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katemc7's reviews
1425 reviews
Perfect Deke by Ruth Stilling
hopeful
lighthearted
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
I am a huge fan of Ruth and have really enjoyed the ride that she has taken us on with the Seattle Scorpion series. So I was ecstatic to learn that Jack was getting his own spin off series. Jack was beyond anything I could have thought he would be!! He was a SERIOUS boy obsessed. I feel like he was on another level from the men in the Seattle series (though they have a special place in my heart- especially Jensen). He was SOOO wonderful to Kendra. He truly treated her like the queen she was. I loved when he kept saying "If you were my girlfriend" while thinking I realllly want you to be my girlfriend. The chemistry between these two was unmatched. It was off the charts! And Jack in bed- WOW!! The spice scenes in this one were exciting and fresh, and MAN did I blush at the back seat of the truck one (IYKYK). Kendra was so strong and independent. Her confidence was down because there was so many things going wrong at the same time. Having Jack come in and be her knight in shining armor was not expected. Watching her slowly fall for him and realize that she could have had this longer was veryyyy sweet!! These two were wonderful together. They built each other up. They showed up for each other. They wanted the good and the bad.
Kendra has finally made the decision to end her 4 year long relationship with a man she doesn't seem to really know anymore. Her apartment has now had a massive maintenance issue. She doesn't know what to do. But then she runs into her ex's rival, Jack Morgan. They all went to college together, but Kendra never really gave him the time of day because of Tyler. He is HOT and is offering for her to move in with him until she can find somewhere to go. Should she say yes? She doesn't have much of a choice which is how she finds herself moving into a penthouse in an exclusive building across town. She doesn't expect to be so comfortable around Jack or so attracted to him. She doesn't expect the little things he does for her and how much they make her smile. She doesn't expect him offering to be her date to a gala as her fake boyfriend to keep her ex off her back. She really doesn't expect loving the way he says if you were my girlfriend. She likes the way her makes her feel- special. Cared for. Wanted. The chemistry between the is off the charts, and she decides not to fight it anymore. What they share is beyond anything she experienced with Tyler. She starts to wonder if they could really make this work- like not be fake. And then feelings are shared and they are the real deal. But she underestimated how Tyler would react or would he would reveal to push her and Jack apart. Is any of it true? Was all of this too fast?
Jack has just been tapped to move up to an NHL team, and he is pumped about all of it. Except for the fact that his rival from college, Tyler, also happens to be on this team. He has had a thing for Tyler's girlfriend since college, but of course kept his distance. But when he learns that the two are broken up and that Kendra needs somewhere to live- he doesn't hesitate. He wants her in his space. He wants to be in her life however she will take him. He wants to show her how she deserves to be treated. He starts small- he doesn't want to freak her out. And the more time they spend together the deeper his crush goes. She is just so beautiful and amazing. When an opportunity comes up he finds himself offering to be her fake boyfriend. Of course none of it is fake to him but maybe this is his chance to show her how good they could be together. When she shows interest in making this physical between them he feels like he has died and gone to heaven. How is this his life? His dream girl and him have a connection he never knew existed. Now he just has to tell her how he feels and hope she wants him too. And now they are an item. He feels like he is on could 9. All is right with the world, until Tyle butts in and tries to ruin it. But Kendra doesn't know the lengths that Jack will go to to make sure she understand how he feels. She is it for him. Period.
This was a wonderful intro to a new series. I liked the cameos we saw of our Seattle boys, and their protectiveness over Jack. I liked the side characters a LOT and can't wait to read more about Sawyer and Collins- that will be juicy. As well as Archer and Darcy maybe? I haven't figure out who the other book will be about but I am sure it will become clear soon. Jack and Kendra were fantastic yall! I HIGHLY recommend picking this one up if you haven't. Clear golden retriever vibes with a woman on the other side of a long term relationship gone sour!
Thank you to Ruth for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I am SOO honored to be a part of your ARC team :)
Kendra has finally made the decision to end her 4 year long relationship with a man she doesn't seem to really know anymore. Her apartment has now had a massive maintenance issue. She doesn't know what to do. But then she runs into her ex's rival, Jack Morgan. They all went to college together, but Kendra never really gave him the time of day because of Tyler. He is HOT and is offering for her to move in with him until she can find somewhere to go. Should she say yes? She doesn't have much of a choice which is how she finds herself moving into a penthouse in an exclusive building across town. She doesn't expect to be so comfortable around Jack or so attracted to him. She doesn't expect the little things he does for her and how much they make her smile. She doesn't expect him offering to be her date to a gala as her fake boyfriend to keep her ex off her back. She really doesn't expect loving the way he says if you were my girlfriend. She likes the way her makes her feel- special. Cared for. Wanted. The chemistry between the is off the charts, and she decides not to fight it anymore. What they share is beyond anything she experienced with Tyler. She starts to wonder if they could really make this work- like not be fake. And then feelings are shared and they are the real deal. But she underestimated how Tyler would react or would he would reveal to push her and Jack apart. Is any of it true? Was all of this too fast?
Jack has just been tapped to move up to an NHL team, and he is pumped about all of it. Except for the fact that his rival from college, Tyler, also happens to be on this team. He has had a thing for Tyler's girlfriend since college, but of course kept his distance. But when he learns that the two are broken up and that Kendra needs somewhere to live- he doesn't hesitate. He wants her in his space. He wants to be in her life however she will take him. He wants to show her how she deserves to be treated. He starts small- he doesn't want to freak her out. And the more time they spend together the deeper his crush goes. She is just so beautiful and amazing. When an opportunity comes up he finds himself offering to be her fake boyfriend. Of course none of it is fake to him but maybe this is his chance to show her how good they could be together. When she shows interest in making this physical between them he feels like he has died and gone to heaven. How is this his life? His dream girl and him have a connection he never knew existed. Now he just has to tell her how he feels and hope she wants him too. And now they are an item. He feels like he is on could 9. All is right with the world, until Tyle butts in and tries to ruin it. But Kendra doesn't know the lengths that Jack will go to to make sure she understand how he feels. She is it for him. Period.
This was a wonderful intro to a new series. I liked the cameos we saw of our Seattle boys, and their protectiveness over Jack. I liked the side characters a LOT and can't wait to read more about Sawyer and Collins- that will be juicy. As well as Archer and Darcy maybe? I haven't figure out who the other book will be about but I am sure it will become clear soon. Jack and Kendra were fantastic yall! I HIGHLY recommend picking this one up if you haven't. Clear golden retriever vibes with a woman on the other side of a long term relationship gone sour!
