hanreads__'s reviews
128 reviews

challenging inspiring mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Thank you Eve Blakely for allowing me to read this as an ARC! I loved the first story of the series, and I loved this one too. Thank you for always writing such beautiful stories, and for messing with my feelings.

*~*~*~*~*

"𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿. 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗿. 𝗦𝗵𝗲'𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗜'𝗺 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗵𝗲𝗿."

*~*~*~*~*

Second Chance✔️
Friends to lovers to strangers to lovers✔️
Dual POV✔️
Mental health representation✔️
Found Family✔️

Another beautiful story by Eve Blakely! I was so excited about Alex and Kristen’s story and I was not disappointed with what I read.

Alex is no doubt seen as your typical bad boy but he has a heart go fold and that man has gone through so much pain, I just want to steal him from Kristen and cuddled him until the sun comes up. He’s a beautiful man severely misunderstood and I’m glad he finally got his happy ending.

I love the mental health representation portrayed throughout the story and just how passionate Kristen is to help others. She’s a wonderful woman and anyone who is friends with her is EXTREMELY lucky,

Sadly, some parts of the story were predictable which can often be disappointing, but while this was the case, there was a little twist towards the end that you knew was coming and yet happened in a way you didn’t expect. I love that Eve can take something predictable and make it different,

As with the first story within the series, I do feel that there could’ve been more diversity within this story, it would’ve been nice to see some LGBTQ+ representation alongside sexuality and disability. Despite this, I cannot find any more faults within this wonderful second chance love story,

Thank you Eve for allowing me a chance to read this as an ARC. You are on my favourite authors and your writing is always beautiful. If you have’t read any of her work, I recommend doing so!

Content Warnings

Caught on Camera by Chelsea Curto

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

ARC REVIEW! I just want to thank Love Notes PR and Chelsea for allowing me this opportunity to read such a wonderful story. It’ll be one that I adore and will continue to do so for many years to come.

*~*~*~*~*

"𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗜 𝘀𝗮𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗜 𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗜 𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂."

*~*~*~*~*

Oh, how I wish it was me that Shawn was saying that to, not Lacey…

This is the second story that I have read by Chelsea and I don’t know how she manages to write stories that are so perfect, but she does. I am in awe of her writing and she is officially a favourite author of mine. It genuinely shocks me that she’s not been picked up by a traditional publishing company because of how good her stories are!

Caught on Camera is a sequel to Camera Chemistry, however it can be read as a stand alone. The story focuses on NFL Coach Shawn Holmes and paediatrician Lacey Holmes. I am an absolute SUCKER for friends to lovers, it’s one of my favourite tropes and this one did not disappoint. I love that they started off as friends who didn’t have a single bit of attraction to one another, but grew to be best friends after being introduced to one another through their own best friends. They always put their friendship first and the friendship between them was beautiful, it’s a friendship people can only dream of, and only some are lucky to have.

As the fake dating trope came into play, I like that things were communicated to friends anout what they were planning to do. The maturity each of Chelsea’s characters have is wonderful and something to appreciate. I also love that there’s no miscommunication between Shawn and Lacey, it’s nice to read a story where two adults communicate things well rather than the cliche third break up act which is often communication.

I know that I keep saying I loved something within this book, but I cannot find a single fault apart from the lack of diversity within the book. It would’ve been nice to see different races, sexualities and more mentioned. I did however love the mental health representation. It played such a big part within the story and warmed my heart massively to be able to relate to Shawn in such a way. It also helped me to reconsider athletes; just because they may have a ton of money doesn’t mean they do not experience the kind of things that we do. They may very well experience anxiety, depression, heartbreak and more like we do. Money doesn’t always make you, that is true.

Finally, the spice in this story was BEAUTIFUL. I think the scenes represented the characters perfectly and while I think it could’ve been a little spicier at times, I really enjoyed that these scenes ended up so romantic and beautiful. The scenes warmed my heart and made me happy to read more, made me want to HAVE more. I am a girly who loves to be praised and let me tell you… Shawn Holmes is the praising kink king. Long shall he rein, I am desperate for him.

