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ihavetosay's reviews
50 reviews
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
5/5 ⭐️
The Serpent & The Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
Full review at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Oraya was adopted by the Nightborn vampire king, Vincent. Together they prepare her for the Kejari, a tournament hosted by the goddess Nyaxia, where the last one standing becomes powerful is granted a wish.
Oraya is tired of being a human in a world run by vampires and enters the tournament, finding herself allying with two rival vampires.
What could possibly happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This story is told in the first person perspective by Oraya and only from her. It’s the first in a series.
I felt like Oraya’s sarcasm and ruthlessness was authentic. Her characteristics made sense with her experiences. I liked her, though her internalized self hatred was troublesome.
In this world, vampires run the world, committing crimes against humans. Oraya witnesses the dynamics between vampires and humans in the human slums near the castle she lives in. She internalizes the weakness of humans.
Vincent wants her to be safe and remain alive and become a vampire by winning the tournament. This is why he trains her in fighting and with magic and why he’s always told her to never keep her guard down or let anyone close.
The romance between Raihn and Oraya was a slow burn that had the right amount of build up for the story. They were enemies to allies to maybe even friends, helping each other stay alive in the trials of the tournament and bantering in between. They gradually learn each other, strengths and weaknesses, and their walls come down to the lay a foundation of trust.
This book doesn’t have the smut that other romantasies do, but the two instances aren’t disappointing.
The twists shook me, even though I saw some of it coming. I can’t believe what happens and is revealed and I can’t stop thinking about what will happen next. Hopefully, I’ll have my hands on the next book soon.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. This book is a mix of the best of ACOTAR, and The Blood Trials, my favorite book of last year. I’m impatiently waiting on hold at the library. I highly recommend it, even if you don’t typically read romantasies. It destroyed me.
The Serpent & The Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
Full review at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Oraya was adopted by the Nightborn vampire king, Vincent. Together they prepare her for the Kejari, a tournament hosted by the goddess Nyaxia, where the last one standing becomes powerful is granted a wish.
Oraya is tired of being a human in a world run by vampires and enters the tournament, finding herself allying with two rival vampires.
What could possibly happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This story is told in the first person perspective by Oraya and only from her. It’s the first in a series.
I felt like Oraya’s sarcasm and ruthlessness was authentic. Her characteristics made sense with her experiences. I liked her, though her internalized self hatred was troublesome.
In this world, vampires run the world, committing crimes against humans. Oraya witnesses the dynamics between vampires and humans in the human slums near the castle she lives in. She internalizes the weakness of humans.
Vincent wants her to be safe and remain alive and become a vampire by winning the tournament. This is why he trains her in fighting and with magic and why he’s always told her to never keep her guard down or let anyone close.
The romance between Raihn and Oraya was a slow burn that had the right amount of build up for the story. They were enemies to allies to maybe even friends, helping each other stay alive in the trials of the tournament and bantering in between. They gradually learn each other, strengths and weaknesses, and their walls come down to the lay a foundation of trust.
This book doesn’t have the smut that other romantasies do, but the two instances aren’t disappointing.
The twists shook me, even though I saw some of it coming. I can’t believe what happens and is revealed and I can’t stop thinking about what will happen next. Hopefully, I’ll have my hands on the next book soon.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. This book is a mix of the best of ACOTAR, and The Blood Trials, my favorite book of last year. I’m impatiently waiting on hold at the library. I highly recommend it, even if you don’t typically read romantasies. It destroyed me.
Seeds of Rebellion by Brandon Mull
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
3/5 ⭐️
Seeds of Rebellion by Brandon Mull
Review as seen on ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Jason is back home on earth after discovering the truth behind the word that is supposed to take down Maldor. Being home is nice but with all that’s happening in Lyrian- the secret behind the word, Rachel being left behind, and Maldor still ruling- Jason makes his way back to rejoin the fight.
What could possibly happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This is the second book in a trilogy, told in the third perspective where we follow Jason and Rachel on their quest to help Lyrian’s citizens defeat Maldor. Unlike the first book, we follow both of their perspectives and their thoughts.
Rachel wants to go home, but manages to be a fast learner of the magic system in Lyrian. She continues to practice and learn more about it throughout the book.
Jason makes it back and runs into people from his past who help him stay on the run from Maldor and reunite with Rachel.
I appreciate that this book was straight to the point in the beginning and got Jason back to Lyrian pretty quickly.