Thank you to Ruth for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I am SOO honored to be a part of your ARC team :)
Stolen Vows by Penelope Black
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-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
This was a SOLID 4.5 stars for me! I ABSOLUTELY LOVED GRAHAM!! I had a feeling there was so much more going on under the surface with this man. And OMG was I right. I absolutely LOVED reading these two. I felt like I was falling in love right alongside them. I loved that this was a bit of a twist on a second chance since they had never really had a go, but they kept running into each other. I loved the way that Graham showed up for Francesca- over and over again. And how his love language was definitely in gifts. I loved how even though they were a marriage of convenience- they both went into it with feelings for each other. Graham was such a protector and borderline grump- I liked the reaction his family had to how he was around Francesca. Everything just seemed very natural between the two of them. Francesca was wonderful!! She was so strong and independent. She didn't want to fold under the wing of her parents empire and how they had setup her structured life. She wanted things for herself. I loved watching Graham help build up her confidence.
Graham is a hacker by trade. He is into cybersecurity. There is really only one person he has looked for that he hasn't been able to track down. Until he sees her in the coffee shop of his town. It's like fate is speaking to him because she is HERE. But it's not there time. She isn't here to stay until several years later she is. And now Graham decides he is not going to let her go again. Not without learning everything he can about her. Why is she her? Who is she? Why can't he stop thinking about her? But instead of bombarding her, he starts to show up for her. He brings her treats. He watches what she likes. He finds himself enjoying this slice of time they have together every week. He finds himself wanting more. When they do kiss, it's like he has been waiting for her all his life at least since when he saw her for the first time all those years ago. So when he finds out that she needs help. That her family has put her in an unbeatable position. He doesn't hesitate. He asks her to marry him. They can do this and both have benefits on the other side. The thing is that he doesn't want there to be an on the other side. He is going into this with the idea that he gets to keep her. And the more they live together the more he knows he can't live without her. But when her family throws a curveball to get her back, he realizes that they underestimated their love for each other. He will just have to prove them wrong.
Francesca has been "committed" to a man she doesn't want to marry since she can remember. She has become a lifer in regards to being a student to avoid the inevitable I do's between them. She tries to enjoy herself and gain her independence. She is determined to be different from her family. She is also determined to stop thinking about Graham. The boy now man that she seems to keep running into at different points in her life. Points where she can't stay. But now she has moved to Avalon Falls. She has inherited her aunt's bookstore. And though she is thinking about him, she doesn't expect to see him. She also doesn't expect to feel the things she does WHEN she seems him. She doesn't even know him. But it's like her soul knows him. And so when he starts showing up every week to walk and talk with her, she loves it. She likes seeing him be more open around her than others. She likes the way he smiles at her and how he makes her smile. But when she gets overwhelmed by her family threats, she doesn't expect what he offers. He wants her to be his wife. He wants to offer her his protection and his house. Maybe his body too? All she knows is she is now married and NOT to the man she thought she would be married to. She finds herself loving this with him. How they are building on their chemistry. And how she hasn't felt like this before. But when her family traps her without her realizing will he come like he says he will? Because one thing she knows is this marriage has never been fake for her.
This was a TRUE slow burn. I loved all of the spice scenes without physical contact- it just added to the burn. It added to the scene when they did finally get together- it was THAT MUCH BETTER. The chemistry between them was wonderful- it was electric! I also loved the kindle shoutout and how the highlights from her books played into their experience together. Genius Penelope! I can't wait to see whose book will be next- is it Abby and Mason maybe? And will there be one about Florence? I am not in her camp right now but am thinking Penelope can get me there. If you haven't picked up this series, I definitely recommend it for the found family and small town vibes!
Thank you to Valentine PR and Penelope for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review :)
Graham is a hacker by trade. He is into cybersecurity. There is really only one person he has looked for that he hasn't been able to track down. Until he sees her in the coffee shop of his town. It's like fate is speaking to him because she is HERE. But it's not there time. She isn't here to stay until several years later she is. And now Graham decides he is not going to let her go again. Not without learning everything he can about her. Why is she her? Who is she? Why can't he stop thinking about her? But instead of bombarding her, he starts to show up for her. He brings her treats. He watches what she likes. He finds himself enjoying this slice of time they have together every week. He finds himself wanting more. When they do kiss, it's like he has been waiting for her all his life at least since when he saw her for the first time all those years ago. So when he finds out that she needs help. That her family has put her in an unbeatable position. He doesn't hesitate. He asks her to marry him. They can do this and both have benefits on the other side. The thing is that he doesn't want there to be an on the other side. He is going into this with the idea that he gets to keep her. And the more they live together the more he knows he can't live without her. But when her family throws a curveball to get her back, he realizes that they underestimated their love for each other. He will just have to prove them wrong.
Francesca has been "committed" to a man she doesn't want to marry since she can remember. She has become a lifer in regards to being a student to avoid the inevitable I do's between them. She tries to enjoy herself and gain her independence. She is determined to be different from her family. She is also determined to stop thinking about Graham. The boy now man that she seems to keep running into at different points in her life. Points where she can't stay. But now she has moved to Avalon Falls. She has inherited her aunt's bookstore. And though she is thinking about him, she doesn't expect to see him. She also doesn't expect to feel the things she does WHEN she seems him. She doesn't even know him. But it's like her soul knows him. And so when he starts showing up every week to walk and talk with her, she loves it. She likes seeing him be more open around her than others. She likes the way he smiles at her and how he makes her smile. But when she gets overwhelmed by her family threats, she doesn't expect what he offers. He wants her to be his wife. He wants to offer her his protection and his house. Maybe his body too? All she knows is she is now married and NOT to the man she thought she would be married to. She finds herself loving this with him. How they are building on their chemistry. And how she hasn't felt like this before. But when her family traps her without her realizing will he come like he says he will? Because one thing she knows is this marriage has never been fake for her.
This was a TRUE slow burn. I loved all of the spice scenes without physical contact- it just added to the burn. It added to the scene when they did finally get together- it was THAT MUCH BETTER. The chemistry between them was wonderful- it was electric! I also loved the kindle shoutout and how the highlights from her books played into their experience together. Genius Penelope! I can't wait to see whose book will be next- is it Abby and Mason maybe? And will there be one about Florence? I am not in her camp right now but am thinking Penelope can get me there. If you haven't picked up this series, I definitely recommend it for the found family and small town vibes!
