natalie_cooper's reviews
538 reviews

The Fiancé Dilemma by Elena Armas

funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.0

I didn’t go into this with high expectations which is good because this book never would’ve met them but for what it was it was a fun easy read. I really liked Matthew and how he treated Josie and just how he acted. I thought that the small town setting was nice and it was fun to see adalyn and cam again. However I did not like Josie at all. I found her ditzy and quirky in the worst way possible. The things she said would just simply never be said in real life and the way that she never worked through her trauma and then weaponized it against Matthew was terrible. I also thought that the reason for them getting fake engaged was ridiculous. It was fun yes but it ultimately wasn’t enough to keep the book going which is why it felt way too long. So not the most memorable time but I did have fun while it lasted. 

Fake Out Hearts by Nikki Lawson

lighthearted medium-paced

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

2.75

This was quite a disappointing read. The only positives were the meet cute and the dual athlete element with her being a dancer and him being a hockey player. But besides that I don’t really have good things to say. The whole romance just felt so rushed and so meaningless. They didn’t know each other and never really took it slow to get to know each other they just kept going. That also led to a third act breakup that easily could’ve been avoided and their reason for breaking up didn’t feel fleshed out enough. I also thought there were some other storylines that weren’t wrapped up by the end of the book and I would’ve liked for them to be completed. I liked the friend group and the setting but overall just not the best time. 

Breakaway Hearts by Nikki Lawson

lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.25

This was better than I expected but also exactly what I expected. It’s a typical hockey romance where he’s a hotshot and she’s in the background but like always I’ll read it and enjoy it every time. I always like friends to lovers stories and this one was no exception although I wish I got to see more of their friendship over the years not just in the span of a few months. The fake dating combination with the teach me trope was great and I liked what both of them added to the story. However this book had a lot more spice in it than I was expecting and in the end it felt like too much. It started early on and it just never stopped and it just felt like it was taking away from the story. The third act breakup was also ridiculous but at the same time I knew it was gonna happen. So overall an enjoyable read but not a memorable one. 

Next To You by Hannah Bonam-Young

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-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

4.25

Hannah Bonam-Young can simply not write a bad book. This was such a well done romance novel while also exploring topics of grief and family dynamics and how to handle the relationship one can have with their sister. I loved the friends to lovers element but my only complaint for this whole book really was that I wish I saw more of the friendship and got to see that grow instead of skipping a year to get them together. I loved the bus renovation storyline and I loved the friends and how they supported each other. I loved the path that lane went on and how she grew throughout the book both for herself and Matt. Matt was a perfect man and I loved that he wasn’t afraid to show emotions or express his feelings and communicate. I loved this story and  can’t wait for Hannah Bonam-Young’s new release because I need more of her writing. 

Playing By The Rules by Monica Murphy
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.

I can just tell that I’m not going to enjoy this so I’m gonna stop now. The whole brothers best friend element paired with an overprotective brother for no reason just frustrated me to no end. I’m willing to bet this was going to be like every other college romance with a physical based relationship and I’m just not in the mood for that. 

Tempt by Melanie Harlow

lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.0

I was underwhelmed by this. Everyone says it’s their favorite in the series and the tropes were interesting so I figured I would be hooked immediately and that was simply incorrect. I did really enjoy the first quarter of the book. I loved their dynamic the spice the pacing and their back and forth. However I feel like it fell off after that. The relationship felt so physical and there was way more spice than I thought there needed to be. I was waiting for them to have a complete conversation so that they could leave their issues in the past and be happy with each other but that didn’t happen until the last like 10%. It really just felt like they were on different pages for the entirety of the story which meant I had little faith in their relationship and I didn’t really care about how they turned out. I will say that I really enjoyed the side plot with Millie’s bridal shop and I thought that storyline was executed really well. So ultimately not everything I wanted but it’s nice to have another series checked off. 

The Deepest End of Love by Lisina Coney

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing 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

4.75

This was such a good way to wrap up an incredible series. I started this series when the first book came out and I’ve gotten to read each book as it’s released and see the characters grow throughout the series and that was the best thing. I loved getting Lila’s story and it ultimately exceeded my expectations. She felt so realistic from her struggles to her feelings and her thoughts. I loved getting to see her grow and face her fears and how that impacted not just her but her relationship with reed. Reed was everything Lila needed and I loved him for that. I loved how patient and considerate he was while also healing from his own trauma and changing himself for the better. I loved the kids and thought they added so much to the story. The way healthy family relationships and dynamics were highlighted was so refreshing to see and the fact that it was cal and grace made it even better. The dog was such a cute touch as well. I’m so happy that I found this series and have been able to read 3 incredible love stories and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to conclude this series. 

Scarred Queen by Naomi West

dark emotional funny mysterious medium-paced

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

3.0

The second books in duets are always make it or break it for me and this one was a break it. I just didn’t think the story needed to be two complete books and it certainly didn’t need to have the second book be 400 pages. Laila frustrated me the entire time and she never got any better. I felt like she was so selfish at times and kept making stupid decisions that seemed out of character for her and were solely to advance the plot nothing else. I would’ve loved to have seen more romance and actual growth instead of them going back and forth just like they were in book one. I also would’ve loved to have seen them communicate even just once because then the second book probably wouldn’t have been necessary. So definitely not a favorite and even though I still had a really good time with the first one I don’t think this author is someone I’m going to be dying to pick up in the future. 

Scarred King by Naomi West

dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

This hooked me in immediately and I didn’t stop until I finished it. I haven’t read a book let alone a mafia romance that I’ve been so invested in and that I’ve read so quickly in so long so I was glad I picked this up. The story was a bit repetitive and could’ve been shortened but I really didn’t mind. The story was just addictive and fast paced and I cant really ask for anything more. I loved the fmc and thought the plot was interesting and something I’ve never seen before. This was just a great addictive read and I can’t wait to read the next one. 

Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino

emotional hopeful reflective sad 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

4.25

This book has been on my tbr for almost 2 years and I am kicking myself for not reading it sooner. This was such a beautiful realistic raw love story. I loved the ups and downs of their journey and how no matter what they never stopped loving each other. The section in the past was so fun to read about and I could picture it so vividly. The way nyc was described and the setting of it was perfect. I enjoyed the chapters that were 15 years in the future but not as much as the ones in the past. While I wished they moved a little bit faster and they communicated more the way their relationship played out just felt so them that I can’t really complain. And the epilogue to this book is something I will think about for days on end.