It is necessary to read the first book before this one. Nothing that was explained in the first book gets reexplained and there were times where I couldn’t remember certain details.
I didn’t like this one as much as the first one. I still enjoyed it but because they’re on a quest, the little hiccups in their journey get overcome and seem irrelevant to the bigger picture.
This book is appropriately titled Seed of Rebellion because it is all about setting the foundation for rebelling and achieving the ultimate goal of ending Maldor’s dictatorship.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars. I get why it is necessary for the storyline, so I can’t knock it completely. I’m still interested to see how this all ends and will be reading the last one.
Seeds of Rebellion by Brandon Mull
Review as seen on ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Jason is back home on earth after discovering the truth behind the word that is supposed to take down Maldor. Being home is nice but with all that’s happening in Lyrian- the secret behind the word, Rachel being left behind, and Maldor still ruling- Jason makes his way back to rejoin the fight.
What could possibly happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This is the second book in a trilogy, told in the third perspective where we follow Jason and Rachel on their quest to help Lyrian’s citizens defeat Maldor. Unlike the first book, we follow both of their perspectives and their thoughts.
Rachel wants to go home, but manages to be a fast learner of the magic system in Lyrian. She continues to practice and learn more about it throughout the book.
Jason makes it back and runs into people from his past who help him stay on the run from Maldor and reunite with Rachel.
I appreciate that this book was straight to the point in the beginning and got Jason back to Lyrian pretty quickly.
It is necessary to read the first book before this one. Nothing that was explained in the first book gets reexplained and there were times where I couldn’t remember certain details.
I didn’t like this one as much as the first one. I still enjoyed it but because they’re on a quest, the little hiccups in their journey get overcome and seem irrelevant to the bigger picture.
This book is appropriately titled Seed of Rebellion because it is all about setting the foundation for rebelling and achieving the ultimate goal of ending Maldor’s dictatorship.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars. I get why it is necessary for the storyline, so I can’t knock it completely. I’m still interested to see how this all ends and will be reading the last one.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
5/5 ⭐️
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Full post at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Mika Moon is a witch, and like every witch, she became an orphan young. She loves magic but is always on the move, never planting roots because doing so means she would have to lie about who she really is. She finds solace in posting videos online where she “pretends” to be a witch and make potions, much to the disdain of Primrose, who not only leads the secret society of witches, but became responsible for her after her parents died.
Someone stumbles upon her videos and believes she’s a real witch. He reaches out, offering her a job to teach the children in his care magic.
What could possibly happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This book is told in the third person but mainly from Mika’s perspective. I didn’t really know what a cozy book was until I finished this one. It’s relatively lighthearted, charming, funny, and whimsical.
Mika Moon is a wanderer and used to masking to fit in. I related to her a lot, and it makes this book even more special to me. She is used to being othered by nature of being a minority and a witch. She has always felt different and craved community, wondering why “The Rules” witches are supposed to follow exist.
Not only did I love Mika Moon’s quirkiness, but I enjoyed every main character in the book. The dynamic between the children and their caretakers was wholesome. The entire Nowhere House household genuinely appreciated and loved each other over anything.
There’s a twist at the end that I sort of guessed because some things weren’t adding up to me, but it didn’t take away from how I feel about the story. The reveal was heartbreaking.
I don’t want to give too much away about what happens, but if you like chosen family stories, this is definitely for you. There’s also a romance aspect, and though it’s not the main focus, it was still cute to follow.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a five out of five stars. It’s is my first five star read of 2024 and I wish I could experience it again for the first time.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Full post at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Mika Moon is a witch, and like every witch, she became an orphan young. She loves magic but is always on the move, never planting roots because doing so means she would have to lie about who she really is. She finds solace in posting videos online where she “pretends” to be a witch and make potions, much to the disdain of Primrose, who not only leads the secret society of witches, but became responsible for her after her parents died.
Someone stumbles upon her videos and believes she’s a real witch. He reaches out, offering her a job to teach the children in his care magic.
What could possibly happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This book is told in the third person but mainly from Mika’s perspective. I didn’t really know what a cozy book was until I finished this one. It’s relatively lighthearted, charming, funny, and whimsical.
Mika Moon is a wanderer and used to masking to fit in. I related to her a lot, and it makes this book even more special to me. She is used to being othered by nature of being a minority and a witch. She has always felt different and craved community, wondering why “The Rules” witches are supposed to follow exist.
