Scan barcode
paigesonpages's reviews
261 reviews
When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-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? Yes
4.0
Lightning in Her Hands by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you to Berkley and PRH Audio for the complimentary copy of “Lightning in Her Hands”, as well as the audiobook edition. All opinions are my own.
While this may be a great book for some, this read was just okay for me. I picked this one up because I was looking for witchy reads. While this satisfied that itch, this book has heavy emotional themes. I was expecting the parental abandonment because of the themes in the original book, but there were a lot of flashback scenes related to a previous abusive relationship.
I wished the book had focused a bit more on the fake marriage, which felt glossed over. The scenes between Carter and Teal had such excellent chemistry, yet the original conflict of the inheritance was quickly resolved near the end as if it was an afterthought.
When it comes to the audiobook, Marcela Black’s steady and grounded voice is perfect for Teal’s journey. It’s a great fit for a character who is trying to control her surroundings as much as possible!
If you’re looking for an emotional magical realism novel with a dash of romance, or you fell in love with “The Witch of Wild Things”, still give it a shot, as this may be more your cup of tea than mine!
While this may be a great book for some, this read was just okay for me. I picked this one up because I was looking for witchy reads. While this satisfied that itch, this book has heavy emotional themes. I was expecting the parental abandonment because of the themes in the original book, but there were a lot of flashback scenes related to a previous abusive relationship.
I wished the book had focused a bit more on the fake marriage, which felt glossed over. The scenes between Carter and Teal had such excellent chemistry, yet the original conflict of the inheritance was quickly resolved near the end as if it was an afterthought.
When it comes to the audiobook, Marcela Black’s steady and grounded voice is perfect for Teal’s journey. It’s a great fit for a character who is trying to control her surroundings as much as possible!
If you’re looking for an emotional magical realism novel with a dash of romance, or you fell in love with “The Witch of Wild Things”, still give it a shot, as this may be more your cup of tea than mine!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Abandonment
Moderate: Physical abuse and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death
The Lodge by Kayla Olson
funny
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Many thanks to Atria for sending this one my way! I’ve been anticipating this one all year. Yes, even though it’s technically not out until 2025!
I’ve been trying to wait to post my review a little closer to the release date, but I can’t hold in my love for Kayla Olson’s snowy sensational novel any longer! 🩵
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐝𝐠𝐞
By Kayla Olson
𝘖𝘯 𝘚𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘑𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘺 7𝘵𝘩, 2025
Read if you 🩷:
• ❄️ Cozy Winter Settings
• ⛷️ Crushing on Your Ski Instructor
• 🔑 “… and they were neighbors!”
• 🎤 Reminiscing About Your Fave Boy Band
Alix Morgan lands the ghostwriting gig of her dreams: penning a memoir for a former boy band member while staying at a swanky Vermont resort. Between uncovering the secrets of True North’s rise and fall—including the mysterious disappearance of their frontman—and learning to ski with a charming instructor named Tyler, Alix’s work-life balance has never been messier. But as sparks fly on the slopes, so do the questions surrounding the band’s breakup, and Alix might be the one to piece it all together.
I didn’t know where this romance was going half the time, and that’s what I love about it! “The Lodge” is such a fresh take that I repeatedly have trouble trying to place tropes to it. Sure, there’s the classic “big snowstorm” and other twists to divert the main character, but reading along feels like being the first on the slopes after the latest snowfall: no path in sight, just pure excitement!
Olson’s writing is also proof that there doesn’t need to be tons of sultry scenes for a reader to have a good time or good chemistry! Alix and Tyler hit it off almost from the start, and I love the dynamics of them being just across the hall from one another. 💕
If you need your next companion to a warm fireplace while you’re on vacation, look no further than “The Lodge”! Be sure to preorder this one, or you can find it on shelves starting January 7th, 2025.
I’ve been trying to wait to post my review a little closer to the release date, but I can’t hold in my love for Kayla Olson’s snowy sensational novel any longer! 🩵
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐝𝐠𝐞
By Kayla Olson
𝘖𝘯 𝘚𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘑𝘢𝘯𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘺 7𝘵𝘩, 2025
Read if you 🩷:
• ❄️ Cozy Winter Settings
• ⛷️ Crushing on Your Ski Instructor
• 🔑 “… and they were neighbors!”
• 🎤 Reminiscing About Your Fave Boy Band
Alix Morgan lands the ghostwriting gig of her dreams: penning a memoir for a former boy band member while staying at a swanky Vermont resort. Between uncovering the secrets of True North’s rise and fall—including the mysterious disappearance of their frontman—and learning to ski with a charming instructor named Tyler, Alix’s work-life balance has never been messier. But as sparks fly on the slopes, so do the questions surrounding the band’s breakup, and Alix might be the one to piece it all together.