Thank you to Valentine PR and Penelope for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review :)
Broken Harbor by Catherine Cowles
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-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
Ugh, Catherine does it again!! I have made it a game of sorts with myself to try to determine who is going to be behind the suspense in her books and have failed every time LOL. This was a wonderful addition to this series, and though you could read it as a standalone, I would recommend reading these books in order. They build off of each other and you get to see the characters from previous books in the new ones! I really liked reading Cope and Sutton and watching them fall for each other. I LOVED that they had a not-so-meet cute. I loved how strong Sutton was and how much she had overcome in her life. She had a hard time accepting help from anyone. Cope on the other hand was our knight in shining armor swooping in to help and liking the sass/acceptance he got from Sutton. These two had some serious chemistry from the jump! I liked that by being this knight for Sutton, Cope was able to find some inner peace. He was going through it and had been holding some things in for a while. Meeting Sutton and seeing how she coped with her past helped him realize he could do it too. And THEN we had the added element of cuteness with Luca. The kid adored and basically worshipped Cope. I loved when Cope and Sutton decided to tell Luca about them and he was like oh yeah I already knew that. Kids see more than we think yall!!
Sutton is at the end of her rope. She doesn't think things could get any worse and then they do. She doesn't know how she is going to be able to afford to do anything now. Most of how is she going to continue to support Luca in his love for hockey and run her store while also being a single mom. Well when help comes, it is not from who she expected. It is from Cope Colson- one of her now good friends' brothers. He is in town for the summer working at the camp where Luca is going and offers to help set her up. He moves them into his house. He shows her that even though she CAN do it alone most of the time, it is ok to ask for help every once in a while. All the while they are around each other, there is this slow burn build-up going on. But Sutton swore off athletes a long time ago. Tragedy strikes in Cope's world though and she comes when he needs her. They started as friends but have become so much more. What they share is beyond anything she has ever experienced. So she opens up about her past with him. She tells him about her ghosts. And now it looks like someone is trying to scare her off. Weird things are happening in town at her shop. But Cope will keep her safe. But her past comes to get her when she least expects it. She never wanted Cope involved in all of this, and she hopes before it is all over that he knows how much she loves him. How much he means to her.
Cope is coming back home to heal and hide a little. Someone is coming after him in the media, and he can't put his finger on who. So he agrees to come home to help with a camp for the summer. Keep a low profile. What he doesn't expect is Luca. And what he really doesn't expect is Sutton. Sutton who in the best way turns him down flat before realizing that he is Luca's coach. Sutton who is so strong and strikingly beautiful, hefinds himself going out of his way to be able to interact with her. Sutton who needs help but won't ask for it. So he does it for her. He offers his home to them until they can get things sorted out. He offers a little sanctuary for her. He likes helping her. He likes being needed. He also can't stop thinking about her in ALLL sorts of ways. He feels like things are progressing between them but then she surprises him by showing up when he needs her the most. Now things are for sure not going the friend route. He finds himself thinking long term here. He wants to know more about her and her past. And when she tells him he is devastated and in awe of what she has overcome. But now someone is in town messing with her. That just won't stand. Cope will do whatever it takes to keep Luca and Sutton safe. He just hopes he isn't too late.
Catherine does such a good job of establishing these characters who have SOO many walls up, and then introducing them to the one person who is going to knock them all down. Reading that story is always so delicious and well done. This one was all of that. I loved Sutton and Cope as a family. I loved the side characters and glimpses we got into how they were doing. I also really enjoyed the added element of suspense- even though I knew it would be in there, it just keeps me on my toes. One of these days MAYBE I will guess who the bad guy is! Catherine is the queen of plot twists LOL. Now onto Arden- can't wait to see how all of the shakes out! If you haven't picked up this series yet, I definitely recommend it :)
Sutton is at the end of her rope. She doesn't think things could get any worse and then they do. She doesn't know how she is going to be able to afford to do anything now. Most of how is she going to continue to support Luca in his love for hockey and run her store while also being a single mom. Well when help comes, it is not from who she expected. It is from Cope Colson- one of her now good friends' brothers. He is in town for the summer working at the camp where Luca is going and offers to help set her up. He moves them into his house. He shows her that even though she CAN do it alone most of the time, it is ok to ask for help every once in a while. All the while they are around each other, there is this slow burn build-up going on. But Sutton swore off athletes a long time ago. Tragedy strikes in Cope's world though and she comes when he needs her. They started as friends but have become so much more. What they share is beyond anything she has ever experienced. So she opens up about her past with him. She tells him about her ghosts. And now it looks like someone is trying to scare her off. Weird things are happening in town at her shop. But Cope will keep her safe. But her past comes to get her when she least expects it. She never wanted Cope involved in all of this, and she hopes before it is all over that he knows how much she loves him. How much he means to her.
Cope is coming back home to heal and hide a little. Someone is coming after him in the media, and he can't put his finger on who. So he agrees to come home to help with a camp for the summer. Keep a low profile. What he doesn't expect is Luca. And what he really doesn't expect is Sutton. Sutton who in the best way turns him down flat before realizing that he is Luca's coach. Sutton who is so strong and strikingly beautiful, hefinds himself going out of his way to be able to interact with her. Sutton who needs help but won't ask for it. So he does it for her. He offers his home to them until they can get things sorted out. He offers a little sanctuary for her. He likes helping her. He likes being needed. He also can't stop thinking about her in ALLL sorts of ways. He feels like things are progressing between them but then she surprises him by showing up when he needs her the most. Now things are for sure not going the friend route. He finds himself thinking long term here. He wants to know more about her and her past. And when she tells him he is devastated and in awe of what she has overcome. But now someone is in town messing with her. That just won't stand. Cope will do whatever it takes to keep Luca and Sutton safe. He just hopes he isn't too late.
Catherine does such a good job of establishing these characters who have SOO many walls up, and then introducing them to the one person who is going to knock them all down. Reading that story is always so delicious and well done. This one was all of that. I loved Sutton and Cope as a family. I loved the side characters and glimpses we got into how they were doing. I also really enjoyed the added element of suspense- even though I knew it would be in there, it just keeps me on my toes. One of these days MAYBE I will guess who the bad guy is! Catherine is the queen of plot twists LOL. Now onto Arden- can't wait to see how all of the shakes out! If you haven't picked up this series yet, I definitely recommend it :)
Better Than Friends by Jill Shalvis
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-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
3.0
This was a solid 3 stars for me. Though it was fine to read as a standalone, I felt like I was missing context between these characters. Liked I jumped into a movie and had missed the first 10 minutes or so. I am a huge sucker for best friend's sibling which this was. And though I did enjoy that part, I found myself irritated with Olive and Noah. They had a weird falling out forever ago and though Olive stayed in touch with her best friend Katie (Noah's sister)- their relationship seemed to be all over the place. They reconnected at one point but never addressed it. There was a little too much hot and cold for me. With that being said, I could feel the chemistry between these two. We all know there is a fine line between love and loathe- these two had that part down. I liked the quirky side characters- especially Joey and how he kept popping up at the most inopportune moments. I also liked the dog and kitty as characters! I liked the suspense aspect. I also liked what these characters had been through- the definition of family for them was slightly different than most which added layers to them as people.