Not only did I love Mika Moon’s quirkiness, but I enjoyed every main character in the book. The dynamic between the children and their caretakers was wholesome. The entire Nowhere House household genuinely appreciated and loved each other over anything.
There’s a twist at the end that I sort of guessed because some things weren’t adding up to me, but it didn’t take away from how I feel about the story. The reveal was heartbreaking.
I don’t want to give too much away about what happens, but if you like chosen family stories, this is definitely for you. There’s also a romance aspect, and though it’s not the main focus, it was still cute to follow.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a five out of five stars. It’s is my first five star read of 2024 and I wish I could experience it again for the first time.
All I've Wanted All I've Needed by A.E. Valdez
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
4/5 ⭐️
All I’ve Wanted, All I’ve Needed by A.E. Valdez
Review as seen on ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Harlow turns down a proposal from her boyfriend because it didn’t feel right. She loved him and his heartbroken over the decision when her friend Marisa tells her about a yoga training program in Bali. While there, she decides to take a teaching position in Seattle. What could possibly happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This is the first book in a standalone series. I accidentally read A Worthy Love first which is about Harlow’s friend, Marisa. It was cool to see the cameo and read the book that started the entire world.
The first few chapters were a slow start for me, but once Harlow meets Sevyn and Ace, I was itching to finish. Harlow’s people pleasing tendencies and indecision remind me of myself. Her character growth- learning to trust and stand up for herself- was encouraging to read.
Ace is the grump to Harlow’s sunshine. It’s worth saying that sometimes the company we keep can make us more anxious and insecure. Ace truly learned and cared about her which increased her self confidence. He complemented Harlow perfectly. Their relationship was organic, but intentional. There were moments when they were together where I was smiling to myself.
For once, I didn’t like the third act “breakup” because I didn’t think it was in character for them. Then again, some moments can make us act out of character, especially when we’re invested in the outcome.
Also, shoutout to Kyrell, Harlow’s best friend who was also friends with her ex. He was funny and supportive and I loved him too.
OVERALL
Overall I give this a 4 out of 5 stars. It’s not too long of a book. I was rooting for them to end up together and their banter was amusing, which to me, are two marks of a great romance.
All I’ve Wanted, All I’ve Needed by A.E. Valdez
Review as seen on ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Harlow turns down a proposal from her boyfriend because it didn’t feel right. She loved him and his heartbroken over the decision when her friend Marisa tells her about a yoga training program in Bali. While there, she decides to take a teaching position in Seattle. What could possibly happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This is the first book in a standalone series. I accidentally read A Worthy Love first which is about Harlow’s friend, Marisa. It was cool to see the cameo and read the book that started the entire world.
The first few chapters were a slow start for me, but once Harlow meets Sevyn and Ace, I was itching to finish. Harlow’s people pleasing tendencies and indecision remind me of myself. Her character growth- learning to trust and stand up for herself- was encouraging to read.
Ace is the grump to Harlow’s sunshine. It’s worth saying that sometimes the company we keep can make us more anxious and insecure. Ace truly learned and cared about her which increased her self confidence. He complemented Harlow perfectly. Their relationship was organic, but intentional. There were moments when they were together where I was smiling to myself.
For once, I didn’t like the third act “breakup” because I didn’t think it was in character for them. Then again, some moments can make us act out of character, especially when we’re invested in the outcome.
Also, shoutout to Kyrell, Harlow’s best friend who was also friends with her ex. He was funny and supportive and I loved him too.
OVERALL
Overall I give this a 4 out of 5 stars. It’s not too long of a book. I was rooting for them to end up together and their banter was amusing, which to me, are two marks of a great romance.
Who TF Did I Marry by Reesa Teesa
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.
A Worthy Love by A.E. Valdez
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4/5 ⭐️
A Worthy Love by A.E. Valdez
Full post at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Asher and Marisa run in the same friend group and went to Vegas to celebrate their friend’s bachelor and bachelorette party. At some point, Asher and Marisa drunkenly sneak off get married and have sex. They get it annulled quickly as planned after, but Marisa is pissed at him for telling her friends she was with him when they texted worried. They barely speak for months until Asher’s architecture job sends him to Portland, where Marisa lives for a contract.
What could possibly happen?
MY RECAP AND REVIEW
This is a standalone romance book in a series.
Asher and Marisa’s love hate relationship was entertaining to read. They talk a lot of shit and tease each other all the time, but as time goes on it’s clear they have a connection.
Asher has a lot of confidence, borderline cocky. He’s straight to the point and unapologetic. Marisa is a wildcard and a free spirit, guided by her emotions and feelings in the moment and relatively shameless, for the most part.