If you haven’t realised already, I truly loved this book and I will recommend it to anyone and everyone who’s in the mood for something that warms their heart and leaves them feeling content. You’ll love this story just as much as I do, if not more.

Content Warnings

Camera Chemistry by Chelsea Curto

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adventurous emotional lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

"𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁, 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗳 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗺𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗴𝗼𝗱𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹. 𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗲. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗜 𝗱𝗶𝗱, 𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲, 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗜 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲."

*~*~*~*~*

Love at first sight ✔️
Age gap ✔️
Single dad ✔️
Kink appreciation ✔️
Strangers to friends to strangers to lovers ✔️

*~*~*~*~*

I came across this novella while applying for the sequel ARC, and I would just like to say how grateful I am for KU because I was able to binge this book over a space over 9 hours and at times, couldn’t put it down, because I became extremely obsessed. I finished reading the book just after 5am, but who needs sleep when you’ve got a sexy doctor on your mind? Not me.

The thing that really stood out to me in regard to this book is to how Maggie and Aiden meet. I’m a sucker for friends setting their friends up, but when it’s not even with an intention to have them fall in love? It’s even better. I absolutely LOVED that these two people met purely based on the fact that they wanted to help their friends out, and that because of something so selfless, they found their one true love.

Aiden Wood is a single dad who focus on two things: work and his daughter. He’s old enough to know what he wants in life and he’s happy living life the way he does. Aiden is so extremely selfless and in all honesty, he is officially one of my favourites. He’s right there alongside Brendan Taggart, Lane Collins and Jackson Pearce. This man is a DILF and I have never hated an author as much as I hate Chelsea for creating a father so perfect that I want to be his wife and a step mum.

Maggie Houston is a wonderful woman who has one of the kindest hearts going, she loves her job and she loves her friends. After being divorced, she’s failed to open herself up to the idea of love, but after meeting Aiden, that soon changes. She is so in sync with her own body and confidence and it’s something that I really adore about her. She’s not afraid to tell Aiden what she wants and I find myself relating to her in numerous ways. She’s become a comfort character for me and I truly wish she was real, because I need someone like Maggie in my life.

I would really just like to compliment Chelsea on something that she included in her story, or more like two things. Without going into too much detail, I love the response that Aiden gave to Maggie when questioned about the situation with his ex-wife. The maturity he had within that moment was beautiful and something that had me smiling. Rather than being bitter about something that happened to him, he looked at things in a selfless way and was happy for someone who had the chance to hurt him deeply just so they could be happy. It’s not often you will see a man do that, and for this, I think Chelsea deserves to be appreciated for it. The next thing I would like to mention is how the characters had made it known that they had miscommunicated with one another and made a joke about it yet owned up to. I am hater for the miscommunication trope, but Chelsea did it in a way that I couldn’t even be annoyed. Props to her for turning a frustrating trope into something I enjoyed for once.

Finally, I cannot find a SINGLE fault within this novella apart from the fact that I would’ve loved to read more of it. It would’ve been nice to see work come into play within the story as well as an epilogue of the characters in the future. Despite this, I loved every single second of this book and I cannot wait to read the ARC. I’m so excited for Lacey and Shawn’s story, and I have no doin that it’ll be as good as this.

PS. I AM NOT SORRY FOR RHE AMOUNT OF HIGHLIGHTS I HAVE DONE FOR THIS SMUTTY MASTERPIECE. I WOULD LET AIDEN RUIN ME A THOUSAND TIMES IN A NIGHT.

Content Warnings

That Christmas, This Christmas by Jessica Lou

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emotional hopeful reflective sad slow-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

4.5

"𝗜'𝗺 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗼𝘁. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝗲. 𝗠𝘆 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝗲."

