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randeh's reviews
354 reviews
The Vermillion Ribbon by Hayley Price
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I received an ARC for the second book in this series The Vermilion Cross and I was SO excited to get started. I immediately went and purchased the digital copy of The Vermilion Ribbon. The book is written in old English which added some fun little quirks to the book. The plot however is so difficult to follow as none of the authors thoughts are followed through on. Instead of beautiful story telling of how Corelle got from point A to point B, it's very cut and dry. Corelle did this. Then she did this. Now she's doing this. This happened over here. I was dying inside as I can tell the author has a great story it's just so poorly developed on the page.
The worse part is that while no thought was properly developed, some of the plot line just dragged on forever. I think Hayley Price has a great story in her head and would benefit from explaining why certain things are happening, did happen and how it happened, instead of just jumping from one thought to the next.
Pros:
📚There is character development for Corelle & Deineike and a little bit for Wilash.
📚The Old English adds a fun twist and I even had to look up some of the phrases which I enjoyed immensely.
📚There is a great world here, it just needs to be properly developed.
📚The artwork is beautiful.
📚This is the authors first book and you can tell she has a good story to share and as she develops more as an author I feel like we'll see good stories from her.
My favourite character in this series was actually Rukaal. I enjoyed his addition to the story and the little bit of a fantasy/whimsical feel the author added to the story by introducing him.
I do plan on giving The Vermilion Cross a try because I feel absolutely spoiled to have received an ARC. Crossing my fingers Hayley Price has decided to give the world and characters a little bit more oomph in book 2. 🤞
The worse part is that while no thought was properly developed, some of the plot line just dragged on forever. I think Hayley Price has a great story in her head and would benefit from explaining why certain things are happening, did happen and how it happened, instead of just jumping from one thought to the next.
Pros:
📚There is character development for Corelle & Deineike and a little bit for Wilash.
📚The Old English adds a fun twist and I even had to look up some of the phrases which I enjoyed immensely.
📚There is a great world here, it just needs to be properly developed.
📚The artwork is beautiful.
📚This is the authors first book and you can tell she has a good story to share and as she develops more as an author I feel like we'll see good stories from her.
My favourite character in this series was actually Rukaal. I enjoyed his addition to the story and the little bit of a fantasy/whimsical feel the author added to the story by introducing him.
I do plan on giving The Vermilion Cross a try because I feel absolutely spoiled to have received an ARC. Crossing my fingers Hayley Price has decided to give the world and characters a little bit more oomph in book 2. 🤞
Funny Story by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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 story is so well written I had trouble putting it down. I loved the beginning of the book how it started with how the couple tells their story (or rather how Peter tells the story). Who doesn't love a good "how we met story"? The authors ending to this book, "...it's a funny story" was brilliant. I legit went "ohhh that is smart, good one Emily Henry". Smart & witty is how I would describe Emily Henry's writing for this book.
I went through a lot of the books "bad" reviews and while some I can see of their opinions may be valid, I feel that a lot of the bad reviews are simply from people whom haven't experienced the feelings brought on in this book. I have and I guess that's why I resonated with it. No, the situation wasn't exactly the same. But the feeling of not being enough, not being wanted. The feeling of losing all of your friends because you set your life up entirely around another person. These are all real things that happen to people and to see it so beautifully represented in this book was refreshing. It's nice to feel normal. Add in the fact that Daphne is a librarian for kids (dream job!!) and you have what I would consider the perfect cocktail to spend a day in the hammock with.
I love writing down quotes/situations/feelings that I resonate with/enjoy while reading and here are the ones that really stand out:
💬 When Miles and Daphne are talking about how they will one up Peter & Petra - "If they get married, we have to be married longer. If they have a kid we have one extra, if they get a dog, we get a cuter one..." - Laughed out loud at this.
💬 "You can't force a person to show up. But you can learn a lesson when they don't. Trust peoples actions not their words. Don't love anyone who isn't ready to love you back. Let go of the people who don't hold onto you. Don't wait on anyone who is in no rush to get to you."
💬 "Being around you is like standing in sunshine."
💬 "Don't you love how it smells? So, so much, I say. 'That right there,' he says, 'is why I can't retire. If I could live in this feeling, I would.'" talking about the smell of the library...heavenly.
This was a very satisfying read and I look forward to more Emily Henry books in the future.
I went through a lot of the books "bad" reviews and while some I can see of their opinions may be valid, I feel that a lot of the bad reviews are simply from people whom haven't experienced the feelings brought on in this book. I have and I guess that's why I resonated with it. No, the situation wasn't exactly the same. But the feeling of not being enough, not being wanted. The feeling of losing all of your friends because you set your life up entirely around another person. These are all real things that happen to people and to see it so beautifully represented in this book was refreshing. It's nice to feel normal. Add in the fact that Daphne is a librarian for kids (dream job!!) and you have what I would consider the perfect cocktail to spend a day in the hammock with.
I love writing down quotes/situations/feelings that I resonate with/enjoy while reading and here are the ones that really stand out:
💬 "You can't force a person to show up. But you can learn a lesson when they don't. Trust peoples actions not their words. Don't love anyone who isn't ready to love you back. Let go of the people who don't hold onto you. Don't wait on anyone who is in no rush to get to you."
💬 "Being around you is like standing in sunshine."
💬 "Don't you love how it smells? So, so much, I say. 'That right there,' he says, 'is why I can't retire. If I could live in this feeling, I would.'" talking about the smell of the library...heavenly.
This was a very satisfying read and I look forward to more Emily Henry books in the future.
Royal Valentine by Sariah Wilson
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Pros: Better than book 3 & 4 in this series and I always do enjoy a royal wanting to escape their duties and falling in love in the process. That's where the pros end though.
Why did we need the break up scene? With 70 pages we didn't need a break up. The ending where she's so happy to have found a man that was going to fight for her made me eye roll. He ONLY came back because his family told him that he should.
I listened to the audio version of this book and at first I was excited for the accents, but unfortunately the female reader kept switching between accents and messing them up when she did her inner dialogue. At one point Ilaria sounded Scottish.
I've never read Sariah Wilson and I won't let this prevent me from trying one of her other books, maybe she's just not a novella superstar.
I listened to the audio version of this book and at first I was excited for the accents, but unfortunately the female reader kept switching between accents and messing them up when she did her inner dialogue. At one point Ilaria sounded Scottish.
I've never read Sariah Wilson and I won't let this prevent me from trying one of her other books, maybe she's just not a novella superstar.
With Any Luck by Ashley Poston
lighthearted
fast-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? It's complicated
3.0
So I've been reading this mini series in order and the first two I really enjoyed. The rest so far have just been meh, this one included. I get that these are short novellas, but if you're going to make the characters fall in love, maybe save that for a full length novel. Lust? Sure. Booty call? No problem. Earth shattering love? No. I get that it's a work of fiction and I'm a fantasy girly through and through so obviously I'm good with make believe...but when it comes to rom-coms, what works so well is how believable they often are and how it makes you feel. That feeling of meeting your husband for the first time again and the way the butterflies felt. So yeah, if I'm reading a light romantic read I want it to make sense.
The pros - it wasn't as bad as book 4. That's all I got. I will read other Ashley Poston (I haven't yet, this is a first) only because I think if given a full length novel she could do her characters justice. Not a bad writer, just not the right story for 43 pages.
The pros - it wasn't as bad as book 4. That's all I got. I will read other Ashley Poston (I haven't yet, this is a first) only because I think if given a full length novel she could do her characters justice. Not a bad writer, just not the right story for 43 pages.
Drop, Cover, and Hold On by Jasmine Guillory
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
After an earthquake traps them together they are forced to come to terms with their feelings. That's basically the entire book. I wanted to love this like I liked the first two in this series but it's just lacking.
It was set up nicely with a grumpy baker and a girl who loves his pastries but thinks he hates her. Why she ever let that determine whether she'd go there or not is wild. Why she wanted to keep supporting this man that she thought hated her is also wild. And then after an earthquake traps them together they confess their love, how he's always noticed her (but glared at her every time?!?! No ones resting bitch face is THAT bad) and now they are going upstairs to do each other? I wanted this to make sense but maybe this version of the story wasn't meant for 40 pages.
As always though I did find a quote that had me chucklin': "You've heard of resting bitch face right? I would assume so, your picture is right next to it in the dictionary." haha.
As always though I did find a quote that had me chucklin': "You've heard of resting bitch face right? I would assume so, your picture is right next to it in the dictionary." haha.
Rosie and The Dreamboat by Sally Thorne
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book was cute but kind of a far stretch of what would have actually transpired if this same situation were to happen. I know it's a work of fiction but when it comes to rom-coms you want to feel like you can relate, go to a little happy place and forget your own problems. To do that, it needs to be somewhat believable or long enough that you get to fall in love with the characters. As this was a novella you don't have that luxury so it needs to be believable.
I haven't read a Sally Thorne book before this but she is on my 2024 summer reads list so I'm hoping the others are better. What I did love about this book though was the wit and the constant referring to being pickled. "You like pickles? You'd like me right now." and "Is that the biggest pickle jar you've ever opened?" Haha, two excellent lines of the many pickling references.