Olive is going home for one reason and one reason only- her best friend needs her. Katie NEVER asks for help and she asked. So Olive has answered. As much as she is looking forward to seeing people she hasn't seen in a while, she is not looking forward to seeing Noah, Katie's brother. The man who has been on her mind for the last 10 years. The man who she has been running from. The man who she now finds herself living across the hall from. Of course there is animosity between them. They have never talked through anything. They have let their bodies do the talking instead. Well now feelings seem to be involved. Feelings Olive doesn't know if she wants to define. Feelings that seem to be all consuming at times and maybe not welcome. But she seems them in Noah too. When she asks for his help and he comes willingly, she doesn't know what to think. The man who doesn't do relationships keeps showing up for her. He keeps confusing her. He lets her in then pushes her away. All the while Olive has to decide if she is going to speak what is in her heart and decide to stay or leave like she did all those years ago.
Noah is in the middle of medical leave for work when his life implodes again. His sister's best friend and woman he hasn't been able to get out of his head Olive is back in town. Not only that, she is living in the same house with him. The woman who up and left all those years ago. The woman who drives him crazy in a good and bad way. The woman he finds himself wanting to be different for and help like he hasn't before. So when she asks him for help reluctantly of course he helps. He wants to show her that she is loved. That even though she may not "need" it people are willing to help. The more time they spend together the more Noah finds himself terrified and intrigued. She makes him want more. More than he has ever thought he could have or should want. But there is an end date looming on when Olive will leave. Will Noah be able to decide if this is what he wants? And not only that will he be able to finally tell her how he feels? How he has always felt?
This was a super fast and easy read. Like I said I liked the brother's best friend aspect and the characters in general. I didn't like the back and forth. But I liked how everything tied together in the end. The closed door spice worked with the vibe of the book but I can't say I wouldn't have liked to hear Noah and how he may or may not have talked in bed LOL.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Olive is going home for one reason and one reason only- her best friend needs her. Katie NEVER asks for help and she asked. So Olive has answered. As much as she is looking forward to seeing people she hasn't seen in a while, she is not looking forward to seeing Noah, Katie's brother. The man who has been on her mind for the last 10 years. The man who she has been running from. The man who she now finds herself living across the hall from. Of course there is animosity between them. They have never talked through anything. They have let their bodies do the talking instead. Well now feelings seem to be involved. Feelings Olive doesn't know if she wants to define. Feelings that seem to be all consuming at times and maybe not welcome. But she seems them in Noah too. When she asks for his help and he comes willingly, she doesn't know what to think. The man who doesn't do relationships keeps showing up for her. He keeps confusing her. He lets her in then pushes her away. All the while Olive has to decide if she is going to speak what is in her heart and decide to stay or leave like she did all those years ago.
Noah is in the middle of medical leave for work when his life implodes again. His sister's best friend and woman he hasn't been able to get out of his head Olive is back in town. Not only that, she is living in the same house with him. The woman who up and left all those years ago. The woman who drives him crazy in a good and bad way. The woman he finds himself wanting to be different for and help like he hasn't before. So when she asks him for help reluctantly of course he helps. He wants to show her that she is loved. That even though she may not "need" it people are willing to help. The more time they spend together the more Noah finds himself terrified and intrigued. She makes him want more. More than he has ever thought he could have or should want. But there is an end date looming on when Olive will leave. Will Noah be able to decide if this is what he wants? And not only that will he be able to finally tell her how he feels? How he has always felt?
This was a super fast and easy read. Like I said I liked the brother's best friend aspect and the characters in general. I didn't like the back and forth. But I liked how everything tied together in the end. The closed door spice worked with the vibe of the book but I can't say I wouldn't have liked to hear Noah and how he may or may not have talked in bed LOL.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Best Friends for Never by Teagan Hunter
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.5
This was a cute small-town romance that was a solid 3.5 stars for me! I liked the kind of element of second chance as well. The only reason this wasn't a 4 star for me was kind of the pacing and then I was a little confused on where the characters stood with each other. They would be mad and hurt then flirty and fun like nothing had happened. That part just felt a little stilted for me. Other than that-I really liked the quirky characters we got- Gran and Astrid. I liked the setting and the subtle jokes about who was Parker's best friend. I liked the fact that Noel was this big movie star who had left home and made a name for himself. I liked reading about how he now had mixed feelings about this whole situation because of how he feels about Parker. And I did like the chemistry between Noel and Parker. I liked how it was like something clicked for Noel and now that he wanted Parker he was going to pursue her. The spice came on fast which again with the pacing felt a little weird. I liked how both of them figured out what they wanted at the end and went after it.
Parker is proud of where she is in her life. She is part owner to a successful business. She is working to enrich her town and help open the theater that closed down all of those years ago. But none of that changes how she is feeling about seeing her old best friend that she hasn't talked to in 10 years now. She doesn't know what to expect. She has seen him on screen but how is it going to be seeing him in person? Awkward is the answer. But how could that be when they were inseparable all those years ago? And now she finds herself even more attracted to him than before. When he shows interest too they take their connection to a whole other level. And even though there is a deadline looming on when he will be leaving- Parker can't help but explore this thing. She can't help but talk about the past and explain her side. She can't help but become invested in whatever this thing is. But then plans change which she thought she was prepared for but reality is crashing in. And the question is she going to let him walk away again without explaining how she feels?
Noel is doing everything he can to avoid going home early. He wants to see Parker but he doesn't at the same time. There are just so many emotions from how they left things. But then he sees her and though it is awkward, he can't help but find himself wanting her even more than he did before. Somehow she has become more beautiful, more confident. He couldn't be more in awe of what she has accomplished. So he makes his move. He asks her out and it's like no time has passed but they have now experienced things to be ready for each other. It is nothing short of amazing what they share. And they continue to be amazing. Their time is running out though. Real life is calling Noel back to it, but he finds himself wanting things to be different than before. He finds himself thinking about the future and what that would look like without Parker. Now he has to figure out if that is a future he is ok with? Or if he is going to fight for what he wants.
This was a super easy and fast read. I would recommend it if someone is looking for a small town romance with found family that has the best quirks. I liked how both of them supported each other and were aware of what they both wanted to achieve. They were willing to do things different if it ended up with them being together- which who doesn't love that??
