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justkarlah's reviews
104 reviews
Ajax by Kelsie Calloway
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
◽️Dual 1st person POV◽️
Very short, quick read.
Ajax wants to win Everly back, and a winter storm is the perfect time to do it. Could've been a better story if it was longer. It just feels rushed in the end.
Very short, quick read.
Ajax wants to win Everly back, and a winter storm is the perfect time to do it. Could've been a better story if it was longer. It just feels rushed in the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
A Lady of Rooksgrave Manor by Kathryn Moon
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Found this book on Tiktok, honestly didn't think it'd be about anything other than monster spicy scenes. Was very pleasantly surprised. There's a bit of a plot, although it doesn't get introduced with a lot of detail until later on in the book. The characters are fun, all different in their own ways, except for their shared love of the FMC.
Definitely reading the next one in the series.
Definitely reading the next one in the series.
A Ticking Time Boss by Olivia Hayle
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I liked Carter's character in the other books where he wasn't the MMC, so I was excited to read this one where he was! I wasn't a big fan of him at first though. It almost felt like we were reading about a new character? But he grew on me eventually.
Calling her "kid" as a nickname though? Gave me the ick. It just feels weird, and not in a good way.
Other than that though, loved Carter and Audrey's relationship.I love jealous men in books. And the hotel room phone call?? Get itttt.
Calling her "kid" as a nickname though? Gave me the ick. It just feels weird, and not in a good way.
Other than that though, loved Carter and Audrey's relationship.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Say Yes to the Boss by Olivia Hayle
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Short and sweet, with not a lot of drama. I wasn't a big fan of the MMC at first, but once we learn more about him, he starts to become more relatable.
This series has the perfect billionaire men that fall head over heels in love with their person, and I haven't gotten tired of reading about them yet!
This series has the perfect billionaire men that fall head over heels in love with their person, and I haven't gotten tired of reading about them yet!
Saved by the Boss by Olivia Hayle
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.25
This book takes you through Anthony's life as he struggles with a medical diagnosis and what it means for his future.
It's a grumpy/sunshine romance with a grumpy man that absolutely adores the way the FMC views the world. She's a romantic at heart, believes in the goodness in everyone and is positive about life, while he's basically the complete opposite.
There aren't any shocking twists or anything like that, and I kinda liked that it was different in that way. My heart was full with these two and the struggles they faced.
If you're looking for a romance book with cute banter and tons of sweet moments (and a struggling MMC with a FMC with a heart of gold), then I'd recommend this book.
It's a grumpy/sunshine romance with a grumpy man that absolutely adores the way the FMC views the world. She's a romantic at heart, believes in the goodness in everyone and is positive about life, while he's basically the complete opposite.
There aren't any shocking twists or anything like that, and I kinda liked that it was different in that way. My heart was full with these two and the struggles they faced.
If you're looking for a romance book with cute banter and tons of sweet moments (and a struggling MMC with a FMC with a heart of gold), then I'd recommend this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Alcohol
Mile High by Liz Tomforde
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book had me wanting to laugh and cry and everything in between. There's a large focus on body issues, family drama, and tons of romance. Tons of heartbreak, too, of course. All of it hit me a lot harder than I ever thought it would.
I absolutely loved the characters in this story, and can't wait to read about the others too! They're all loveable and supportive and it's just a perfect example of how healthy friendships/relationships should be.
When Zanders realized he liked her and didn't know what to do with himself? Jeezus. My jaw hurt from smiling so much. I loved how much these two supported each other through everything, and the patience they showed one another when it came to sensitive topics.
Having someone love the parts of you that you find hard to love is such a beautiful, warm feeling that I hope everyone reading this gets to experience in their own lives.
I absolutely loved the characters in this story, and can't wait to read about the others too! They're all loveable and supportive and it's just a perfect example of how healthy friendships/relationships should be.
When Zanders realized he liked her and didn't know what to do with himself? Jeezus. My jaw hurt from smiling so much. I loved how much these two supported each other through everything, and the patience they showed one another when it came to sensitive topics.
Having someone love the parts of you that you find hard to love is such a beautiful, warm feeling that I hope everyone reading this gets to experience in their own lives.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Sexual content, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Think Outside the Boss by Olivia Hayle
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
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
4.0
Interesting beginning, definitely not a common way to meet someone. Love the way Tristan plays along with her way of flirting. You can feel the sexual tension between these two easily.
I love their interactions, although at the end of the book, I'm kinda left feeling like I forgot everything that happened? It didn't leave a lasting impression, but it wasn't a bad read. Just not a memorable one.
I will say though, when Tristan shared his worries/insecurities with her, it almost broke my heart. The raw emotion he showed and the way he trusted her with it all was really sweet. Definitely one of my favorite scenes.
I would recommend this book if you're into forbidden office romances, it fits perfectly into that trope!
I love their interactions, although at the end of the book, I'm kinda left feeling like I forgot everything that happened? It didn't leave a lasting impression, but it wasn't a bad read. Just not a memorable one.
I will say though, when Tristan shared his worries/insecurities with her, it almost broke my heart. The raw emotion he showed and the way he trusted her with it all was really sweet. Definitely one of my favorite scenes.
