phd_stem_romance_nerd's Reviews (203)

hopeful 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
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: Complicated
emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
funny hopeful 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
emotional hopeful 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: Yes

Thank you to Melissa Ferguson and Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing me with a copy of The Perfect Rom-Com in exchange for my honest opinion!

This book is an absolute gem—a heart-squeezing, emotional journey with just the right touch of heartwarming romance. I fell head over heels for Bryony Paige and her beautifully crafted story. Her connection to The Bridge—a community program in Florence, NY, that helps immigrants and refugees learn English and find hope—is both inspiring and deeply moving. This book doesn’t just tell a story; it encourages readers to be the change they want to see in the world.

And then there’s Jack Sterling—the grumpy literary agent with a heart of gold hidden behind a tough exterior. He’s the perfect blend of sunshine and snark, making his scenes an absolute delight.

If you love an emotional, heartwarming story that stays with you long after the last page, The Perfect Rom-Com is a must-read. Do yourself a favor—get this book, devour it, and spread the word about Melissa, an incredible author!
adventurous emotional hopeful fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
adventurous challenging reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

The audiobook is definitely the way to go, the back and forth between "Sparrow" and Hawk is fun and entertaining but I honestly don't think I would have made it through if I was reading the physical copy. It is a long book, but after getting through the first few chapters, I thought that the use of time made a lot of sense.
emotional fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and  Katherine Center for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Love Haters is an emotional, empowering, and utterly heartwarming read! While Katie & Hutch’s romance had me swooning, what truly set this story apart was Katie’s journey toward self-acceptance.

Katie, a videographer sent on a work trip to film the U.S. Coast Guard’s hottest hero, Hutch, she doesn’t expect to embark on a deeply personal transformation. With the support of her best friend Beanie, her colorific temporary landlord (his aunt) Rue, and his massive, scene-stealing Great Dane George Bailey, she slowly unlearns years of self-doubt and embraces herself as she is. Hutch, ever patient and kind, gives her the space to grow—making their love story all the more powerful.

This book isn’t just about falling in love—it’s about learning to love yourself. Katherine Center has a gift for creating deeply relatable heroines and feel-good yet emotional stories, and this one is no exception. If you love romance with depth, strong character growth, and a touch of humor, Love Haters is a must-read!

📖 Final Thoughts:
✔ Emotional but uplifting ❤️
✔ Amazing supporting characters 🐶
✔ Slow-burn romance 🔥
✔ Character-driven story
✔ A must-read author!
challenging emotional medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes