Jane’s struggles with dating and being likable to men while also being true to herself. I loved all the references to The Notebook, and what a fun twist to have Dan be the huge fan of it and Jane be the one who can’t stand it! Readers who enjoy found family, enemies to friends to lovers, and childhood actors will love this book.
Thank you to Annabel Monaghan and Putnam books for the arc and opportunity to be an early reader and reviewer.
I absolutely love Annabel Monaghan’s writing, and this novel is every bit as much fun as her others. She writes with such charisma and relatability that you can’t help but root for the characters. I think many readers will relate to Jane’s struggles with dating and being likable to men while also being true to herself. I loved all the references to The Notebook, and what a fun twist to have Dan be the huge fan of it and Jane be the one who can’t stand it! Readers who enjoy found family, enemies to friends to lovers, and childhood actors will love this book.
Thank you to Annabel Monaghan and Putnam books for the arc and opportunity to be an early reader and reviewer.
Left of Forever by Tarah DeWitt
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-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
4.0
In this second chance romance, Wren and Ellis are divorced and taking their only child to college. Now in their thirties and realizing where their relationship went wrong, they each have regret in the way it ended. Both still secretly pine for the other, and Ellis suggests a road trip home to try to rekindle what they once had.
This was such a beautifully written, heartfelt novel and my new favorite from this author. As someone who has personally been through infertility, seeing this topic covered with care and sensitivity was refreshing and cathartic. Readers who find this topic upsetting should approach with care and be aware that loss and infertility are addressed within the book. Although second chance romance typically isn’t my favorite trope, I really loved it here with this young couple who grew apart due to the difficult circumstances life threw at them. There were also many moments of levity to keep me smiling (the cooking class scene and follow up will live rent-free in my head for a long time)! I’d definitely recommend this read, especially to those who enjoy second chance romance, forced proximity, road trip romances, and open door scenes.
Thank you to Tarah DeWitt and St. Martin’s Griffin for the arc and opportunity to be an early reader and reviewer.
This was such a beautifully written, heartfelt novel and my new favorite from this author. As someone who has personally been through infertility, seeing this topic covered with care and sensitivity was refreshing and cathartic. Readers who find this topic upsetting should approach with care and be aware that loss and infertility are addressed within the book. Although second chance romance typically isn’t my favorite trope, I really loved it here with this young couple who grew apart due to the difficult circumstances life threw at them. There were also many moments of levity to keep me smiling (the cooking class scene and follow up will live rent-free in my head for a long time)! I’d definitely recommend this read, especially to those who enjoy second chance romance, forced proximity, road trip romances, and open door scenes.
Thank you to Tarah DeWitt and St. Martin’s Griffin for the arc and opportunity to be an early reader and reviewer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Miscarriage, Medical content, and Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy
The Geographer's Map to Romance by India Holton
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-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? Yes
3.0
The Wind Weaver by Julie Johnson
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
Thank you for the free book, Berkley Romance.
Alexa, play Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac. In this new romantasy series, Rhya is about to be executed for the crime of being a halfling when she is saved by the mysterious Commander Scythe. He sets off with Rhya on a new journey and she is now his prisoner. She learns that she is one of four beings with a special connection to the earthly elements- she is known as the wind weaver.
I absolutely loved this book- couldn’t put it down, basically wanted to eat, sleep, and breathe in this world until I could finish this book. How am I going to wait for book two? The writing and storyline were so addictive and page turning, reminiscent of other romantasy books I’ve enjoyed but yet still unique. I loved some of the mystery that’s left to be uncovered, the early romance, the possibility of a love triangle (maybe? We’ll see?) and so much action and adventure. No notes, I loved it, and I can’t wait for more!
Alexa, play Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac. In this new romantasy series, Rhya is about to be executed for the crime of being a halfling when she is saved by the mysterious Commander Scythe. He sets off with Rhya on a new journey and she is now his prisoner. She learns that she is one of four beings with a special connection to the earthly elements- she is known as the wind weaver.
I absolutely loved this book- couldn’t put it down, basically wanted to eat, sleep, and breathe in this world until I could finish this book. How am I going to wait for book two? The writing and storyline were so addictive and page turning, reminiscent of other romantasy books I’ve enjoyed but yet still unique. I loved some of the mystery that’s left to be uncovered, the early romance, the possibility of a love triangle (maybe? We’ll see?) and so much action and adventure. No notes, I loved it, and I can’t wait for more!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Injury/Injury detail
The Love Haters by Katherine Center
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-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
4.0
In this sweet rom com by Katherine Center, videographer Katie is on the verge of losing her job when she agrees to travel to the Florida Keys for an assignment. She will be profiling a grumpy rescue swimmer named Hutch who is a bit of a reluctant national hero. Unfortunately for her, he doesn’t know she will be the one doing the video and he certainly doesn’t want any more national attention.