Thank you to Valentine PR, NetGalley and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Parker is proud of where she is in her life. She is part owner to a successful business. She is working to enrich her town and help open the theater that closed down all of those years ago. But none of that changes how she is feeling about seeing her old best friend that she hasn't talked to in 10 years now. She doesn't know what to expect. She has seen him on screen but how is it going to be seeing him in person? Awkward is the answer. But how could that be when they were inseparable all those years ago? And now she finds herself even more attracted to him than before. When he shows interest too they take their connection to a whole other level. And even though there is a deadline looming on when he will be leaving- Parker can't help but explore this thing. She can't help but talk about the past and explain her side. She can't help but become invested in whatever this thing is. But then plans change which she thought she was prepared for but reality is crashing in. And the question is she going to let him walk away again without explaining how she feels?
Noel is doing everything he can to avoid going home early. He wants to see Parker but he doesn't at the same time. There are just so many emotions from how they left things. But then he sees her and though it is awkward, he can't help but find himself wanting her even more than he did before. Somehow she has become more beautiful, more confident. He couldn't be more in awe of what she has accomplished. So he makes his move. He asks her out and it's like no time has passed but they have now experienced things to be ready for each other. It is nothing short of amazing what they share. And they continue to be amazing. Their time is running out though. Real life is calling Noel back to it, but he finds himself wanting things to be different than before. He finds himself thinking about the future and what that would look like without Parker. Now he has to figure out if that is a future he is ok with? Or if he is going to fight for what he wants.
This was a super easy and fast read. I would recommend it if someone is looking for a small town romance with found family that has the best quirks. I liked how both of them supported each other and were aware of what they both wanted to achieve. They were willing to do things different if it ended up with them being together- which who doesn't love that??
Thank you to Valentine PR, NetGalley and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-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
This book was phenomenal yall! Cara is quickly becoming one of my go to authors. She has FULLY helped me see how much I love a good friends to lovers trope. This woman has mastered it. What I enjoyed the most about this book was that romance was not at the forefront of this book at all. Grief was. And as a person who has endured some major grief in her life- I was floored at how well it was addressed AND how accurate it was. I absolutely loved and connected with all of the characters. We have Lenny who is on the other side a tragedy that has rocked her world. She can't see on through the other side. She is working as a nanny and basically floating at this point through life. We have Ainsley, the girl she is babysitting. We have Reese (Ainsley's mom) and then of course we have Miles (Reese's half brother/Ainsley's uncle). I think I liked him as much as Miles from Funny Story. Miles is a massive grump at first but when we start to peel back the layers of why he is the way he is it's heartbreaking and so sincere. Him and Lenny immediately start off on the wrong foot. But then Miles comes to Lenny with a proposal of sorts. A way that they can help each other out. Lenny is because why not. But she doesn't expect her life to be forever changed.
Lenny is at the point in her grief where she isn't trying to hid it anymore. She just lets it out when it wants to be out. She is working but not willing to commit to anything. She is making it. She is as ok as she can be right now. But then she gets a new family. Reese and Ainsley and the uncle Miles. Miles seems like a jerk from the jump. He is lurking and watching and tattling on Lenny. His relationship with Reese who Lenny finds out later is his sister is strained at best. But Lenny's job is Ainsley and so she focuses all of her energy on her. When the short assignment is up, Lenny decides she will move on to someone else. But then Miles throws her a curveball. He thinks he can help her and wants her help in return. He has been where she is. He gets it. He wants to walk her through it, and in return he wants help with the elephant in the room that is his relationship with his half-sister and niece. They shake and agree. Lenny doesn't really know what to expect but it is not what she gets. Miles is always around. He takes her to try new things. He helps her when things are really dark. He makes her laugh. He listens when she needs him to. And while he is listening she is too. And she starts to find herself considering Miles an important person in her life. She finds herself loving how he makes her feel- confident and brave and strong. She finds herself wanting more. She just hopes he wants that too.
I will say that I was good with the fact that this one was done in one POV (Lenny). At the same time, I would have loved a snippet of Miles in there somewhere. Watching these two dance around each other and weave together was soooo precious. They were the most honest and open with each other because they both walked in with literally zero expectations. What a great way to build a foundation for more. The chemistry between these two was a super slow burn. Like watching water start to boil on a low simmer. But then when it became glaring it was electric! I absolutely loved how quirky Lenny was. She brought out the fun side of Miles which made me smile. If you haven't read one of Cara's books, I would HIGHLY recommend this one AND Ready or Not. Both are just incredible!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review :)
Lenny is at the point in her grief where she isn't trying to hid it anymore. She just lets it out when it wants to be out. She is working but not willing to commit to anything. She is making it. She is as ok as she can be right now. But then she gets a new family. Reese and Ainsley and the uncle Miles. Miles seems like a jerk from the jump. He is lurking and watching and tattling on Lenny. His relationship with Reese who Lenny finds out later is his sister is strained at best. But Lenny's job is Ainsley and so she focuses all of her energy on her. When the short assignment is up, Lenny decides she will move on to someone else. But then Miles throws her a curveball. He thinks he can help her and wants her help in return. He has been where she is. He gets it. He wants to walk her through it, and in return he wants help with the elephant in the room that is his relationship with his half-sister and niece. They shake and agree. Lenny doesn't really know what to expect but it is not what she gets. Miles is always around. He takes her to try new things. He helps her when things are really dark. He makes her laugh. He listens when she needs him to. And while he is listening she is too. And she starts to find herself considering Miles an important person in her life. She finds herself loving how he makes her feel- confident and brave and strong. She finds herself wanting more. She just hopes he wants that too.
I will say that I was good with the fact that this one was done in one POV (Lenny). At the same time, I would have loved a snippet of Miles in there somewhere. Watching these two dance around each other and weave together was soooo precious. They were the most honest and open with each other because they both walked in with literally zero expectations. What a great way to build a foundation for more. The chemistry between these two was a super slow burn. Like watching water start to boil on a low simmer. But then when it became glaring it was electric! I absolutely loved how quirky Lenny was. She brought out the fun side of Miles which made me smile. If you haven't read one of Cara's books, I would HIGHLY recommend this one AND Ready or Not. Both are just incredible!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review :)
Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-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
GEDDY!!! This book was everything that I wanted it to be. I have been waiting for it since we met these two in book 1, and they were well worth the wait. Watching these two unravel their feelings for each other was just perfection. I also am LOVING when the guy falls first- and though I think they fell around the same time, it seemed to click for him first. The sense of family in these books is magical. They are just so tightly woven. I love that it kept getting referred to small town vibes. I loved that the buildup here felt so natural. It wasn't that there wasn't chemistry but it was almost on simmer until they both started realizing they didn't actually hate each other. After that every encounter cranked it ever so slightly. I loved how the dichotomy between these two just worked- he liked structure and she thrived on chaos. But his life was chaos because his structure had been shaken. I don't think I would change one single thing about this one- except maybe an additional spicy scene LOL.
