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kerosenelit's reviews
201 reviews
No Ordinary Love by Myah Ariel
3.0
Apparently this was inspired by the relationship between Mariah Carey and Derek Jeter in the ’90s! A relationship I know very little about, but a fun tidbit to mention for those who do!
I was rooting so hard for Ella, a Grammy-winning pop and R&B superstar in the midst of a nasty, behind-the-scenes divorce. Her ex-husband was the absolute worst, trying to exploit her with unfair terms that could strip away her future earnings. I loathed this man! It was so satisfying to see Ella recognize her worth and fight for her career.
In the middle of all this personal turmoil, she meets Miles Westbrook, a major league baseball player, and their chemistry was instant, let me tell you! Their meet-cute involving a wardrobe mishap at an awards show was so innocent and sweet, the kind that makes you giddy with anticipation! I adored their conversations about life and fame, and Miles was the absolute best, always treating Ella with respect and admiration.
I’m a bit torn on my rating! While I enjoyed the romance a lot, I did think the story dragged and lost some momentum in the middle. The ending was also a bit of a whirlwind, and I was hoping for more closure in some areas. I'm happy with the outcome, of course, but it wrapped up a little too quickly for me!
(heat level: 2 open-door scenes, moderate details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was rooting so hard for Ella, a Grammy-winning pop and R&B superstar in the midst of a nasty, behind-the-scenes divorce. Her ex-husband was the absolute worst, trying to exploit her with unfair terms that could strip away her future earnings. I loathed this man! It was so satisfying to see Ella recognize her worth and fight for her career.
In the middle of all this personal turmoil, she meets Miles Westbrook, a major league baseball player, and their chemistry was instant, let me tell you! Their meet-cute involving a wardrobe mishap at an awards show was so innocent and sweet, the kind that makes you giddy with anticipation! I adored their conversations about life and fame, and Miles was the absolute best, always treating Ella with respect and admiration.
I’m a bit torn on my rating! While I enjoyed the romance a lot, I did think the story dragged and lost some momentum in the middle. The ending was also a bit of a whirlwind, and I was hoping for more closure in some areas. I'm happy with the outcome, of course, but it wrapped up a little too quickly for me!
(heat level: 2 open-door scenes, moderate details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Serendipity by Emma St. Clair
3.0
I really hope I can find time to read every single book in this series! I love magical realism! In this one, a closet in a historic building (The Serendipity) teleports Willa to the apartment of the grumpy new building owner. I wish the magic was incorporated more into the rest of the story, but it definitely made for a funny and whimsical meet-cute!
I really enjoyed the social anxiety and agoraphobia representation. I could connect in different ways to both Willa and Archer, and I loved how they were just genuinely there for each other. The way they accepted and validated each other's feelings and fears was exactly what you'd hope for.
The romance just lacked a believable buildup and spark for me, which made the I love yous feel a bit rushed. But I will say, the kisses were fantastic! Overall, it was a quick and fun read. Emma's writing is so easy to binge! I'm looking forward to seeing how magic is incorporated into the other stories!
(heat level: kissing only)
I really enjoyed the social anxiety and agoraphobia representation. I could connect in different ways to both Willa and Archer, and I loved how they were just genuinely there for each other. The way they accepted and validated each other's feelings and fears was exactly what you'd hope for.
The romance just lacked a believable buildup and spark for me, which made the I love yous feel a bit rushed. But I will say, the kisses were fantastic! Overall, it was a quick and fun read. Emma's writing is so easy to binge! I'm looking forward to seeing how magic is incorporated into the other stories!
(heat level: kissing only)
Any Trope But You by Victoria Lavine
4.0
In any other book, the number of tropes included would make me roll my eyes. But this was so clever and witty! It’s very self-aware, playfully poking fun at the tropes as they appear, which made them feel genuinely integral to the story. It didn’t take itself too seriously, and I absolutely loved that.
When readers discover their favourite author, Margot Bradley, doesn't truly believe in happily-ever-afters, offending the romance community in the process, she is immediately dropped by her publisher. Fleeing to North Star Lodge in Alaska, Margot plans to spend six weeks rebranding herself as a murder mystery writer. But then she meets Forrest, the irresistibly grumpy lodge owner who also happens to be a doctor specializing in cancer research. I mean, he’s just too good to be true! Unfortunately, he has one rule: never get involved with the guests.
The romance is fast and passionate, but totally believable! Margot and Forrest are both incredibly loyal, protective, and deeply family-oriented. I loved their shared connection and understanding in caring for a loved one with a chronic illness, often putting their own lives aside in the process. The cherry on top was the cozy Alaskan setting, complete with a domesticated moose and wintry wilderness adventures. Such a fun time!
(heat level: 3 open-door scenes, explicit details / heavy language throughout)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When readers discover their favourite author, Margot Bradley, doesn't truly believe in happily-ever-afters, offending the romance community in the process, she is immediately dropped by her publisher. Fleeing to North Star Lodge in Alaska, Margot plans to spend six weeks rebranding herself as a murder mystery writer. But then she meets Forrest, the irresistibly grumpy lodge owner who also happens to be a doctor specializing in cancer research. I mean, he’s just too good to be true! Unfortunately, he has one rule: never get involved with the guests.
The romance is fast and passionate, but totally believable! Margot and Forrest are both incredibly loyal, protective, and deeply family-oriented. I loved their shared connection and understanding in caring for a loved one with a chronic illness, often putting their own lives aside in the process. The cherry on top was the cozy Alaskan setting, complete with a domesticated moose and wintry wilderness adventures. Such a fun time!
(heat level: 3 open-door scenes, explicit details / heavy language throughout)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
You Make My Heart Stop by Becky Hunter
emotional
mysterious
4.0
This was a quite a tragic love story with an ending I’m not completely satisfied with, but gosh, I was absolutely hooked. It left me with tears! Emery has a heart condition that causes her heart to stop in moments of stress. And in these near moments of death, she is transported to an in-between place where she meets Nick, an angel of sorts with a past of his own, living a lonely existence as he helps others cross over.
It’s a bit of a love triangle, but definitely a complicated, bittersweet one. Beginning when Emery is just five years old, there's multiple time jumps, each inevitably leading to the next moment her heart will stop. There are some great conversations about life and death, and overall, I really ached for Emery, her overprotective father, and this unique experience she is forced to live. Even knowing the risk, she continually pushes her limits, always with the underlying hope of seeing Nick again… gah! I ate it up!
(heat level: 2 very brief, very mild open-door scenes)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It’s a bit of a love triangle, but definitely a complicated, bittersweet one. Beginning when Emery is just five years old, there's multiple time jumps, each inevitably leading to the next moment her heart will stop. There are some great conversations about life and death, and overall, I really ached for Emery, her overprotective father, and this unique experience she is forced to live. Even knowing the risk, she continually pushes her limits, always with the underlying hope of seeing Nick again… gah! I ate it up!
(heat level: 2 very brief, very mild open-door scenes)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When I Think of You by Myah Ariel
3.0
I mostly enjoyed this one, but for a second chance romance, I didn’t quite feel the emotional impact of their past. Their relationship from film school seven years ago was described as fast and furious, but I don't know, it wasn't fleshed out enough for me to fully connect with their present day romance.
It also didn’t help that they took so long to address what actually went wrong, and with Danny being in a relationship for a good chunk of the book, it added some petty ex-girlfriend drama that wasn’t my favourite.
That said, I really loved these characters, especially Kaliyah. She’s spent years working as a receptionist, waiting for a chance to prove herself, and I was completely invested in her story. Seeing Hollywood through her eyes was really enlightening. She knows the industry inside and out, and I was rooting so hard for her to finally get her moment to shine. Her personal journey (and her friendship with Neha) was definitely a highlight for me!
(heat level: 2 open-door scenes, moderate details)
It also didn’t help that they took so long to address what actually went wrong, and with Danny being in a relationship for a good chunk of the book, it added some petty ex-girlfriend drama that wasn’t my favourite.
That said, I really loved these characters, especially Kaliyah. She’s spent years working as a receptionist, waiting for a chance to prove herself, and I was completely invested in her story. Seeing Hollywood through her eyes was really enlightening. She knows the industry inside and out, and I was rooting so hard for her to finally get her moment to shine. Her personal journey (and her friendship with Neha) was definitely a highlight for me!
(heat level: 2 open-door scenes, moderate details)
Not in My Book by Katie Holt
3.0
I absolutely loved the first 50% of this one. I was certain it would be a solid four star, maybe even five star. So many books are marketed for fans of The Hating Game, but this is one of the few where I actually agree with that comparison!
Graduate students Rosie and Aiden were true enemies, absolutely ruthless with their writing critiques. It leans into the I-like-you-so-I’m-mean-to-you dynamic, which isn’t always my favourite, but the banter was just so incredibly entertaining!
And I loved their book excerpts! I admittedly tend to skim these sections in other stories, but it really added something here. While getting to know each other outside of class (I loved seeing them explore New York through the seasons), they also communicated through their written characters, creating a sort of dumping place to express their true feelings. It was so cute!
