For better or worse, I'm a little stupid, and I don't read synopsis before starting a book.
While I had read the premise and obviously thought it sounded good before I put it on my TBR, when I finally opened the book, I went in blind.
I had made some assumptions about the direction the book was going to go... needless to say I was completely wrong in the best way. The spoiler below is really about the set up of the book, so if you aren't already blind, I think you're safe to read it.

Reading the first two chapters, I got bad bad vibes from Nora, Jordan's "girlfriend." She's ignoring his calls, she's avoided going out in public with him in the past, resisted any form of commitment. I assumed this would be the same song and dance I've seen before, that I was seeing the set up to find out that Nora was cheating on Jordan, which would start the story. Imagine my surprise when I start chapter 3 from Nora's POV. I'm not exaggerating to say my jaw dropped.

While unintentional, this surprise had me absolutely hooked. I devoured this book in days, to the point of staying in from family events. Luckily, it was fast and was able to rejoin society quickly.
Make You Love Me has all of my favorite tropes, but remixed. This isn't a regurgitation of all the popular tropes at the moment. It doesn't feel cheesy. I was laughing, hurting, smiling, groaning all through this book. Alexandra Grace's writing pulls you in and makes you feel, and hurt with the characters. Just how I like it.
Jordan was dreamy. What a good, and realistic hero. I loved all of the main characters.
For me, this is the perfect amount of spice. We get the lead up, we get the banter, we get the heat, I just don't have to read pages of increasingly embarrassing synonyms for a penis. While spice can add to a story, I truly don't think it is required, and this is a perfect example. This feels like an adult relationship. I LOVE the intimacy, and how much they want each other.
I LOVED this book and I am so grateful I got to read it. I cannot wait to read more books by Alexandra Grace. Although I have a digital copy, I really want a physical copy. I need to hold it in my hands. I truly truly loved this.

Okay, my favorite things, with no context:
💜 Jordan "I hate sushi" Jones
💜 Nora. Just Nora. I love her.
💜 "My love"
💜 Number 6
💜

Nora proposing

💜 The painting

Don't read this book if you don't want to totally fall in love with Jordan Jones.

Lucy Loves Him Not by Rebecca Jo Jackson

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 50%.

In no way do I think this was a bad book, it just wasn't form me, at least not right now.

The main character, Lucy, struggles with anxiety and the way it is depicted reminds me a lot of myself a few years ago when I was not in a great spot.

To be clear, it seems to be a pretty good representation of anxiety, but it is very difficult for me to read, not that I would categorize the content as triggering at all. Getting in Lucy's head felt like taking a lot of steps backwards for me, and I think maybe one day I can come back and finish this. There were a lot of elements that were super cute, but ultimately, this wasn't for me right now.

Wild Love by Elsie Silver

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.5

Just For the Summer by Abby Jimenez

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad fast-paced

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

5.0

Already planning a reread

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literary_thief's reviews 188 reviews

literary_thief's reviews
188 reviews