I am a big fan of Katherine Center’s work, and this book also doesn’t disappoint! It’s full of her signature heart, wit, and charm, along with a lovable cast of characters. I think many women will find Katie’s struggles with body acceptance to be very relatable. Despite several heavy topics being addressed through character backstories, the story maintains levity and humor. I really enjoyed the addition of the Great Dane, George Bailey, to the story as an important character and not just a side role as animals usually play in a rom com. I highly recommend this book to fans of friends to lovers, reluctant heroes, and dog lovers.
Thank you to Katherine Center and St. Martin’s Press for the arc and opportunity to be an early reader and reviewer.
I am a big fan of Katherine Center’s work, and this book also doesn’t disappoint! It’s full of her signature heart, wit, and charm, along with a lovable cast of characters. I think many women will find Katie’s struggles with body acceptance to be very relatable. Despite several heavy topics being addressed through character backstories, the story maintains levity and humor. I really enjoyed the addition of the Great Dane, George Bailey, to the story as an important character and not just a side role as animals usually play in a rom com. I highly recommend this book to fans of friends to lovers, reluctant heroes, and dog lovers.
Thank you to Katherine Center and St. Martin’s Press for the arc and opportunity to be an early reader and reviewer.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Car accident, and Death of parent
What Happens in Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
Thank you for the free book, Berkley Romance!
After a bad breakup and losing her job, Dani decides to take a chance and move to Amsterdam for a fresh start. When she gets there, she unexpectedly runs into Wouter, the foreign exchange student who lived with her family and was her first love. He needs a wife to inherit a family home, Dani needs a visa, and it seems a marriage of convenience is the answer that may benefit them both. However, those feelings and the undeniable chemistry between them may never have actually gone away.
This was such a lovely rom com, between the Amsterdam setting, the marriage of convenience, and the first love rekindling! I loved experiencing Amsterdam along with Dani and it is now high on my travel bucket list. I really love Rachel Lynn Solomon’s writing, and this may be my new favorite of hers. It was tender, sweet, and written from the heart. The family moments were also very special and added to the story. I really loved it and would highly recommend, especially to fans to travel, second chance romance, marriage of convenience, and forced proximity. There is also representation for asthma, Jewish faith, and appearance differences. The author handles sensitive topics with care but there are a few things to be aware of so readers should check content warnings. This book should not be missed!
After a bad breakup and losing her job, Dani decides to take a chance and move to Amsterdam for a fresh start. When she gets there, she unexpectedly runs into Wouter, the foreign exchange student who lived with her family and was her first love. He needs a wife to inherit a family home, Dani needs a visa, and it seems a marriage of convenience is the answer that may benefit them both. However, those feelings and the undeniable chemistry between them may never have actually gone away.
This was such a lovely rom com, between the Amsterdam setting, the marriage of convenience, and the first love rekindling! I loved experiencing Amsterdam along with Dani and it is now high on my travel bucket list. I really love Rachel Lynn Solomon’s writing, and this may be my new favorite of hers. It was tender, sweet, and written from the heart. The family moments were also very special and added to the story. I really loved it and would highly recommend, especially to fans to travel, second chance romance, marriage of convenience, and forced proximity. There is also representation for asthma, Jewish faith, and appearance differences. The author handles sensitive topics with care but there are a few things to be aware of so readers should check content warnings. This book should not be missed!
One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-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
5.0
Thank you for the eARC, Berkley Romance!
In the highly anticipated follow-up to Every Summer After, readers return to the lake for Sam’s brother Charlie’s story. Charlie is taking care of the cabin that Alice and her grandmother plan to spend the summer in. At first, Alice finds Charlie cocky, flirtatious, and full of himself. Soon, she sees past his tough exterior to the kind, helpful, caring man that would do anything for those he cares for, except possibly give her the one thing she needs from him.
I absolutely loved Every Summer After, and this book was every bit as magical. Carley Fortune has the most amazing way with words that makes you feel like you are right there at the lake, breeze gently blowing and sun shining, enjoying the peaceful summer right alongside the characters. Charlie was such a lovable character, and I found Alice very relatable so they were such a fun couple to read about. I loved getting to revisit familiar characters and places, and for the best reading experience, I’d highly recommend that readers check out Every Summer After first because there is a lot of crossover and plot points mentioned in this book. This is the perfect summer beach, lake, or pool read, and I can’t recommend it enough!