I loved the first half of this book, which had a more playful feel. A trope happens I didn’t initially like it for this story. In hindsight, I get why it’s a part of it, and the events developed the characters more and made the relationship deeper.
The second half has a slightly different tone and gets to be a little cheesy and repetitive. A part of me feels like this story went on for too long and the other part appreciates that we got a complete story that tied up each plot point with no unanswered questions.
And REESE! Even fictional men have the type of audacity and self centeredness that I aspire to gain a fraction of.
I love how the title ties in to one of the major themes of the books. Check your triggers because there are heavy topics discussed.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. It ran a little long, but the characters were fully fleshed out and they were perfect for each other. It’s made clear they would move heaven and earth for the other and I was rooting for them. As always, I loved the banter and their attraction and chemistry was off the charts. I can’t wait to read through this series.
A Worthy Love by A.E. Valdez
Full post at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Asher and Marisa run in the same friend group and went to Vegas to celebrate their friend’s bachelor and bachelorette party. At some point, Asher and Marisa drunkenly sneak off get married and have sex. They get it annulled quickly as planned after, but Marisa is pissed at him for telling her friends she was with him when they texted worried. They barely speak for months until Asher’s architecture job sends him to Portland, where Marisa lives for a contract.
What could possibly happen?
MY RECAP AND REVIEW
This is a standalone romance book in a series.
Asher and Marisa’s love hate relationship was entertaining to read. They talk a lot of shit and tease each other all the time, but as time goes on it’s clear they have a connection.
Asher has a lot of confidence, borderline cocky. He’s straight to the point and unapologetic. Marisa is a wildcard and a free spirit, guided by her emotions and feelings in the moment and relatively shameless, for the most part.
I loved the first half of this book, which had a more playful feel. A trope happens I didn’t initially like it for this story. In hindsight, I get why it’s a part of it, and the events developed the characters more and made the relationship deeper.
The second half has a slightly different tone and gets to be a little cheesy and repetitive. A part of me feels like this story went on for too long and the other part appreciates that we got a complete story that tied up each plot point with no unanswered questions.
And REESE! Even fictional men have the type of audacity and self centeredness that I aspire to gain a fraction of.
I love how the title ties in to one of the major themes of the books. Check your triggers because there are heavy topics discussed.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars. It ran a little long, but the characters were fully fleshed out and they were perfect for each other. It’s made clear they would move heaven and earth for the other and I was rooting for them. As always, I loved the banter and their attraction and chemistry was off the charts. I can’t wait to read through this series.
While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
5/5 ⭐️
While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory
As seen at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Ben works at an ad agency and ends up leading a pitch for the first time to a huge client because his colleagues are stuck in traffic. To his surprise, the celebrity contracted for the deal, Anna Gardiner, shows up for the meeting. After the pitch, she decides she wants his company to shoot the ad campaign with him as the lead on it.
What could possibly happen?
MY RECAP AND REVIEW
So this is the sixth book in a standalone series. While reading, I could tell certain moments were referencing another book, but it just felt like an inside joke I wasn’t in on more than a vital piece missing.
While We Were Dating is a contemporary romance book that has the banter and chemistry I enjoy. This is the second book I’ve read by Jasmine Guillory and so far, me and her writing style go together.
Ben is charismatic and lighthearted. He cares deeply but is also avoidant. Anna is just as charismatic but is a worrier. She’s recently had a hard time with anxiety and her mental health, and is now trying to reestablish her movie career.
Ben and Anna’s situation occurs by chance. If it wasn’t for their jobs, they might not have met. If one of them was too reluctant to lean into their draw towards the other, their relationship might not have deepened the way it did. It felt natural, steamy, and authentic.
Ben is the cutest. I love how attentive he is to Anna. He can be too easygoing and understanding in some situations, but I also love it. His nonchalance is also a core part of who he is, and I get it because I have similar habits. I also found Anna relatable with her anxiety spirals and adjusting to the newfound confidence after recovering.
The only disappointment was that towards the end, Anna didn’t pick up on a situation she called out, but the book is pretty revolved around her goals, so it’s on brand.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. It has the right amount of steam, was lighthearted, and I really enjoyed all of the characters introduced, even Simon.
While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory
As seen at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Ben works at an ad agency and ends up leading a pitch for the first time to a huge client because his colleagues are stuck in traffic. To his surprise, the celebrity contracted for the deal, Anna Gardiner, shows up for the meeting. After the pitch, she decides she wants his company to shoot the ad campaign with him as the lead on it.