I didn’t know where this romance was going half the time, and that’s what I love about it! “The Lodge” is such a fresh take that I repeatedly have trouble trying to place tropes to it. Sure, there’s the classic “big snowstorm” and other twists to divert the main character, but reading along feels like being the first on the slopes after the latest snowfall: no path in sight, just pure excitement!
Olson’s writing is also proof that there doesn’t need to be tons of sultry scenes for a reader to have a good time or good chemistry! Alix and Tyler hit it off almost from the start, and I love the dynamics of them being just across the hall from one another. 💕
If you need your next companion to a warm fireplace while you’re on vacation, look no further than “The Lodge”! Be sure to preorder this one, or you can find it on shelves starting January 7th, 2025.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
Magical Meet Cute by Jean Meltzer
dark
emotional
funny
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Antisemitism
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Car accident
To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.0
The Seemingly Impossible Love Life of Amanda Dean by Ann Rose
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-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
4.0
Thank you Berkley for providing a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read if you 🩷:
• ⏳ Non-Linear Timelines
• 🌈 LGBTQIA+ Representation
• 🏠 Found Family
• 🍋🟩 Margaritas for Breakfast
Amanda Dean has always been great at one thing: falling in love, even if it’s left her heartbroken more times than she can count. On her wedding day, memories of her past loves flood in—the water polo player, the fashionista, the hedge fund manager, and the one where the timing was never quite right. Now, with everything going wrong on what’s supposed to be the biggest day of her life, Mandy must decide if she’s ready to take one last chance on love or make a run for it while her heart’s still intact.
Ann Rose’s debut novel is a great reminder that in the blink of an eye (or the turn of a page 📖 ), people grow and change because of their experiences. As we journey with Mandy into her past, we see her and her partners at different times in their lives, often out of order. I found myself angry with one character in one chapter, then feeling sorrow for them in the next.
I expected a lot of typical romance moments from this novel, but I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of raw emotion throughout. While there are some lighter scenes, it definitely leans more toward contemporary fiction.
If you’re a self-proclaimed bi disaster wondering what it would be like if you had your own Hallmark movie, look no further than “The Seemingly Impossible Love Life of Amanda Dean”!
Read if you 🩷:
• ⏳ Non-Linear Timelines
• 🌈 LGBTQIA+ Representation
• 🏠 Found Family
• 🍋🟩 Margaritas for Breakfast
Amanda Dean has always been great at one thing: falling in love, even if it’s left her heartbroken more times than she can count. On her wedding day, memories of her past loves flood in—the water polo player, the fashionista, the hedge fund manager, and the one where the timing was never quite right. Now, with everything going wrong on what’s supposed to be the biggest day of her life, Mandy must decide if she’s ready to take one last chance on love or make a run for it while her heart’s still intact.
Ann Rose’s debut novel is a great reminder that in the blink of an eye (or the turn of a page 📖 ), people grow and change because of their experiences. As we journey with Mandy into her past, we see her and her partners at different times in their lives, often out of order. I found myself angry with one character in one chapter, then feeling sorrow for them in the next.
I expected a lot of typical romance moments from this novel, but I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of raw emotion throughout. While there are some lighter scenes, it definitely leans more toward contemporary fiction.
If you’re a self-proclaimed bi disaster wondering what it would be like if you had your own Hallmark movie, look no further than “The Seemingly Impossible Love Life of Amanda Dean”!
Hot Summer by Elle Everhart
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I can’t believe I procrastinated on reading this book for so long, but it was the perfect way to end the summer! ☀️
A big thanks to PUTNAM for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I chose to listen to the audiobook on my own. 🎧
Read if you 🩷: • 📸 Reality Show Romance
• 🌈 LGBTQIA+ Representation
• ‼️ Drama and Secret Reveals
• 🛌 Only One Bed (x5!!)
Cas Morgan never imagined she’d be a contestant on "Hot Summer," the reality dating show she’s obsessed with. But when her company partners with the production team, Cas is thrust into the villa with the goal of winning over the public—and securing her promotion. Her plan? Charm her way through eight weeks under the sun. But when she meets Ada, a fellow contestant looking for something real, Cas’s strategy goes awry as sparks start to fly. Now, she’s caught between playing the game and following her heart. 💕
I have to be completely honest… I WISH this year’s dating shows were as entertaining as "Hot Summer"! 🤩 The drama of Cas being sworn to secrecy due to her NDA is full of tension and anticipation. It’s hard to tell if, when, and how the big reveal will happen, so I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! I also loved the social media threads sprinkled throughout the story. They were a great reminder that the world wasn’t seeing everything happening inside the house. 👀
My only gripe is that the ending felt slightly unsatisfying in terms of redemption. I wish we could’ve seen more of the public’s reaction to the reunion episode! However, the extra scenes with Ada and Cas, along with the perfect epilogue, more than made up for it. 💕
While it’s clear that I enjoyed the book overall, Marisa Calin’s narration is what really makes this audiobook a hit! 🙌 She absolutely nails the “Reality Show Host” voice, so listening feels just like watching "Love Island" or "Big Brother." Her performance kept my attention, especially during the third act, and added an extra layer of fun!