In the highly anticipated follow-up to Every Summer After, readers return to the lake for Sam’s brother Charlie’s story. Charlie is taking care of the cabin that Alice and her grandmother plan to spend the summer in. At first, Alice finds Charlie cocky, flirtatious, and full of himself. Soon, she sees past his tough exterior to the kind, helpful, caring man that would do anything for those he cares for, except possibly give her the one thing she needs from him.
I absolutely loved Every Summer After, and this book was every bit as magical. Carley Fortune has the most amazing way with words that makes you feel like you are right there at the lake, breeze gently blowing and sun shining, enjoying the peaceful summer right alongside the characters. Charlie was such a lovable character, and I found Alice very relatable so they were such a fun couple to read about. I loved getting to revisit familiar characters and places, and for the best reading experience, I’d highly recommend that readers check out Every Summer After first because there is a lot of crossover and plot points mentioned in this book. This is the perfect summer beach, lake, or pool read, and I can’t recommend it enough!
Blood Beneath the Snow by Alexandra Kennington
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you for the free book, Berkley Romance and Ace!
In this heart pounding romantasy, the main character, Revna, is a princess without magical ability in a royal family that has deemed her an outcast. She is determined to right the wrongs of her heartless family and decides to compete to the death for the throne against her brothers in the Bloodshed Trials. Before she can, she is taken against her will by the terrifying masked legend known only as the Hellbringer. Revna doesn’t know what he wants with her, but she has no choice but to go along with him.
This book surprised me in the best way! I am not a big fantasy reader but I wanted to take a chance and branch out a bit, and the synopsis intrigued me. I’m so glad I gave it a try, except for the fact that I have to wait for the next book to find out how this story will continue! I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoilers, and be careful reading too many reviews because the last half of the book is so great when you don’t know what’s coming. I really loved the unexpected direction the story took and the character development that our main character undergoes. It definitely gets dark, violent, and fast paced in the final third of the book. I’m eager to see how the duology unfolds from here! I think fantasy and romantasy readers will love this fast-paced read.
In this heart pounding romantasy, the main character, Revna, is a princess without magical ability in a royal family that has deemed her an outcast. She is determined to right the wrongs of her heartless family and decides to compete to the death for the throne against her brothers in the Bloodshed Trials. Before she can, she is taken against her will by the terrifying masked legend known only as the Hellbringer. Revna doesn’t know what he wants with her, but she has no choice but to go along with him.
This book surprised me in the best way! I am not a big fantasy reader but I wanted to take a chance and branch out a bit, and the synopsis intrigued me. I’m so glad I gave it a try, except for the fact that I have to wait for the next book to find out how this story will continue! I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoilers, and be careful reading too many reviews because the last half of the book is so great when you don’t know what’s coming. I really loved the unexpected direction the story took and the character development that our main character undergoes. It definitely gets dark, violent, and fast paced in the final third of the book. I’m eager to see how the duology unfolds from here! I think fantasy and romantasy readers will love this fast-paced read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content
Serial Killer Games by Kate Posey
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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
4.5
Thank you for the free book, Berkley Romance!
In this genre-bending debut, two co-workers find one another equally suspicious, as well as attractive. Jack is a temp working at Dodi’s company, and he fits the mold of a serial killer to a T. However, Jack isn’t the only one behaving strangely.
Although I could go on about this book all day, I want to be sure to make my review purposefully vague. Do not let anyone spoil this book for you, my fellow readers! There are so many unexpected surprises inside and it’s best to go in blind. I am not sure what I’d classify this book as- it’s not really a rom com, a romance, a mystery, or a thriller, but there are some elements of these within the book. It’s poignant, emotional, macabre at times, and has a lovely message too. I loved the flawed characters (except for one- you know who you are, you weren’t nice at all) and the completely unique storyline. I can guarantee you haven’t read a book like this one. If you enjoy a book that crosses genres, marriage of convenience, one bed, found family, family secrets, true crime, pranks, and dark humor, you will love this book!
In this genre-bending debut, two co-workers find one another equally suspicious, as well as attractive. Jack is a temp working at Dodi’s company, and he fits the mold of a serial killer to a T. However, Jack isn’t the only one behaving strangely.
Although I could go on about this book all day, I want to be sure to make my review purposefully vague. Do not let anyone spoil this book for you, my fellow readers! There are so many unexpected surprises inside and it’s best to go in blind. I am not sure what I’d classify this book as- it’s not really a rom com, a romance, a mystery, or a thriller, but there are some elements of these within the book. It’s poignant, emotional, macabre at times, and has a lovely message too. I loved the flawed characters (except for one- you know who you are, you weren’t nice at all) and the completely unique storyline. I can guarantee you haven’t read a book like this one. If you enjoy a book that crosses genres, marriage of convenience, one bed, found family, family secrets, true crime, pranks, and dark humor, you will love this book!