Teddy is feeling all kinds of things at the moment. She is elated that her best friend has met the man of her dreams. Did she ever think it would be Brooks being the playboy he was NO but still. The struggle though is that Teddy is feeling like she needs Emmy more than Emmy needs her. Teddy feels a little lost. And things shift with her job, and it's like all of her dreams are dying. And then an opportunity comes around. Emmy asks if Teddy would be willing to help with Gus's daughter Riley for the summer. Gus is her mortal enemy. Of course Teddy's immediate response is no. But when she relents and ultimately agrees. She agrees to move in for half the week but she doesn't expect for how at home Gus's house feels. She doesn't expect to be enjoying herself her or to be having actual conversations with Gus after Riley goes to bed. She doesn't expect for him to look somehow even hotter in GLASSES. I mean COME ON! She doesn't expect for things to shift so quickly between them. She definitely doesn't expect him to kiss her OR for them to talk about him kissing her. She doesn't expect how she FEELS when they do end up kissing. Or at how much she wants more with him. At how much she wants this to be something for him as much as it is for her. But this time seems to have an end date. Cam will be home at the end of the summer. But she is SURE her and Gus have something real. Will she be brave enough to ask for what she wants? And does Gus want it too?
Gus is so used to his routine. He likes order. He thrives in it. But now that his baby mama is out of town for the summer, it's like a bomb has been dropped in his life. He thought he could do it all, but he is just one person. So when his family stages a mini intervention, he relents to letting Teddy work for him. His little sister's best friend. The beautiful and loud woman is about to be his roommate. How did it come to this? His control starts to fray even more now that she is in his space because he starts to see a different side to her. Not the one who is always throwing daggers his way. But the one who helps his daughter be the creative she wants to be. The woman who is helping him when he needs it. The woman he can't stop thinking about. Things shift between them. Things feel so natural between them. So when they almost kiss and then do it's like nothing has changed and so much all at the same time. Their chemistry is explosive. He likes when her claws come out there. He really really likes her. He likes how this feels like a family. He wants to tell her how he feels. He wants this to be more than just the summer. He wants forever.
GAHHH!! I listened to part of the audio (which was great) but legit could not wait to get home and read through this. It was a very fast one for me. Almost one setting. I just loved every second of it. I KNEW Gus would be a teddy bear underneath all that aggression. He has so much on his shoulders and seeing Teddy help him unload some of that in her oh so Teddy way was BEAUTIFUL!! We always LOVE when our characters make each other better. When they make each other shine- and these two did that. Now onto Cam and Dusty. I CAN'T WAIT. The buildup for them has been KILLING ME. I just know they are going to wreck me. Side note- I loved that Dusty and Teddy are BFF on the side. If you haven't picked up this series, I can't recommend it enough.
Teddy is feeling all kinds of things at the moment. She is elated that her best friend has met the man of her dreams. Did she ever think it would be Brooks being the playboy he was NO but still. The struggle though is that Teddy is feeling like she needs Emmy more than Emmy needs her. Teddy feels a little lost. And things shift with her job, and it's like all of her dreams are dying. And then an opportunity comes around. Emmy asks if Teddy would be willing to help with Gus's daughter Riley for the summer. Gus is her mortal enemy. Of course Teddy's immediate response is no. But when she relents and ultimately agrees. She agrees to move in for half the week but she doesn't expect for how at home Gus's house feels. She doesn't expect to be enjoying herself her or to be having actual conversations with Gus after Riley goes to bed. She doesn't expect for him to look somehow even hotter in GLASSES. I mean COME ON! She doesn't expect for things to shift so quickly between them. She definitely doesn't expect him to kiss her OR for them to talk about him kissing her. She doesn't expect how she FEELS when they do end up kissing. Or at how much she wants more with him. At how much she wants this to be something for him as much as it is for her. But this time seems to have an end date. Cam will be home at the end of the summer. But she is SURE her and Gus have something real. Will she be brave enough to ask for what she wants? And does Gus want it too?
Gus is so used to his routine. He likes order. He thrives in it. But now that his baby mama is out of town for the summer, it's like a bomb has been dropped in his life. He thought he could do it all, but he is just one person. So when his family stages a mini intervention, he relents to letting Teddy work for him. His little sister's best friend. The beautiful and loud woman is about to be his roommate. How did it come to this? His control starts to fray even more now that she is in his space because he starts to see a different side to her. Not the one who is always throwing daggers his way. But the one who helps his daughter be the creative she wants to be. The woman who is helping him when he needs it. The woman he can't stop thinking about. Things shift between them. Things feel so natural between them. So when they almost kiss and then do it's like nothing has changed and so much all at the same time. Their chemistry is explosive. He likes when her claws come out there. He really really likes her. He likes how this feels like a family. He wants to tell her how he feels. He wants this to be more than just the summer. He wants forever.
GAHHH!! I listened to part of the audio (which was great) but legit could not wait to get home and read through this. It was a very fast one for me. Almost one setting. I just loved every second of it. I KNEW Gus would be a teddy bear underneath all that aggression. He has so much on his shoulders and seeing Teddy help him unload some of that in her oh so Teddy way was BEAUTIFUL!! We always LOVE when our characters make each other better. When they make each other shine- and these two did that. Now onto Cam and Dusty. I CAN'T WAIT. The buildup for them has been KILLING ME. I just know they are going to wreck me. Side note- I loved that Dusty and Teddy are BFF on the side. If you haven't picked up this series, I can't recommend it enough.
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
4.0
Alright HERE WE GO! I am going to try to keep this as spoiler free for THIS BOOK as possible. This was a solid 4 stars for me. It reminded me SO MUCH of A Court of Wings and Ruin- LOTS of world building- new worlds and characters we had not met yet. Even though spice was there in book 2, it felt a little rushed and misplaced in this one. New questions are asked in this one- like a LOT of new questions. I feel like I walked away with more questions than answers. I found myself in awe AND frustrated by the fact that all of these books (more book 2 and 3) have been a serious slow burn with an established couple. I didn't even know that was possible- but Rebecca has proven me wrong! With that being said- seeing Xaden be ALL IN was just soooo amazing. Because of the length of time between this one and Iron Flame- I found myself referencing the character and dragon guide a LOT. This one just dove RIGHT in from where the last one ended. I really liked reading about all of the side characters- is anyone else DYING for Ridoc to meet someone who is just going to knock him off his feet?? I am also wondering if Imogen will actually make her move on Garrick. PRETTY PLEASE. I liked hearing from different POVs at the end of the book. Xaden of course was my fav!! And dear lord that ending- not that we didn't see it coming in some form or fashion BUT what are we supposed to do for the next however many years????? Come up with alllll the theories of course.
