lisareadsthings's reviews
144 reviews

Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage

funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

5.0

Yee haw this was fun.

It's predictable as heck (as all the best romances usually are) but it's also funny, a little sweet, more than a bit spicy, has some ADHD/anxiety representation, and consent is so. damn. sexy. Plus, that cover gives off such lovely retro vibes.

Looking forward to the next in the series and if book three isn't about Gus and Teddy figuring out they're made for each other, I'll eat a cowboy hat.

I don't usually do cowboy stories but one of my <a href="http://instagram.com/lisa.reads.things">Instagram</a> pals raved about this one so I thought I'd give it a chance. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

emotional hopeful reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

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

5.0

An absolutely beautiful story with a fairytale and almost dreamlike vibe. I cried. I laughed. I swooned. I cried (a lot). I craved lemon pie and I don't even like lemon pie. Did I mention I cried? Poston has a way of writing the grieving process that feels so real and raw and it rips your heart out but at the same time makes you want to yell THANK YOU because you feel so seen.

While this is a love story about Clementine and Iwan, grief is very much a third main character. Please find and heed content warnings. 

"There was never grief without love or love without grief."

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief

Minor: Suicide

A Winter in New York by Josie Silver

emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Don't let the cover fool you. This is not a lighthearted holiday romance. There are some heavy topics that, while mostly happen in the past, feature prominently in the plot. These include death of a parent, death of a spouse, grief, absentee parents, and emotional abuse. 

Where the book shines is the relationship between Iris and Gio. They go from strangers to colleagues of a sort to friends to lovers over the course of the story. It doesn't feel forced or rushed and I loved the slow simmer of it all. Gio is so kind and sweet and thoughtful, yet not perfect. Their relationship, and her integration into his loud and amazing family, feels real in a way a lot of books don't capture.

I wasn't a huge fan of Iris keeping the secrets for as long as she did but at the same time, I understood why (recentish death of the only family she had and just coming out of an abusive relationship). And it's clear she struggles with the decision - especially as her and Gio's relationship grows.

While not quite the sweet romance I was expecting, the story was captivating, the characters were flawed and relatable, Gio was oh so swoony, and it's a wonderful love letter to New York City.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House for the early copy in exchange for my honest review.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death of parent and Grief

Minor: Emotional abuse

A Quantum Love Story by Mike Chen

reflective medium-paced

• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

This review will be slightly spoilery (though vague and partly mentioned in the synopsis) so read ahead at your own risk.

This was a really interesting read and it has a little bit of everything: science fiction (emphasis on fiction), romance, humor, mystery, grief.

I loved watching Carter and Mariana spend time together in the various loops and the growth of their friendship seemed natural and realistic. But I wasn't really feeling the romance.

There are small hints and you can tell that's where it's heading... maybe. With a little more buildup, and more of a certainty Carter felt the same way, the emotional impact of him not remembering the end of the boat day would have been that much more powerful. And, it would add more credence to what Mariana ultimately decides to do.

Even without the emotional oomph that could have been, it was still a good read. A nice bit of nerdy, quirky escapism.

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin for an early copy in exchange for my honest review.

Follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/lisa.reads.things">Instagram</a> for more bookish things.

In a Jam by Kate Canterbary

4.0

Very cute and funny rom-com. Not a five star read however for a couple spoilery reasons that are 100% based on my own comfort levels about behavior.

Hello Single Dad by Kelsie Hoss

5.0

It's cheesy. It's predictable. And it has more than a couple editing issues. But omg it's also super sweet, funny, has a great message about love (both self and for others), and I couldn't put it down. It's like the best Hallmark schmaltz. Only spicy.

Riding the Bullet by Stephen King

5.0

A perfect little ghost story. Super short but has a ton of spook factor. "There are so many more shadows at night, have you ever noticed that?"

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

5.0

Scarlett by Alexandra Ripley

4.0

Sensibly Wed by Kasey Stockton

3.0

If you're looking for a clean, predictable romance, this the book for you. At under 350 pages it's a quick read and perfect for a foggy day curled up with your favorite hot beverage.