What could possibly happen?
MY RECAP AND REVIEW
So this is the sixth book in a standalone series. While reading, I could tell certain moments were referencing another book, but it just felt like an inside joke I wasn’t in on more than a vital piece missing.
While We Were Dating is a contemporary romance book that has the banter and chemistry I enjoy. This is the second book I’ve read by Jasmine Guillory and so far, me and her writing style go together.
Ben is charismatic and lighthearted. He cares deeply but is also avoidant. Anna is just as charismatic but is a worrier. She’s recently had a hard time with anxiety and her mental health, and is now trying to reestablish her movie career.
Ben and Anna’s situation occurs by chance. If it wasn’t for their jobs, they might not have met. If one of them was too reluctant to lean into their draw towards the other, their relationship might not have deepened the way it did. It felt natural, steamy, and authentic.
Ben is the cutest. I love how attentive he is to Anna. He can be too easygoing and understanding in some situations, but I also love it. His nonchalance is also a core part of who he is, and I get it because I have similar habits. I also found Anna relatable with her anxiety spirals and adjusting to the newfound confidence after recovering.
The only disappointment was that towards the end, Anna didn’t pick up on a situation she called out, but the book is pretty revolved around her goals, so it’s on brand.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars. It has the right amount of steam, was lighthearted, and I really enjoyed all of the characters introduced, even Simon.
By the Book by Jasmine Guillory
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
4/5 ⭐️
By the Book by Jasmine Guillory
Post as seen at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Isabelle (Izzy) loves books and writing and finally gets her dream job working in publishing. Between administrative duties, reading manuscripts, putting out fires with authors and their upcoming releases, and encouraging authors to meet their deadlines, Izzy is burnt out. She barely gets any acknowledgement of her hard work and is told that she wouldn’t be promoted by a colleague.
After overhearing a conversation her boss has about the celebrity client, Beau, who has been radio silent about his upcoming book despite Izzy’s cheerful emails, Izzy volunteers to pay him a visit, wanting to stay in California a little longer after the work conference. Only, Beau doesn’t want to see her when she shows up.
What could possibly happen?
MY RECAP AND REVIEW
This is a standalone book in a romance series that is written by different authors from my understanding. It is told in the third person with Isabelle being the main protagonist.
By the Book is a Beauty and the Beast retelling. Beau is the monster in the mansion, who has been reclusive since his scandals and father’s death. There are many references to the fairy tale, from Izzy talking to furniture to the yellow dress at the end. I thought the way the author ties in the fairy tale was thoughtful and I loved how intentional it was, though I could understand if people think it’s too on the nose.
Izzy is so relatable to me as a character. She’s a passionate hard worker that gets sobered by her job. So much so, that she questions why she loves it in the first place. Babbyyy why was I a little triggered?
Beau can be harsh, but overtime we learn why he acts the way he does. No spoilers! Izzy sees who he is past the facade. Their relationship develops organically by spending together. They encourage and are supportive of each other. At the end I almost cried. There is no third act break up, which is refreshing.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this a 4 out of 5 stars. I don’t have much to say about this one, except I loved it. It’s pretty straightforward and lighthearted, but this story had me thinking about and itching to finish it.
By the Book by Jasmine Guillory
Post as seen at ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Isabelle (Izzy) loves books and writing and finally gets her dream job working in publishing. Between administrative duties, reading manuscripts, putting out fires with authors and their upcoming releases, and encouraging authors to meet their deadlines, Izzy is burnt out. She barely gets any acknowledgement of her hard work and is told that she wouldn’t be promoted by a colleague.
After overhearing a conversation her boss has about the celebrity client, Beau, who has been radio silent about his upcoming book despite Izzy’s cheerful emails, Izzy volunteers to pay him a visit, wanting to stay in California a little longer after the work conference. Only, Beau doesn’t want to see her when she shows up.
What could possibly happen?
MY RECAP AND REVIEW
This is a standalone book in a romance series that is written by different authors from my understanding. It is told in the third person with Isabelle being the main protagonist.
By the Book is a Beauty and the Beast retelling. Beau is the monster in the mansion, who has been reclusive since his scandals and father’s death. There are many references to the fairy tale, from Izzy talking to furniture to the yellow dress at the end. I thought the way the author ties in the fairy tale was thoughtful and I loved how intentional it was, though I could understand if people think it’s too on the nose.