Iron Flame spoilers below:
Violet is back in Basgiath with yet another secret that no one can know. Well no one besides who already knows. Xaden is turning Venin. And according to all lore and texts, there is no cure. BUT Violet has never met a challenge she can't work around or through. So that is her plan. She believes that Andarna's kind holds the key. So she comes up with a mission to take a crew and find them. Her and Xaden are back to their ways of sneaking around and such due to a decision Xaden made thinking he would be closer to her. We learn more about Violet's ex lover- who is now also on this voyage. And though they do find Andarna's "people"- they don't find what they are looking for. And the Venin are getting closer and closer to Aretia. Battles ensue. Betrayals of sorts happen and STILL Violet knows nothing about how to cure Xaden. And when the final battle happens she knows in her soul things have shifted.
There was a lot of filler in this one which is part of the reason this was a 4 star and not 5 for me. I know it is all necessary information but had a hard time swallowing that I walked away with no answers. We got more clues to the answers but not full answers. I SOOO many questions about the end. But the biggest one is how this is all going to shake out?? Any and all thoughts and theories are welcome here!!
Iron Flame spoilers below:
Violet is back in Basgiath with yet another secret that no one can know. Well no one besides who already knows. Xaden is turning Venin. And according to all lore and texts, there is no cure. BUT Violet has never met a challenge she can't work around or through. So that is her plan. She believes that Andarna's kind holds the key. So she comes up with a mission to take a crew and find them. Her and Xaden are back to their ways of sneaking around and such due to a decision Xaden made thinking he would be closer to her. We learn more about Violet's ex lover- who is now also on this voyage. And though they do find Andarna's "people"- they don't find what they are looking for. And the Venin are getting closer and closer to Aretia. Battles ensue. Betrayals of sorts happen and STILL Violet knows nothing about how to cure Xaden. And when the final battle happens she knows in her soul things have shifted.
There was a lot of filler in this one which is part of the reason this was a 4 star and not 5 for me. I know it is all necessary information but had a hard time swallowing that I walked away with no answers. We got more clues to the answers but not full answers. I SOOO many questions about the end. But the biggest one is how this is all going to shake out?? Any and all thoughts and theories are welcome here!!
For Fillies and Monsters by Landyn Hill
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I was very impressed by this debut from Landyn! I am giving it a solid 4.5 stars. I literally read the whole thing last night. I wanted to get to a part where Stetson and Gus were involved in the current time and just got sucked in. I read another review claim there are Lights Out vibes in this one- which I totally agree. I appreciated how Landyn addressed the TWs for this book. There are a LOT of heavy topics, but I thought she did a great job navigating her characters through them. The only reason I didn't give this one full star was that I felt like it took a little too long for me to connect with Stetson. She was at war with herself for what she wanted vs what was considered normal. And she was a tad bit too hot and cold for my liking. HOWEVER I will say that reading the twist with her at the end helped give SOME clarity on why she had been acting so withdrawn towards the end. This woman was a fighter. She didn't give up. She swallowed her pride and asked for help KIND OF. And she liked things a little different than would be considered normal in the bedroom. Enter Augustus. The man who has been stalking her from a far for YEARS. The man who I somehow found romantic while also unhinged. The man who knew what he wanted and how his life was going to be for years. I enjoyed watching these two around each other. I had a hard time with Gus's gruffness at the beginning but got a better understanding when he was like how am I supposed to talk to the girl like I don't know her when I know EVERYTHING about her. These two had been through so much, and I really enjoyed watching them be unhinged together.
Stetson has somehow found herself in the one place she said she would never return. Her childhood home. The ranch that Gibson (her stepdad of sorts) ruined. The ranch that is somehow now hers. The one that is in shambles. But Stetson is determined to make this work. She is determined to be strong and survive. She enjoys reconnecting with her BF from high school. She didn't stay in touch after she ran away. She is not used to asking for help. But realizes she needs it when even Dale (her BF) says she does. And then Gus enters her life. He seems familiar to her but she can't quite place him. He offers to work for her in exchange for room and board. She can pay him at the end of the year. They get off on the wrong foot. All Stetson can think about is making moves with him. Showing him her monster. But she is his boss. They can't cross that line. So she distracts herself or tries. But he is just so hot and always there. He seems to be closing in on her like she is his prey. And she finally realizes she doesn't want to run from this thing within her anymore. She wants it to come out and play. And play they do. And it is explosive. Gus's brother tried to put a wedge between them but what he didn't know was what Stetson knew. She knew that Gus also had a monster. And now their monsters can play together. But then their bubble bursts when someone tries to take Stetson due to things from her past. Will Gus be able to save her in time? Will she be able to tell him how she really feels?
Augustus has known for 10 years who he is going to marry. He has followed her through thick and thin. He has watched her soar and recover and get strong. And he is in awe of her. He thinks she is ready for him now. So he worms his way onto her land as a ranch hand. The problem is- he doesn't know how to talk to her. She gets him all flustered. He is in this for the long haul but the closer he is to her the harder it is to restrain what he wants- HER. So he tries different tactics. Tries to find one that will stick. Tries to draw out her inner monster to play with his. And eventually he wears her down and she is EVERYTHING he remembers her to be. She is everything he still wants. And now they will have a future together. He just can't wait! But then tragedy strikes. And Gus will do everything in his power to protect Stetson and prove to everyone else what happens when they mess with her.
This was truly a great read! I just found myself wanting MORE and MORE. I wanted to see their monsters play together- and that was everything I wanted it to be. I liked watching Stetson finally recognize who she really was. I liked the added mystery and kind of suspense in this one too. I just felt like I was on the edge of my seat for more than one reason. I am wondering how many books will be in this series? I am thinking book 2 will be about Dale and Mateo and MAYBE we will get one about McCrae??
