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paigesonpages's reviews
262 reviews
Royal Valentine by Sariah Wilson
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Worst Wingman Ever by Abby Jimenez
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
It’s impossible to not fall in love with ‘Worst Wingman Ever' by Abby Jimenez – a sweet novella packed with laughter, charm, and unexpected connections.
Holly's journey through impending loss and a surprising Valentine's Day card is an irresistible rollercoaster of emotions. Abby Jimenez weaves a heartwarming narrative, proving that love can find you in the most unexpected places. My tradesman husband wanted me to knock off a star for her calling out Ryobi, as it’s a dependable brand for those just starting out, but it’s not Abby’s fault that man-hunting women are biased about tool colors!
Pick up this novella if you’re looking for a perfect blend of humor and heart, as it is an ideal one-sitting read for hopeless romantics!
(Please note that there are references to animal abuse, hoarding, and home neglect, as it relates to one of the character’s jobs.)
Holly's journey through impending loss and a surprising Valentine's Day card is an irresistible rollercoaster of emotions. Abby Jimenez weaves a heartwarming narrative, proving that love can find you in the most unexpected places. My tradesman husband wanted me to knock off a star for her calling out Ryobi, as it’s a dependable brand for those just starting out, but it’s not Abby’s fault that man-hunting women are biased about tool colors!
Pick up this novella if you’re looking for a perfect blend of humor and heart, as it is an ideal one-sitting read for hopeless romantics!
(Please note that there are references to animal abuse, hoarding, and home neglect, as it relates to one of the character’s jobs.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Dementia and Murder
When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.
DNF at 30%.
I had high hopes for this book. It had a ton of things I love: ghostwriting for a celebrity romance, a sports star, and grumpy/sunshine.
Unfortunately, the attempted humor was too dry for my taste, and I found myself zoning in and out of the paragraphs upon paragraphs of the main character’s inner thoughts. I decided to put down the book when the closest we got to any actual chemistry was hair braiding, and the “secret nerdy boy” angle wasn’t peaking my interest in the slightest. I thought about staying for the spice that was promised, but it wasn’t worth it for me as the plot wasn’t there.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
I had high hopes for this book. It had a ton of things I love: ghostwriting for a celebrity romance, a sports star, and grumpy/sunshine.
Unfortunately, the attempted humor was too dry for my taste, and I found myself zoning in and out of the paragraphs upon paragraphs of the main character’s inner thoughts. I decided to put down the book when the closest we got to any actual chemistry was hair braiding, and the “secret nerdy boy” angle wasn’t peaking my interest in the slightest. I thought about staying for the spice that was promised, but it wasn’t worth it for me as the plot wasn’t there.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, Cupid by Mason Deaver
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
3.5
Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"Canadian Boyfriend" by Jenny Holiday is a heartwarming journey with a dash of Canadian charm!
Aurora's teenage charade with a Canadian boyfriend comes back to haunt her thanks to an unexpected reunion with pro hockey player Mike Martin years later. As they navigate friendship and personal struggles, their journey unfolds into a romance brighter than a northern lights display.
The story's like a warm double-double on a winter day – comforting and just what you need! The fake boyfriend angle had me laughing (we’ve all heard someone make up this lie before, eh?) and the subtle hockey vibes make this read perfect for someone interested in this trending trope.
Rory's post-ballet struggles felt genuine, making her journey relatable, and her slow-burn romance with Mike was a much more realistic timeline than other stories revolving around a grieving single parent that I’ve read. While the third act has a bit of turbulence, introducing necessary drama, it doesn't overshadow the overall enjoyment.
If you’re looking for a romance with a touch of humor, appreciate authentic characters navigating personal growth, and love a sprinkle of hockey in the mix, be sure to pick up “Canadian Boyfriend” from your favorite local bookstore beginning on January 30th!
Thank you Forever Romance for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
CW: Grief, Death of a Spouse, Anxiety (panic attacks), ED
Aurora's teenage charade with a Canadian boyfriend comes back to haunt her thanks to an unexpected reunion with pro hockey player Mike Martin years later. As they navigate friendship and personal struggles, their journey unfolds into a romance brighter than a northern lights display.
The story's like a warm double-double on a winter day – comforting and just what you need! The fake boyfriend angle had me laughing (we’ve all heard someone make up this lie before, eh?) and the subtle hockey vibes make this read perfect for someone interested in this trending trope.
Rory's post-ballet struggles felt genuine, making her journey relatable, and her slow-burn romance with Mike was a much more realistic timeline than other stories revolving around a grieving single parent that I’ve read. While the third act has a bit of turbulence, introducing necessary drama, it doesn't overshadow the overall enjoyment.
If you’re looking for a romance with a touch of humor, appreciate authentic characters navigating personal growth, and love a sprinkle of hockey in the mix, be sure to pick up “Canadian Boyfriend” from your favorite local bookstore beginning on January 30th!
Thank you Forever Romance for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
CW: Grief, Death of a Spouse, Anxiety (panic attacks), ED
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual content and Car accident
The Ladies Rewrite the Rules by Suzanne Allain
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
"The Ladies Rewrite the Rules" by Suzanne Allain is a regency romance that will sweep any Historical Romance fan into a world of societal defiance and unexpected love!