*~*~*~*~*

Small Town ✔️
Second Chance ✔️
Family Oriented ✔️

*~*~*~*~*

That Christmas, This Christmas is a short story that visits a small town where two polar opposites find comfort and attraction in one another. A wild night of unforgettable moments turn into nine incredible months together, that is until one of them leaves, a note being the only thing they’ve left.

What happens when the person you’ve loved for all these years returns and has your heart beating the way they did that first night? The answer to the question is within the story, and it’s one I recommend you read.

𝙵𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:

1. While I’m not too bothered by it, I would say that this is more of short story than a novella (while I understand that a novella is a short story, this was too long for it to fit the definition). At one point, I felt as if the story was dragging on a little when it could’ve picked up a little speed, but at the same time, there was a perfect amount of tension and slow burn. I was just a little frustrated at how Lara and Jax needed to have a clear conversation about things yet it kept being dragged out, I felt that as mature adults, it should’ve happened soon. Despite this, I was absolutely loving the torture of constantly being cockblocked by Jessica everytime I thought they were finally going to kiss, the moment they finally did, I was ready to bring out party streamers and everything because my heart was filled with so much joy for them.

2. The family dynamic within Lara’s family is heartwarming and beautiful. I related massively to the closeness of their family and my family and I are exactly the same, and it was breaking me little by little to know that Lara’s dad was no longer around, and yet it made for a brilliant story line in terms of how the family would look at things. The sibling dynamic was super relateable for me, and I loved it so damn much.

3. I was a little disappointed with not having a duel POV, it would’ve been AMAZING to see things from Jax’s perspective as he was the one who had his heart broken (which I really liked because it strayed from the cliche of it boy hurting girl, GOOD ON YOU JESS). Despite this, having flashbacks instead was a good way to show how much the characters had grown in the space of four years and I loved the wild side of them!

𝙵𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:

I know that above I have mentioned some negative points (please note that for each negative, there was still a positive in my eyes), but I truly did love this story and it now holds a special place in my heart. Christmas is my favourite time of year, it’s the one time where everything feels happy and festive, like all the worries in the world are fading into the background, like everything is going to be okay. That Christmas, This Christmas has left me with that feeling to the point where I just can’t stop smiling, I feel so warm inside, and I never want that feeling to go.

The story itself strayed from multiple cliches and that’s what makes it so unique, especially with the ending. While there was little spice, the spice was beautiful and romantic; it was meaningful and the perfect amount. The little snowflakes that would break the chapters up, the snowflakes under the chapter number left you happy because it stuck with the Christmas theme, and while that may seem small, I am a SUCKER for cute little images in books.

I want nothing more than to visit this small town and experience life with Lara and her friends, I want to go into the bar and spray pain, I want to sip on mulled wine and go to a school reunion. I want to go to a tree farm and hear the quote she said. I want to visit this small town and bask in its glory. The world building and narration of this wonderful town has left me with so many vivid images in my head that I’m actually jealous that I don’t live in such a place. It takes a strong writer to create vivid images in someone’s head and Jessica should be proud of herself.

I have two more things to mention before I finish this review. THAT DAMNED PLOT TWIST. What the heck, Jessica? You just had to break my heart a little didn’t you? Most small stories have it perfect from start to finish but the Queen decided to add a little bit of uncertainty into it when you finally thought things were getting somewhere! Cheeky bugger! I really loved it and it threw me off for a minute, but it showed just how hooked I was, and how desperate I was for a happy ending.

The second thing being Charlie and Erica… HELLO CAN YOU PLEASE TURN THIS INTO A WHOLE SERIES BECAUSE I NEED MORE! And if you do… let me be with Charlie… I beg.

Finally, I would love to thank Jessica for allowing me to read this as an ARC. You never fail to have me hooked on your writing, and I’m forever incredibly proud of you and the masterpieces you create. You have so much talent and I hope you know that.

PLEASE GO AND READ THIS CUTE SHORT STORY, IT IS BEAUTIFUL, IT IS WONDERFUL, AND YOU WILL LOVE IT.