Thank you to Luna Literary and Landyn for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Stetson has somehow found herself in the one place she said she would never return. Her childhood home. The ranch that Gibson (her stepdad of sorts) ruined. The ranch that is somehow now hers. The one that is in shambles. But Stetson is determined to make this work. She is determined to be strong and survive. She enjoys reconnecting with her BF from high school. She didn't stay in touch after she ran away. She is not used to asking for help. But realizes she needs it when even Dale (her BF) says she does. And then Gus enters her life. He seems familiar to her but she can't quite place him. He offers to work for her in exchange for room and board. She can pay him at the end of the year. They get off on the wrong foot. All Stetson can think about is making moves with him. Showing him her monster. But she is his boss. They can't cross that line. So she distracts herself or tries. But he is just so hot and always there. He seems to be closing in on her like she is his prey. And she finally realizes she doesn't want to run from this thing within her anymore. She wants it to come out and play. And play they do. And it is explosive. Gus's brother tried to put a wedge between them but what he didn't know was what Stetson knew. She knew that Gus also had a monster. And now their monsters can play together. But then their bubble bursts when someone tries to take Stetson due to things from her past. Will Gus be able to save her in time? Will she be able to tell him how she really feels?
Augustus has known for 10 years who he is going to marry. He has followed her through thick and thin. He has watched her soar and recover and get strong. And he is in awe of her. He thinks she is ready for him now. So he worms his way onto her land as a ranch hand. The problem is- he doesn't know how to talk to her. She gets him all flustered. He is in this for the long haul but the closer he is to her the harder it is to restrain what he wants- HER. So he tries different tactics. Tries to find one that will stick. Tries to draw out her inner monster to play with his. And eventually he wears her down and she is EVERYTHING he remembers her to be. She is everything he still wants. And now they will have a future together. He just can't wait! But then tragedy strikes. And Gus will do everything in his power to protect Stetson and prove to everyone else what happens when they mess with her.
This was truly a great read! I just found myself wanting MORE and MORE. I wanted to see their monsters play together- and that was everything I wanted it to be. I liked watching Stetson finally recognize who she really was. I liked the added mystery and kind of suspense in this one too. I just felt like I was on the edge of my seat for more than one reason. I am wondering how many books will be in this series? I am thinking book 2 will be about Dale and Mateo and MAYBE we will get one about McCrae??
Thank you to Luna Literary and Landyn for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
tense
slow-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
This is my second book by Anabel, and I really liked it. Even though it is February and winter in Atlanta- this was my mental beach read LOL. I am a sucker for second chances as you now (and sibling's best friend), and the way that Anabel wove this second chance was wonderful. I liked the dual POV and that we only heard from Wyatt in the past when things went sideways. This was a very slow burn with not almost zero spice BUT I enjoyed the buildup of what was going to happen. We meet Sam (our FMC) who is engaged to her dream man (more like her safe man). When visiting her parents summer house she runs into her ex and first love Wyatt. The man who ghosted her. The man who changed her in so many ways. The man she can't look at now without feeling something. I liked Wyatt's role in this book. He respected Sam's engagement. Made no attempts at any funny business but was just more there. He PUSHED Sam to see that she had been living in a bubble of sorts since things got so broken. Of course he wanted her but he couldn't see how that would happen with where they were. I enjoyed watching Sam slowly unravel and hearing comments from her family like you look happy and you look different.
Sam has her life planned out to a T. Literally. Her and Jack will get married. They will have kid 1 in 3 years followed by kid 2 exactly 3 years later. She will work at her corporate job and just never visit the beach house again. There are too many memories. But Jack has never been and insists on going to see her parents. Which is how Sam has found herself surrounded by memories and pain at the beach house. Oh and her family failed to mention that Wyatt. HER Wyatt. Is in town. Like next door. How is she going to handle this? Apparently not well since she can't form sentences around the man. How can he look even better than he did before? How does he look so unaffected? How has her trip been extended from a weekend to a week all of a sudden? Sam finds herself relaxing. And enjoying herself. She swims with her sister. She surfs. She talks to Wyatt and they decide to try to be friends. She finds out that even though he doesn't seem affected by what transpired between them all those years ago- he was. She finds out he hasn't been telling her things. But why would he? They just drifted. So when he leaves to go back to LA- she finds herself sad. She finds herself not fitting in the way she did before in the city. She finds herself back at the beach this time without Jack. And what do you know- Wyatt is here too. But things have shifted. It doesn't seem that he can fake how he is feeling anymore. And when he leaves again Sam finds herself questioning when her life got so off track? Where did she lose herself? And does she have the strength to walk away and do what she ACTUALLY wants? And will Wyatt be there to see it?
This was a story about grief and different ways people respond to it. Watching Sam shed her bubble of protection and embrace what she was feeling made me REALLY happy. Reading about her and Wyatt and how their relationship bloomed felt SOO special. Reading them about how it fell apart broke my heart. UGH- it was just tragic and beyond hard to comprehend how someone could handle what they went through. But then reading about them finding each other again. How Wyatt helped the old Sam come back and feel safe about it- made it all worth it. I definitely would recommend this one for a feel good read :)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Sam has her life planned out to a T. Literally. Her and Jack will get married. They will have kid 1 in 3 years followed by kid 2 exactly 3 years later. She will work at her corporate job and just never visit the beach house again. There are too many memories. But Jack has never been and insists on going to see her parents. Which is how Sam has found herself surrounded by memories and pain at the beach house. Oh and her family failed to mention that Wyatt. HER Wyatt. Is in town. Like next door. How is she going to handle this? Apparently not well since she can't form sentences around the man. How can he look even better than he did before? How does he look so unaffected? How has her trip been extended from a weekend to a week all of a sudden? Sam finds herself relaxing. And enjoying herself. She swims with her sister. She surfs. She talks to Wyatt and they decide to try to be friends. She finds out that even though he doesn't seem affected by what transpired between them all those years ago- he was. She finds out he hasn't been telling her things. But why would he? They just drifted. So when he leaves to go back to LA- she finds herself sad. She finds herself not fitting in the way she did before in the city. She finds herself back at the beach this time without Jack. And what do you know- Wyatt is here too. But things have shifted. It doesn't seem that he can fake how he is feeling anymore. And when he leaves again Sam finds herself questioning when her life got so off track? Where did she lose herself? And does she have the strength to walk away and do what she ACTUALLY wants? And will Wyatt be there to see it?
This was a story about grief and different ways people respond to it. Watching Sam shed her bubble of protection and embrace what she was feeling made me REALLY happy. Reading about her and Wyatt and how their relationship bloomed felt SOO special. Reading them about how it fell apart broke my heart. UGH- it was just tragic and beyond hard to comprehend how someone could handle what they went through. But then reading about them finding each other again. How Wyatt helped the old Sam come back and feel safe about it- made it all worth it. I definitely would recommend this one for a feel good read :)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!