kirkbyg's reviews
107 reviews

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Cute story and solid friend to lovers plot progression. 

The Valentine's Hate by Sidney Halston

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This was a cute little read. Fast paced and short, it's a nice pallet cleanser or response to a reading slump. 

Twisted Lies by Ana Huang

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

2.5

The book overall was good I just couldn't get past how weird the pacing felt for me. It was slow, long, and didn't move like a standard romance book pacing. But there were some interesting elements and other than the pacing the writing style was good. 

Twisted Love by Ana Huang

dark emotional funny mysterious 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

I enjoyed this read. I think I can actually work as a great introduction to the more darker side of romance for readers interested but need to test milder waters first. There were twists, turns, and I'm always down for a grumpy/sunshine story.

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

emotional funny lighthearted 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

Such a pleasant read ❤️

The MCs were really interesting characters and I liked their backgrounds. They were fully realized and I could understand the motivations behind their actions because of that. You can see the characters falling in love in real time as you're reading and that was absolutely lovely. Jimenez does a good job at having the progression of the relationship make sense. She shows us how things happen, doesn't just tell us it did. 

Spice: 1/5 - closed door

Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

emotional funny 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

Oh my word I love every word of this book! The book immediately grabs your interest and sets the tone. Alexis and Daniel are so cute!!!! Daniel is such a cinnamon bun and I love it. Also, all the side characters - hilarious. And I love how all the different relationships are written. I laughed, I cackled, I raged, I cried. My heart ached during the conflict - Jimenez poured so much soul into it and I felt it strongly. Overall, I was just happy while reading this. 10/10 loved ❤️

Spice: 1/5 -closed door

Ne'er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti
Did not finish book. Stopped at 53%.

It just fell flat for me. The author would say things had happened but they weren't shown.
Like the MCs were in love but there were no interactions to really show that love - we were just told they were.

King of Wrath by Ana Huang

funny lighthearted 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

Omg loved this book. Characters great, pacing wonderful, ending *chefs kiss* Also you can never go wrong with arranged marriage tropes. 

I loved Vivian and Dante. They felt fully realized and 3 dimensional. The characters had interesting backstories. The relationship connections were detailed, intricate, and easy to follow. Huang did a great job and building the world without going through extensive/unnecessary exposition. 
Definitely found myself smiling multiple times throughout this book. And the conflict - boy howdy I had heart palpitations. I thought it was written perfectly - it was satisfying and caused a physical reaction without being overwhelming. 
I absolutely love how Vivian didn't immediately forgive Dante. I love the the reconcile started with about 90 pages left for the characters to rebuild their relationship. Dante actually had to put in effort and he was so cute doing it.

Spice: 3/5

Love, Lies, and Cherry Pie by Jackie Lau

funny lighthearted fast-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? No

3.5

This was a cute story. I really liked the concept and found myself smiling all throughout the book. 

Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura

adventurous fast-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? It's complicated

3.0

This book was ok. I liked the concept it just fell a little flat for me. There was a lot of interesting things happening they just weren't fleshed out as much as I would prefer. Overall, enjoyable.