Izzy is so relatable to me as a character. She’s a passionate hard worker that gets sobered by her job. So much so, that she questions why she loves it in the first place. Babbyyy why was I a little triggered?
Beau can be harsh, but overtime we learn why he acts the way he does. No spoilers! Izzy sees who he is past the facade. Their relationship develops organically by spending together. They encourage and are supportive of each other. At the end I almost cried. There is no third act break up, which is refreshing.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this a 4 out of 5 stars. I don’t have much to say about this one, except I loved it. It’s pretty straightforward and lighthearted, but this story had me thinking about and itching to finish it.
Final Offer by Lauren Asher
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
3/5 ⭐️
Full post on ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Cal, Declan, and Rowan have each received letters following their grandfather’s death that gives them tasks they must complete in order to receive their inheritance.
Cal must return to their family’s summer home and sell the house while living there. To his surprise, his ex who was the love of his life, is living in the house and with a daughter.
What could possibly happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This is the third book in the Dreamland Billionaire series. This one is told from a dual perspective between Alana and Cal. It is a second chance romance with a single mom.
I love Cal and enjoyed seeing all the cameos from the brothers and their significant others.
Cal is an anxious, self-loathing alcoholic and while there were days he got too drunk, I didn’t like Lana’s constant mistrust. Yes, he broke her heart when he left SIX years ago, but since he’s been back, he’s constantly trying to prove to her why he’s worthy of her. (And to be honest, while Cal’s relationship with alcohol is unhealthy, it felt watered down because he has to be redeemable). She always jumps to the worst conclusions.
The story gets repetitive. Lana isn’t supportive of Cal nor is she trying to help him. When she catches him drinking, she shames him.
The highlight of the story was Cami, Lana’s daughter, and Cal’s relationship. Cami asks a lot of questions. Cal is amused by her. Their relationship growing was cute.
Towards the end of the book, Cal makes a choice that he says is for himself, but it really didn’t felt like it was for Lana and that isn’t sustainable. In the book, there is also a mention of withdrawal and that came out of nowhere to me because he wasn’t even drinking like that because of Lana.
What happens with the shares and inheritance is satisfying. Brady, their dad, is the worst but I also enjoy seeing him in each of the books too.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed it in the beginning, but this book made me understand why people hate second chance romances. If the issues from before can’t be let go, then it’ll never work. I didn’t find myself rooting for this couple in the end.
Full post on ihavetosay.blog
SYNOPSIS
Cal, Declan, and Rowan have each received letters following their grandfather’s death that gives them tasks they must complete in order to receive their inheritance.
Cal must return to their family’s summer home and sell the house while living there. To his surprise, his ex who was the love of his life, is living in the house and with a daughter.
What could possibly happen?
RECAP AND REVIEW
This is the third book in the Dreamland Billionaire series. This one is told from a dual perspective between Alana and Cal. It is a second chance romance with a single mom.
I love Cal and enjoyed seeing all the cameos from the brothers and their significant others.
Cal is an anxious, self-loathing alcoholic and while there were days he got too drunk, I didn’t like Lana’s constant mistrust. Yes, he broke her heart when he left SIX years ago, but since he’s been back, he’s constantly trying to prove to her why he’s worthy of her. (And to be honest, while Cal’s relationship with alcohol is unhealthy, it felt watered down because he has to be redeemable). She always jumps to the worst conclusions.
The story gets repetitive. Lana isn’t supportive of Cal nor is she trying to help him. When she catches him drinking, she shames him.
The highlight of the story was Cami, Lana’s daughter, and Cal’s relationship. Cami asks a lot of questions. Cal is amused by her. Their relationship growing was cute.
Towards the end of the book, Cal makes a choice that he says is for himself, but it really didn’t felt like it was for Lana and that isn’t sustainable. In the book, there is also a mention of withdrawal and that came out of nowhere to me because he wasn’t even drinking like that because of Lana.
What happens with the shares and inheritance is satisfying. Brady, their dad, is the worst but I also enjoy seeing him in each of the books too.
OVERALL
Overall, I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed it in the beginning, but this book made me understand why people hate second chance romances. If the issues from before can’t be let go, then it’ll never work. I didn’t find myself rooting for this couple in the end.
Blood Scion by Deborah Falaye
Did not finish book. Stopped at 23%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 23%.
I’m gonna have to come back to this. It’s due at the library and I have troubling focusing on such a difficult and sad situation