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hercozybookshelf's Reviews (184)
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Review: 4.5 stars š
Another beautifully layered story in The Single Dad Playbook series. Willow Aster brings her signature warmth, heartfelt characters and just the right dose of swoon to Wicked Love. This is a grumpy sunshine, slow-burn romance (minus that one night!) that hit all the right emotional beats.
Bowie is gruff, guarded and a walking linebacker wallā¦ but the way he loves his daughter Becca? Immediate puddle. And when Poppy- sweet, patient and full of quiet strength steps into their lives, itās impossible not to root for this little trio.
š§ Audio:
Samantha Brentmoor = perfection. Her voice is calm, comforting and completely magnetic. I always want to be best friends with her characters.
JF Harding brings the sexy, steady, protective energy that makes every grumpy MMC hit harder.
And Lily D. Moore voicing Becca? So sweet and full of heart, a sweet standout.
This story is soft and tender, full of big feelings and even bigger growth. Poppyās impact is powerful,l and Bowieās journey from closed off to open hearted partner made this a truly satisfying listen.
Now letās be clearā¦ Weston Shaw (Mad Love) still holds the top spot in my draftā¦ but Bowie? Heās climbing that leaderboard fast.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
ARC REVIEW āļø
I devoured this in a flash! A fast-paced, feel-good romcom that brought the sunshine and the swoon. If you love a grumpy x sunshine romance with small-town charm, layered with banter, tension and heart? This oneās calling your name.
Libby Sweet is officially over the spotlight. After years of being judged and scrutinized, she escapes to a quiet island off the coast of Maineā¦ a place that once felt like home. But small-town life isnāt exactly rolling out the red carpet, especially when the local sheriff is all grump and growl. Still, between his sassy niece and some serious unexpected sparks, Libby just might find more than peaceā¦ she might find her place.
āØ Libby ā Fierce, determined and stubborn in all the ways I adore in a heroine.
āØ Fisher ā Broody, protective and totally unprepared for the whirlwind that is Libby.
āØ Sutton ā A tiny scene stealer with sass, sweetness and laugh out loud one-liners.
The coastal setting and found family themes made this feel like the perfect summer escape. I laughed, I smiled and yesā¦ I absolutely fell for these characters.
āļø 4.5 stars
Big thank you to BrittanƩe Nicole, Jenni Bara, @theauthor.agency and @thesmuthood for this dreamy summer ARC!
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Change of Hart is a beautifully written second-chance romance full of heartbreak, healing and a love that refuses to give up. Childhood best friends, Blair and Denverās bond is messy, emotional and deeply real. I loved how the story leaned into the pain while still holding onto hope.
The flashbacks to their younger years added so much depth and emotional weight. Iām a sucker for second chances and childhood best friends, and this hit both perfectly. You canāt help but root for these two as they find their way back to each other through grief, guilt and personal growth.
The Wells Ranch series just keeps getting better - this installment is raw, romantic and quietly powerful.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the ARC.
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not Safe for Work is a tropical workplace romcom with real-world issues women encounter in the workplace, a strong STEM rep, slow-burn tension and a powerhouse FMC who is the moment. Trishara is bold, brilliant and the emotional core of this story. Rafe, our MMC, didnāt hit book boyfriend status for me, but the dynamic between them delivered some fun tension and fire.
Soneela Nankaniās narration? She absolutely crushed it. Her pacing, emotion and delivery of Trisharaās sass and vulnerability was fantastic. This was a first listen by Nankani and I was thoroughly impressed.
Youāll enjoy this if you like:
š§ Enemies to lovers
š§ Workplace romance
š§ Only one bed
š§ Forced proximity
š§ First-person POV
š§ Women in STEM navigating real barriers with bite and brilliance
š§Workplace Retreat to Hawaii
A little slow at times, but this audiobook is an easy listen that delivers summer vibes and one fearless woman fighting for equity in the workplace and in her life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the ALC and opportunity to review this audiobook.
3.75 stars
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Behind the Net is a slow-burn hockey romance with grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity and second chance vibes.
Jamie is the hot, broody goalie with a protective streak and Pippa is his live-in assistant with a broken heart and a dream sheās afraid to chase again. Their chemistry builds beautifully and I loved watching Jamie fall hard and fast.
Emotional, sweet and just the right amount of spice. This was an easy, heartfelt read!
