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notesbynnenna's Reviews (513)
After reading SUDDENLY YOU, I wanted to pick up another one of her books. This one follows a widow who is still grieving the loss of her husband three years later. Then she meets a man that's intriguing, but he's her husband's opposite in every way. She must decide if she wants to lead a quiet life in comfort or if she wants to choose a different path that will be challenging but exciting.
I enjoyed this one as well, but not as much as SUDDENLY YOU. I can see the pattern now: tall, dark, and handsome rogue seduces the good and proper girl! Again, I loved descriptions of the gowns and I feel like I learned a bit about the English nobility thanks to some etiquette lessons that were given in the book.
So far I've found Kleypas's romances to be predictable and enjoyable and she's an author I'll continue to pick up when I'm looking for a lighthearted, historical romance.
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this one as well, but not as much as SUDDENLY YOU. I can see the pattern now: tall, dark, and handsome rogue seduces the good and proper girl! Again, I loved descriptions of the gowns and I feel like I learned a bit about the English nobility thanks to some etiquette lessons that were given in the book.
So far I've found Kleypas's romances to be predictable and enjoyable and she's an author I'll continue to pick up when I'm looking for a lighthearted, historical romance.
3.5 stars
When a baby goes missing at the beginning of this novel, the question is, did a stranger kidnap her or are the parents somehow involved?
After reading AN UNWANTED GUEST and loving it, I thought this one didn't live up to the same standard. It didn't capture my attention like I was hoping and I thought the neighbors were somewhat unnecessary characters and one-dimensional. Also, I wasn't a fan of the ending, which felt overwrought. Lapena has an engaging writing style that kept me turning the pages, but at the same time, I wasn't that invested in this story. If you're looking to try one of Lapena's thrillers, I'd definitely recommend AN UNWANTED GUEST over this one.
After reading AN UNWANTED GUEST and loving it, I thought this one didn't live up to the same standard. It didn't capture my attention like I was hoping and I thought the neighbors were somewhat unnecessary characters and one-dimensional. Also, I wasn't a fan of the ending, which felt overwrought. Lapena has an engaging writing style that kept me turning the pages, but at the same time, I wasn't that invested in this story. If you're looking to try one of Lapena's thrillers, I'd definitely recommend AN UNWANTED GUEST over this one.
This has to be one of the most intricately plotted and inventive stories that I've ever read. Honestly, I didn't know what was going on for most of the book, but I still enjoyed it.
I went into this totally blind, so the beginning was quite the discovery. Thinking about it, perhaps it would have been helpful to start with a rough outline of the plot so that at least I would have had a rough idea of what's happening. Honestly, it's a pretty confusing story, but that didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. At some point, I stopped trying to figure out the timeline and just went along for the ride.
I thought the writing was really compelling and atmospheric, which was necessary since the setting plays an important role in the story. Turton created characters that really stood out to me. They were all flawed and so very human. You see people struggling and trying to let the good in them outweigh the bad. The story deals with people wearing masks and concealing their true selves and motivations. It also explores if it's possible for people to truly change and redefine their identities.
Perhaps it was a bit too long, as it did drag in the middle, but then it was quite exciting in the last third or so as we finally started to get some answers. I feel like this book is maybe best done as a buddy read so that you can discuss with someone and help each other understand the storyline. I thought this was such a creative story and I'd definitely recommend it for people who enjoy a puzzle.
I went into this totally blind, so the beginning was quite the discovery. Thinking about it, perhaps it would have been helpful to start with a rough outline of the plot so that at least I would have had a rough idea of what's happening. Honestly, it's a pretty confusing story, but that didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. At some point, I stopped trying to figure out the timeline and just went along for the ride.
I thought the writing was really compelling and atmospheric, which was necessary since the setting plays an important role in the story. Turton created characters that really stood out to me. They were all flawed and so very human. You see people struggling and trying to let the good in them outweigh the bad. The story deals with people wearing masks and concealing their true selves and motivations. It also explores if it's possible for people to truly change and redefine their identities.