The story centers around Diana Boyle, a wealthy young widow who stumbles upon her inclusion in the notorious Bachelor's Directory, a list of affluent single women. Outraged by the prospect of being pursued for her fortune, Diana confronts Maxwell Dean, the man behind the directory, only to discover that he's not as expected. Instead of succumbing to societal norms, Diana and the fellow Ladies of the Registry choose to rewrite the rules and wield their unique position of power!
Allain skillfully weaves a tale of romance, friendship, and societal rebellion. The dynamic between Diana and Maxwell is a delightful journey as they navigate misunderstandings and conflicting expectations. The chemistry between Diana and Maxwell is a slow-burning fire, keeping readers eagerly turning pages.
While the plot may be considered low-stakes, it serves its purpose as a charming interlude between more intense reads. "The Ladies Rewrite the Rules" is a perfect choice for those seeking a quick, lighthearted romance that leaves you satisfied!
Eastern Standard by Sierra Spencer
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
While the premise of "Eastern Standard" by Sierra Spencer held promise, I found the abundance of Taylor Swift references distracting and, at times, excessive, and this is coming from a Swiftie! Although the playlist and titles are a fun choice, it also leaks into the dialogue, making the interactions between characters feel unrealistic and veering towards a Hallmark movie style with a bit of plagiarism.
The storyline itself has so much potential, exploring the challenges of having a New York mindset while stuck a New England small town, and at the same time grieving what could have been. However, the characters and overall narrative seemed somewhat lacking in depth, rendering the experience a bit two-dimensional.
I did love the flashbacks to New York and “Before”, which allow to reader to delve into Olivia's emotions, offering insight into her internal conflicts. While the book fell short for me, it would be a good story for those who appreciate shorter small-town tales that include some spice, some heartbreak, and a lot of drama!
The storyline itself has so much potential, exploring the challenges of having a New York mindset while stuck a New England small town, and at the same time grieving what could have been. However, the characters and overall narrative seemed somewhat lacking in depth, rendering the experience a bit two-dimensional.
I did love the flashbacks to New York and “Before”, which allow to reader to delve into Olivia's emotions, offering insight into her internal conflicts. While the book fell short for me, it would be a good story for those who appreciate shorter small-town tales that include some spice, some heartbreak, and a lot of drama!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Car accident
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Eating disorder and Alcohol
Last Call at the Local by Sarah Grunder Ruiz
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Read if you 🩷:
• 😍 Swoon-worthy “not-so-bad boy” vibes
• 🍀 A pint and a chat with some cheeky regulars
• 🧠 Authentic ADHD & OCD representation
• 🐈⬛ Floofy, empathetic black cats that are secretly lucky
“Last Call at the Local” by Sarah Grunder Ruiz is a literary embrace that sweeps you off your feet and transports you straight into the heart of a quaint Irish pub! This new romance follows Raine Hart, a musician with ADHD, who temporarily gives up her nomadic lifestyle due to an inability to perform after a mistake in Ireland. Jack Dunne, living his life with OCD and co-owning his family’s pub, admires Raine’s vision for the pub and offers her a job. As their romantic feelings grow, they face challenges reconciling their contrasting lifestyles, making it a story of reinvention not just for the Local, but for their relationship as well.
The chemistry between these two “professional coworkers” is impossible to resist: Jack’s not your typical “bad boy,” but he’s utterly swoon-worthy! While this is technically not a standalone, the series tie-in is slyly woven, and the excellent ADHD and OCD representation adds depth. The narrative dances effortlessly between romance and plot, striking a chord that resonates long after the last page.
But “Last Call at the Local” is not just a story; it’s an invitation to a pub so cozy, you’ll want to pull up a chair, take your boots off by the fireplace, and stay forever. Beware: you might find yourself booking a flight to Ireland after this enchanting read!
Thank you to Berkley for this free copy! Though, to be honest, everyone’s been loving this one so much I definitely would’ve grabbed it on my own!
• 😍 Swoon-worthy “not-so-bad boy” vibes
• 🍀 A pint and a chat with some cheeky regulars
• 🧠 Authentic ADHD & OCD representation
• 🐈⬛ Floofy, empathetic black cats that are secretly lucky
“Last Call at the Local” by Sarah Grunder Ruiz is a literary embrace that sweeps you off your feet and transports you straight into the heart of a quaint Irish pub! This new romance follows Raine Hart, a musician with ADHD, who temporarily gives up her nomadic lifestyle due to an inability to perform after a mistake in Ireland. Jack Dunne, living his life with OCD and co-owning his family’s pub, admires Raine’s vision for the pub and offers her a job. As their romantic feelings grow, they face challenges reconciling their contrasting lifestyles, making it a story of reinvention not just for the Local, but for their relationship as well.
The chemistry between these two “professional coworkers” is impossible to resist: Jack’s not your typical “bad boy,” but he’s utterly swoon-worthy! While this is technically not a standalone, the series tie-in is slyly woven, and the excellent ADHD and OCD representation adds depth. The narrative dances effortlessly between romance and plot, striking a chord that resonates long after the last page.
But “Last Call at the Local” is not just a story; it’s an invitation to a pub so cozy, you’ll want to pull up a chair, take your boots off by the fireplace, and stay forever. Beware: you might find yourself booking a flight to Ireland after this enchanting read!
Thank you to Berkley for this free copy! Though, to be honest, everyone’s been loving this one so much I definitely would’ve grabbed it on my own!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Sexual content
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Violence
Minor: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Death of parent
Yerba Buena by Nina LaCour
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Grief, and Mass/school shootings