Content Warnings

The Mistletoe Bet by Maren Moore

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adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

"𝗜 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀, 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗻. 𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜'𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲. 𝗕𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲. 𝗙𝘂𝗰𝗸, 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁, 𝗜 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲."

*~*~*~*~*

Small Town ✔️
Childhood Friends to Lovers ✔️
Boy Obsessed ✔️
Brothers Best Friend ✔️
Off-Limits ✔️

*~*~*~*~*

Can we just appreciate the quote above? Like how sweet is Parker Grant? Man, I am simping HARD for him.

Maren Moore has yet again created another perfect specimen of a man and I cannot get enough! Part of me is sad that I love Christmas so much because if I didn’t, I could in fact be taking Quinn’s spot INSTANTLY. Oh well, I will continue to be delusional and think I could ever get my hallmark ending like Quinn did,

Once a year, Quinn returns home to see her family, only it’s during the season she hates and one where her relationship is strained with her father. Not looking forward to the yearly traditions of arguments between her parents, Quinn is more than reluctant to hibernate and get through the week as quick as she possibly can. While stepping outside for fresh air, Quinn comes face to face with her childhood crush… Grant. A conversation or two later, a bet is created under the mistletoe along with a steamy kiss shared.

As the week draws on, Quinn finds her old feelings resurfacing after a one night stand turns into an every night stand and Parker’s company becomes the favourite part of her day, just like her company becomes his.

I absolutely LOVED the chemistry between Parker and Quinn and how perfect he was towards her. I love how the family reacted when Grant announced his feelings for all to hear during a Christmas lunch, it was so nice to see a different reaction than the one where the brother storms off furious that his sister and best friend have been sleeping together. The entire novella left me feeling warm and heartfelt, it was the perfect introduction to the holiday season and I bet the next novella will be just as good, if not bet. The ending made me so happy and I hope I get to see more of them! Santa… I’ve been a good girl and need a man like Parker.

Content Warnings

A Festive Feud by Maren Moore

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

ARC REVIEW! I just want to thank Maren Moore and her team for allowing me to received an adavanced readers copy of this novella. It was absolutely perfect and I am over the moon!

*~*~*~*~*

Small Town ✔️
Forbidden Love ✔️
One Bed ✔️
Forced Proximity ✔️
Dual POV ✔️

*~*~*~*~*

"𝗜'𝗺 𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘇𝘆 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗘𝗺𝗺𝗮 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻. 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀, 𝗦𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗸𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜'𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲."

If I thought her first Christmas novella was perfect, then I have no words to describe my opinion on her newest novella. It truly is sugar, spice, and everything nice. I am ready for Jackson Pearce to ruin me… mind, soul and body. Just when I thought I couldn’t love a grumpy man more than I love my current one (yes, he’s fictional, I the fell in love with this man and I am going to miss him so much.

I love how down to earth and wonderful Jackson is. While he may be the grumpiest man in Strawberry Hollow (Jameson is deffo his competition), he also has a heart of gold that would do anything for Emma and his family. He’s one of those people that you can count on and it’s like he said with his barn, don’t always judge the outside, the inside is what counts. (And if he could be inside me, I’d be happy).

At first, I thought Emma was a complete brat, I couldn’t stand her but as I grew to know her, I found myself loving her and thinking she was a wonderful person. It’s more than clear that Emma feels a different type of pressure compared to others, and with that pressure, comes a personality that makes her seem uptight and snob, but in reality she is a lovely woman who deserves the world. I love that she’s not afraid to be herself, and I love that she’ll give it as good as she gets. She’s not one to be messed with.

Finally, I loved the little twist at the end, Maren really did a good job of bringing everyone together and usual, this is a novella that I recommend with my entire being. You will be ho ho horny for Jackson, and in need of Emma’s organisation skills. HAPPY RELEASE DAY, QUEEN MAREN!

Content Warnings