Perhaps it was a bit too long, as it did drag in the middle, but then it was quite exciting in the last third or so as we finally started to get some answers. I feel like this book is maybe best done as a buddy read so that you can discuss with someone and help each other understand the storyline. I thought this was such a creative story and I'd definitely recommend it for people who enjoy a puzzle.
I've been wanting to read this book ever since a bookstagram friend raved about it and it did not disappoint! Pretty much all I knew was that the storyline was centered on witches and that's all it took to get me on board.
Lou was such a great character. I loved how cheeky and irreverent she was, and how she didn't care what people thought of her. At the same time, there were moments when she was very vulnerable and I really felt for her and for all the things she had to do to survive. I also really loved Coco, her best friend. You could tell that she was a true friend who would always be loyal to Lou and protect her as best as she could.
I enjoyed learning more about this magic system (dames blanches vs. dames rouges) and how it operates. I'm also a little bit of a francophile, so I loved the French setting as well. My two small complaints are that maybe it was a little bit too long, and I also felt like Beau didn't quite have the same character development as some as of the other people.
This book was full of magic and strong characters that you can't help but root for. I'm really excited to read the next book in this series as I feel like there's still so much to explore in this world!
Lou was such a great character. I loved how cheeky and irreverent she was, and how she didn't care what people thought of her. At the same time, there were moments when she was very vulnerable and I really felt for her and for all the things she had to do to survive. I also really loved Coco, her best friend. You could tell that she was a true friend who would always be loyal to Lou and protect her as best as she could.
I enjoyed learning more about this magic system (dames blanches vs. dames rouges) and how it operates. I'm also a little bit of a francophile, so I loved the French setting as well. My two small complaints are that maybe it was a little bit too long, and I also felt like Beau didn't quite have the same character development as some as of the other people.
This book was full of magic and strong characters that you can't help but root for. I'm really excited to read the next book in this series as I feel like there's still so much to explore in this world!
Kleypas has quickly become my go-to author for historical romances. I've read three of her books this year! I've figured out her formula and I find that so comforting because I know exactly what I'm getting into when I pick up one of her books. This one centers on a woman, Lara, who's husband mysteriously returns from the dead, which is a pretty interesting premise. What does it take to prove that someone is who they say they are? I did notice that there was definitely some weird colonialist stuff going on (Lara's husband returns from a jaunt in India). Despite that, I found it entertaining and I'm looking forward to the next Kleypas romance that I pick up.
Well well well, this was one wild ride and it made me want to keep reading, so it met my current criteria for an escapist read! It had some steamy scenes, tense moments, and definitely had me thinking "wtf is happening?!" at a few points. I'm not sure that it's something that I would normally pick up, but at this point in time it did the trick and kept me entertained for a few hours.
As the title suggests, this was really cute! At the moment, I'm totally in the mood for escapist reads, so I requested a bunch of romance books from the library and this hold came in first.
There were a lot of interesting plot points in the story, including the teen heartthrob angle of the story and the custody battle. I enjoyed the journey of the relationship between Kailyn and Dax, from rivals to lovers. Also, I thought this book touched on grief in a way that felt sensitive and true.
This was a fun read and ended exactly how I wanted it to (that's the beauty of romance!). I could totally see this being made into the latest Netflix rom-com. Definitely recommend it if you're looking for a light and engaging read!
3.5 stars
There were a lot of interesting plot points in the story, including the teen heartthrob angle of the story and the custody battle. I enjoyed the journey of the relationship between Kailyn and Dax, from rivals to lovers. Also, I thought this book touched on grief in a way that felt sensitive and true.
This was a fun read and ended exactly how I wanted it to (that's the beauty of romance!). I could totally see this being made into the latest Netflix rom-com. Definitely recommend it if you're looking for a light and engaging read!