If you love books like "The Charm Offensive" and "Love & Other Disasters," I’d highly recommend the audiobook of "Hot Summer"! ☀️
A big thanks to PUTNAM for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I chose to listen to the audiobook on my own. 🎧
Read if you 🩷: • 📸 Reality Show Romance
• 🌈 LGBTQIA+ Representation
• ‼️ Drama and Secret Reveals
• 🛌 Only One Bed (x5!!)
Cas Morgan never imagined she’d be a contestant on "Hot Summer," the reality dating show she’s obsessed with. But when her company partners with the production team, Cas is thrust into the villa with the goal of winning over the public—and securing her promotion. Her plan? Charm her way through eight weeks under the sun. But when she meets Ada, a fellow contestant looking for something real, Cas’s strategy goes awry as sparks start to fly. Now, she’s caught between playing the game and following her heart. 💕
I have to be completely honest… I WISH this year’s dating shows were as entertaining as "Hot Summer"! 🤩 The drama of Cas being sworn to secrecy due to her NDA is full of tension and anticipation. It’s hard to tell if, when, and how the big reveal will happen, so I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! I also loved the social media threads sprinkled throughout the story. They were a great reminder that the world wasn’t seeing everything happening inside the house. 👀
My only gripe is that the ending felt slightly unsatisfying in terms of redemption. I wish we could’ve seen more of the public’s reaction to the reunion episode! However, the extra scenes with Ada and Cas, along with the perfect epilogue, more than made up for it. 💕
While it’s clear that I enjoyed the book overall, Marisa Calin’s narration is what really makes this audiobook a hit! 🙌 She absolutely nails the “Reality Show Host” voice, so listening feels just like watching "Love Island" or "Big Brother." Her performance kept my attention, especially during the third act, and added an extra layer of fun!
If you love books like "The Charm Offensive" and "Love & Other Disasters," I’d highly recommend the audiobook of "Hot Summer"! ☀️
Prime Time Romance by Kate Robb
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Thank you to Dial Press for sending an early digital copy my way! 📚
Read if you 🩷:
• 🎂 Birthday Wishes
• 📺 Marathoning Your Favorite Shows
• 🔑 “And they were roommates…”
• 🍓 Strawberry Wine
🌊 Newly divorced Brynn wakes up on her thirtieth birthday not in her apartment, but in "Carson’s Cove," her favorite 2000s teen soap, alongside her roommate, Josh. To everyone else, they’re not Brynn and Josh—they’re Sloan, the show’s sweetheart, and Fletch, the town’s bad boy. To get back home, they have to make sure Sloan and Spencer, the hometown heartthrob, finally get their happy ending. But as Brynn and Josh navigate the drama of "Carson’s Cove," real feelings start to surface, threatening to rewrite the story entirely.
This was a quick read for me, and the fast pace was perfect for getting me back into the reading mood after taking a small break over the long weekend. The low-stakes conflict and high chemistry between Brynn and Josh had me feeling cozy yet eager to keep reading—I finished the book in one afternoon!
I do wish it had slowed down a bit, however. I blinked and was halfway through and it felt like hardly anything had happened. I wish the author had focused more on the main character’s inner conflicts than the town’s predictable hijinks.
There are also a lot of easter eggs for those who spent the early 2000s watching countless episodes of "Dawson’s Creek," "90210," and "Gilmore Girls”.🍁
If you enjoy books like "A Novel Love Story" and "This Spells Love," you’ll definitely enjoy "Prime Time Romance"! 🛋️
Read if you 🩷:
• 🎂 Birthday Wishes
• 📺 Marathoning Your Favorite Shows
• 🔑 “And they were roommates…”
• 🍓 Strawberry Wine
🌊 Newly divorced Brynn wakes up on her thirtieth birthday not in her apartment, but in "Carson’s Cove," her favorite 2000s teen soap, alongside her roommate, Josh. To everyone else, they’re not Brynn and Josh—they’re Sloan, the show’s sweetheart, and Fletch, the town’s bad boy. To get back home, they have to make sure Sloan and Spencer, the hometown heartthrob, finally get their happy ending. But as Brynn and Josh navigate the drama of "Carson’s Cove," real feelings start to surface, threatening to rewrite the story entirely.
This was a quick read for me, and the fast pace was perfect for getting me back into the reading mood after taking a small break over the long weekend. The low-stakes conflict and high chemistry between Brynn and Josh had me feeling cozy yet eager to keep reading—I finished the book in one afternoon!