But without spoilers, there were some irrational and immature reactions toward the end that I found really frustrating. And the spice was too much for me. One of those instances where it felt forced, as if added just for the sake of it, you know? If it doesn’t fit the tone of the story, it completely pulls me out of the scene, and that was definitely the case here.
(heat level: 4 open-door scenes, explicit details)
Graduate students Rosie and Aiden were true enemies, absolutely ruthless with their writing critiques. It leans into the I-like-you-so-I’m-mean-to-you dynamic, which isn’t always my favourite, but the banter was just so incredibly entertaining!
And I loved their book excerpts! I admittedly tend to skim these sections in other stories, but it really added something here. While getting to know each other outside of class (I loved seeing them explore New York through the seasons), they also communicated through their written characters, creating a sort of dumping place to express their true feelings. It was so cute!
But without spoilers, there were some irrational and immature reactions toward the end that I found really frustrating. And the spice was too much for me. One of those instances where it felt forced, as if added just for the sake of it, you know? If it doesn’t fit the tone of the story, it completely pulls me out of the scene, and that was definitely the case here.
(heat level: 4 open-door scenes, explicit details)
Takes One to Know One by Lissette Decos
(heat level: closed door)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.0
This was cute! Set partially in Puerto Rico, it follows Daniela, a marketing coordinator for a record label who gets paired with René, a reggaeton artist working on his next album. Daniela is desperate to prove herself, but the two immediately clash when René quickly realizes she knows nothing about him or his music.
René was so effortlessly suave and confident, yet beneath that was a deeply passionate guy simply wanting to create something authentic rather than just a marketable persona. And I really felt for Daniela, too. Since her father’s passing, she's been under immense pressure to maintain their family home while also being a good role model for her sister. With so many responsibilities, she’s had very little room to take risks of her own.
The setting was absolutely beautiful, and I loved how it, along with the incorporation of music, tied into Daniela’s grief. René’s final collaboration really hit me in the feels, and I loved how he inspired Daniela to want something for herself. But I don’t know… for a slow-burn romance, I just didn’t feel their chemistry. It lacked that palpable tension, buildup, and excitement for me. It’s a minor complaint, but an important one when it comes to my overall enjoyment of romance.
(heat level: closed door)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If I Never Remember by Meagan Williamson
5.0
I've already read (and absolutely loved) Where the Black Line Ends, book two in this standalone-ish duet. So yes, technically I went into this knowing how the love triangle would end. Whoops! But even knowing who Teddy would choose, I was still so invested.
Meagan Williamson has a beautiful quality to her writing! Set at Bear Lake, Idaho, the summer setting was so atmospheric, capturing the balmy season and the nostalgia of first loves. Add a little amnesia into the mix, and this very much gave me Every Summer After by Carley Fourtune vibes!
An accident has left Teddy with missing memories, including her relationships with Reed and Miles—two boys who truly marked her childhood. Told in both past and present timelines, before and after the accident, I loved the turmoil of seeing Teddy piece together her past, uncover the cause of the accident, and figure out exactly who she is and where her heart truly belongs.
I loved that both Reed and Miles were such genuinely great guys. Their personalities are so distinct and lovable, making the tension of Teddy’s decision all the more heart-wrenching! Even though I’d already seen him get his HEA in book two, my heart still absolutely broke for the boy who wasn’t chosen. It’s a story filled with angst, yet it remains incredibly sweet and tender. I couldn’t put it down!
(heat level: one open-door scene, mild details)
Meagan Williamson has a beautiful quality to her writing! Set at Bear Lake, Idaho, the summer setting was so atmospheric, capturing the balmy season and the nostalgia of first loves. Add a little amnesia into the mix, and this very much gave me Every Summer After by Carley Fourtune vibes!
An accident has left Teddy with missing memories, including her relationships with Reed and Miles—two boys who truly marked her childhood. Told in both past and present timelines, before and after the accident, I loved the turmoil of seeing Teddy piece together her past, uncover the cause of the accident, and figure out exactly who she is and where her heart truly belongs.
I loved that both Reed and Miles were such genuinely great guys. Their personalities are so distinct and lovable, making the tension of Teddy’s decision all the more heart-wrenching! Even though I’d already seen him get his HEA in book two, my heart still absolutely broke for the boy who wasn’t chosen. It’s a story filled with angst, yet it remains incredibly sweet and tender. I couldn’t put it down!
(heat level: one open-door scene, mild details)
There's Something about Mira: A Novel by Sonali Dev
Did not finish book. Stopped at 26%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 26%.