3.5 stars
This one had some fun elements that didn't quite come together as much as I would have liked. I loved the small town setting (it reminded me a little bit of the beloved Stars Hollow). Also, it really made me want to visit a Renaissance Faire some day, it sounded so fun! However, I thought that it was a little bit repetitive and long, and I didn't love the relationship between our main characters (it was confusing, and I don't think he treated her very well). Despite that, it was still generally a fun and solid read.
I was not prepared for this one to be as steamy as it was! If I could blush, I definitely would have at some of the scenes in this book. This is very much the good girl redeeming the bad boy trope and I was into it. There's a fun cast of characters and I enjoyed the setting of Port Jefferson, NY- I could very much imagine the type of town it was. I did feel that the ending was a bit rushed and there were some scenes that I wasn't fully on board with (some of the dialogue made me wonder, "Does anyone really talk this way??"). But still, it was fun, it kept me entertained, and it got my heart racing a bit.
I first heard about Mhairi McFarlane through Becca Freeman, one of the hosts of the podcast, Bad on Paper, when she was talking about British romance authors that she loved. I've been reading a lot of romance during quarantine and I thought reading one set in the UK would be a nice way to switch it up.
I really enjoyed this one! There was a charm and coziness to it that I really liked. I'd just finished up a few breezy romances, so in the beginning, I was expecting this to be a bit faster paced, but then I realized this was more a journey. It follows Edie, a thirty-something woman living in London, who gets caught kissing the groom at a friend's wedding. Unfortunately, all the blame for the situation falls on Edie and all of her so-called friends turn against her. Edie ends up fleeing to her hometown of Nottingham to get away and also work on a remote assignment from her boss: ghostwriting the autobiography of one of the hottest new celebs, Elliott Owen.
Edie seemed like a genuinely nice person who has good intentions, but then finds herself in a really sticky situation. She goes on such a journey in this book and I was really proud of her by the end. But don't get me wrong, there were times during the story where I really wanted to tell her to get it together! There was also a really great cast of supporting characters including her dad and her two friends Hannah and Nick.
The author touched a bit on the perils of social media: how it's a facade and online shaming, the way that people feel comfortable saying terrible things online about people they don't even know. She also talked about how in relationships, you can't expect people to be mind readers. It's better to speak plainly and get all your cards on the table. At least then, you'll know where you stand. That resonated with me, as I've definitely been guilty of expecting someone to be able to read my mind.
This is a sweet romance that takes its time bringing us into Edie's world. It was funny and charming and I'm going to miss these characters. I'm really glad that I've read a book by McFarlane now and I definitely want to get my hands on her new novel soon.
I really enjoyed this one! There was a charm and coziness to it that I really liked. I'd just finished up a few breezy romances, so in the beginning, I was expecting this to be a bit faster paced, but then I realized this was more a journey. It follows Edie, a thirty-something woman living in London, who gets caught kissing the groom at a friend's wedding. Unfortunately, all the blame for the situation falls on Edie and all of her so-called friends turn against her. Edie ends up fleeing to her hometown of Nottingham to get away and also work on a remote assignment from her boss: ghostwriting the autobiography of one of the hottest new celebs, Elliott Owen.
Edie seemed like a genuinely nice person who has good intentions, but then finds herself in a really sticky situation. She goes on such a journey in this book and I was really proud of her by the end. But don't get me wrong, there were times during the story where I really wanted to tell her to get it together! There was also a really great cast of supporting characters including her dad and her two friends Hannah and Nick.
The author touched a bit on the perils of social media: how it's a facade and online shaming, the way that people feel comfortable saying terrible things online about people they don't even know. She also talked about how in relationships, you can't expect people to be mind readers. It's better to speak plainly and get all your cards on the table. At least then, you'll know where you stand. That resonated with me, as I've definitely been guilty of expecting someone to be able to read my mind.
This is a sweet romance that takes its time bringing us into Edie's world. It was funny and charming and I'm going to miss these characters. I'm really glad that I've read a book by McFarlane now and I definitely want to get my hands on her new novel soon.