I do wish it had slowed down a bit, however. I blinked and was halfway through and it felt like hardly anything had happened. I wish the author had focused more on the main character’s inner conflicts than the town’s predictable hijinks.
There are also a lot of easter eggs for those who spent the early 2000s watching countless episodes of "Dawson’s Creek," "90210," and "Gilmore Girls”.🍁
If you enjoy books like "A Novel Love Story" and "This Spells Love," you’ll definitely enjoy "Prime Time Romance"! 🛋️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Vomit, and Alcohol
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Car accident
Love in Bloom by Lucy Eden
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
tense
fast-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
4.5
𝐿𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝐼𝓃 𝐵𝓁𝑜𝑜𝓂
By Lucy Eden
𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟮𝘁𝗵
That’s right: I read something TWO MONTHS EARLY. That’s how you know it’s a good read! 🙌
Thank you Forever for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read if you 🩷:
• 👨🌾 Small Town/Farm Romances
• 🔑 Forced Proximity
• 💚 BIPOC and Indian Representation
• ♟️ Flirtatious Chess Moves
Emma Walters's life falls apart in just 24 hours—she breaks up with her boyfriend, loses her job, and inherits a farm in Green Acres, Georgia. Trading city life for a rural escape, she quickly realizes farming isn’t as easy (or peaceful) as she thought, especially with the handsome but skeptical farm manager, Dan, questioning her every move. As Emma tries to adjust, she uncovers that the farm, and the quirky town, are hiding something bigger. With the farm in danger, Emma has to step up and save the day—if only she can figure out what’s really going on in this unusual town.
Do I know this book won’t be for everyone? Yes. Do I care? Absolutely not, because I had the BEST time reading it! 😍 Emma and Dan’s meet-disaster had me in stitches, and their chemistry is so obvious that even the town catches on before them. Speaking of which, each member of Green Acres is so well thought out that it’s hard to believe Lucy Eden fit this whole story into less than 370 pages. 😮Good luck trying to not fall in love with this small but mighty community!
While some may consider “Love in Bloom” to be too “Hallmark Movie” for their taste, I couldn’t help but fall in love with this one, as the underlying theme of medical marijuana and how it can help those with chronic illnesses hits close to home. I hope those who pick this one up learn a little bit more about how this plant can help those who need it as well as their community! 💚
That being said, please read with caution if you are sensitive to the following content: grief (death of a sibling and grandparents, off-page), child illness/death, terminal illness, drug/alcohol use, emotional abuse, stalking, and classism.
If you love fish-out-of-water stories and quirky small towns, be sure to preorder or pick up “Love in Bloom” at your favorite local bookstore when it is out on November 12th. 🙌
By Lucy Eden
𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟮𝘁𝗵
That’s right: I read something TWO MONTHS EARLY. That’s how you know it’s a good read! 🙌
Thank you Forever for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read if you 🩷:
• 👨🌾 Small Town/Farm Romances
• 🔑 Forced Proximity
• 💚 BIPOC and Indian Representation
• ♟️ Flirtatious Chess Moves
Emma Walters's life falls apart in just 24 hours—she breaks up with her boyfriend, loses her job, and inherits a farm in Green Acres, Georgia. Trading city life for a rural escape, she quickly realizes farming isn’t as easy (or peaceful) as she thought, especially with the handsome but skeptical farm manager, Dan, questioning her every move. As Emma tries to adjust, she uncovers that the farm, and the quirky town, are hiding something bigger. With the farm in danger, Emma has to step up and save the day—if only she can figure out what’s really going on in this unusual town.
Do I know this book won’t be for everyone? Yes. Do I care? Absolutely not, because I had the BEST time reading it! 😍 Emma and Dan’s meet-disaster had me in stitches, and their chemistry is so obvious that even the town catches on before them. Speaking of which, each member of Green Acres is so well thought out that it’s hard to believe Lucy Eden fit this whole story into less than 370 pages. 😮Good luck trying to not fall in love with this small but mighty community!
While some may consider “Love in Bloom” to be too “Hallmark Movie” for their taste, I couldn’t help but fall in love with this one, as the underlying theme of medical marijuana and how it can help those with chronic illnesses hits close to home. I hope those who pick this one up learn a little bit more about how this plant can help those who need it as well as their community! 💚
That being said, please read with caution if you are sensitive to the following content: grief (death of a sibling and grandparents, off-page), child illness/death, terminal illness, drug/alcohol use, emotional abuse, stalking, and classism.
If you love fish-out-of-water stories and quirky small towns, be sure to preorder or pick up “Love in Bloom” at your favorite local bookstore when it is out on November 12th. 🙌
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Terminal illness, Blood, and Alcohol
Minor: Cancer, Stalking, and Classism