I would recommend this book if you're into forbidden office romances, it fits perfectly into that trope!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Beach, Please by Melanie Summers
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
▫️Dual 1st person POV▫️
A cute summer read.
We start the story by learning about the FMC's and the MMC's backstories (which are both sad and heartbreaking).
Lola and Aiden are total opposites; one is clean, a homebody, and a minimalist, and the other one is messy, outgoing, and loves everything cozy. Their differences are pointed out a lot by both characters, but it only makes the attraction between them more obvious, no matter how much they both try to deny it.
Their interactions were sweet, with plenty of bonding over their wounded hearts. I loved that they both confided in the other and were able to help the other through the lows.
There's also a one-bed trope too, which had me laughing out loud. Cute though. Spice was implied, nothing detailed.
I was thrown off by the whole "I'm in love with her. She's the one." after only knowing each other for 2-3 weeks (half of which was spent pretending to be a couple and hating having to share a home). Wasn't the biggest fan of the love declarations, but it was very sweet of him to have sold his boat for her. Truly a grand gesture.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes to read romance books with lots of laughs, mending broken hearts, and cute vacation settings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A cute summer read.
We start the story by learning about the FMC's and the MMC's backstories (which are both sad and heartbreaking).
Lola and Aiden are total opposites; one is clean, a homebody, and a minimalist, and the other one is messy, outgoing, and loves everything cozy. Their differences are pointed out a lot by both characters, but it only makes the attraction between them more obvious, no matter how much they both try to deny it.
Their interactions were sweet, with plenty of bonding over their wounded hearts. I loved that they both confided in the other and were able to help the other through the lows.
There's also a one-bed trope too, which had me laughing out loud. Cute though. Spice was implied, nothing detailed.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes to read romance books with lots of laughs, mending broken hearts, and cute vacation settings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Infertility
Minor: Sexual content
Partners in Crime by Alisha Rai
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
▫️3rd person POV▫️
This was one of those books that hooks you in right from the start with a surprise and forced proximity, which always makes for a ton of bickering and chemistry that both main characters try to ignore.
I loved that even with all of their faults, they still managed to somehow understand one another and figure out how their past played into the way they lived their lives in the present. Naveen was perfect, patient and able to communicate a lot better than Mira, which worked great for the two of them.
The spicy scenes were pretty mild and short, but sweet.
It had plenty of twists and was full of adventure so it didn't feel boring at any point in the story. The ending felt kind of rushed, and sometimes it felt more like an action movie than a romance, but it was still entertaining to read.
If you like 2nd chance romances, forced proximity, and family drama (with a ton of adventure thrown in), then I would recommend this book!
This was one of those books that hooks you in right from the start with a surprise and forced proximity, which always makes for a ton of bickering and chemistry that both main characters try to ignore.
I loved that even with all of their faults, they still managed to somehow understand one another and figure out how their past played into the way they lived their lives in the present. Naveen was perfect, patient and able to communicate a lot better than Mira, which worked great for the two of them.
The spicy scenes were pretty mild and short, but sweet.
It had plenty of twists and was full of adventure so it didn't feel boring at any point in the story. The ending felt kind of rushed, and sometimes it felt more like an action movie than a romance, but it was still entertaining to read.
If you like 2nd chance romances, forced proximity, and family drama (with a ton of adventure thrown in), then I would recommend this book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Sexual content, Violence, Kidnapping, and Grief
Minor: Body shaming and Gun violence
How to Honeymoon Alone by Olivia Hayle
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
▫️1st person POV▫️
This book was funny and sweet and heartbreaking all at once and ugh I just couldn't put it down, I HAD to finish it in one sitting!
The conversations and bickering between Eden and Phillip felt realistic and natural. Their first encounter was very entertaining, I was smiling like an idiot for most of the book. Some scenes actually had me laughing out loud.
The grumpy/sunshine trope is played out so well!
I loved that Eden was able to do things outside of her comfort zone and pushed herself to try new things, all while working through her heartbreak. I also loved the change in Phillip's worldview when he started hanging out with Eden, and the way he actually listened to her when she spoke. I just loved these two so much!
I'm excited to check out this author's other books, and I'll definitely be purchasing a physical copy for my bookshelf!
If you're looking for a vacation-getaway, grumpy/sunshine romance, then please check this book out!
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was funny and sweet and heartbreaking all at once and ugh I just couldn't put it down, I HAD to finish it in one sitting!
The conversations and bickering between Eden and Phillip felt realistic and natural. Their first encounter was very entertaining, I was smiling like an idiot for most of the book. Some scenes actually had me laughing out loud.
The grumpy/sunshine trope is played out so well!
I loved that Eden was able to do things outside of her comfort zone and pushed herself to try new things, all while working through her heartbreak. I also loved the change in Phillip's worldview when he started hanging out with Eden, and the way he actually listened to her when she spoke. I just loved these two so much!
I'm excited to check out this author's other books, and I'll definitely be purchasing a physical copy for my bookshelf!
If you're looking for a vacation-getaway, grumpy/sunshine romance, then please check this book out!
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Alcohol