I did have a laugh out loud moment when Leo says "I'm getting the pearl out of this f*cker."
Some people loved this book and I hope if you're reading this review having not yet read the book, that you have the same experience they had!
I haven't read a Sally Thorne book before this but she is on my 2024 summer reads list so I'm hoping the others are better. What I did love about this book though was the wit and the constant referring to being pickled. "You like pickles? You'd like me right now." and "Is that the biggest pickle jar you've ever opened?" Haha, two excellent lines of the many pickling references.
I did have a laugh out loud moment when Leo says "I'm getting the pearl out of this f*cker."
Some people loved this book and I hope if you're reading this review having not yet read the book, that you have the same experience they had!
Worst Wingman Ever by Abby Jimenez
emotional
funny
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
4.0
This is the shortest Abby Jimenez book I've read to date and of course it left me yearning for more. That's my only unhappiness with this book, and so far my only unhappiness with this series (the first book was also too short! I need more!!).
I generally read rom-coms/romances during the summer because that's what the weather calls for and this hits the mark perfectly. It's light, funny and cute. There is a little sadness thrown in, but just the right amount.
Some of the best quotes for this book:
💬"One dicking down coupon" LOL No explanation needed.
💬"Hard as hail" instead of "Hard as hell" I had to look this up and while the argument is heated on both sides my life is better knowing this version of the saying.
💬"That's the thing about kindness, you never know how big the ripple is. How one little selfless gesture can make all the difference for the person who receives it." I LOVE this. My grandpa always said "treat people how you want to be treated, but do it first" and this reminds me about that. Kindness is everything.
💬And finally, after grandma's end of life bedside confession (she's a badass), I laughed out loud at "deserved a dick guillotine" - thank you AJ & grandma for this great chuckle.
As always AJ is an author I don't think could disappoint me, except for how short the book is. Can we get a book about grandmas younger years now? lol
I generally read rom-coms/romances during the summer because that's what the weather calls for and this hits the mark perfectly. It's light, funny and cute. There is a little sadness thrown in, but just the right amount.
Some of the best quotes for this book:
💬"One dicking down coupon" LOL No explanation needed.
💬"Hard as hail" instead of "Hard as hell" I had to look this up and while the argument is heated on both sides my life is better knowing this version of the saying.
💬"That's the thing about kindness, you never know how big the ripple is. How one little selfless gesture can make all the difference for the person who receives it." I LOVE this. My grandpa always said "treat people how you want to be treated, but do it first" and this reminds me about that. Kindness is everything.
💬And finally, after grandma's end of life bedside confession (she's a badass), I laughed out loud at "deserved a dick guillotine" - thank you AJ & grandma for this great chuckle.
As always AJ is an author I don't think could disappoint me, except for how short the book is. Can we get a book about grandmas younger years now? lol
The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
The only thing I disliked about this book was that it wasn't any longer.
When it started out with back and forth yearly messages on/around Valentine's day I wondered where it was going to go, how many years before they'd connect. I loved that she gave herself away by telling him about her hot TA and that he kept it to himself for a little bit. I laughed at myself because I was SO happy when the e-mail portion of this book ended and got to the good stuff and then I was laughing and loving when it went back to e-mails at the end of the book.
Great little read, only wish it was longer.
Great little read, only wish it was longer.
Life's Too Short by Abby Jimenez
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
Abby Jimenez strikes again in a relatable, emotional and funny light romance. The first book in the series we met Kristen & Josh and their best friends. Book two we go to the best friend Sloan. I was super curious how much I would enjoy a book about Josh's cousin and Vanessa but I shouldn't fear when Abby is involved.
This book made me laugh, made me tear up, and made me research ALS so I was better informed. I love that Abby writes about real issues because not only do I have a great time reading, I'm informed on something that I probably didn't know much about before.
Our FMC is the most loving, adorable, joie de vivre character out there. Vanessa lives for the next adventure and loves sharing the world with her followers on YouTube.When she gets dumped with her sisters kid she also tries to turn that into a positive, albeit it's a lot harder. She refuses to date so that she doesn't put another person through the turmoil of losing her. She had her tubes tied young to prevent procreating and passing the genes on. She thinks she's dying at 30. So even with a baby she does what she can to live the best life. She makes her videos, spends money to take care of her family and does what she can to ensure baby Grace is taken care of after.
Watching Adrian fall in love with Vanessa and Grace really gives you goosebumps. (Any grown man with a baby am I right?) When Adrian can't stand the idea of not doing everything in their power to give her more life I totally resonated with that. Why wouldn't you try? What if a life saving measure is offered during this time? But seeing Vanessa's side of it, I also wondered if she was doing it right. Time with her family feeling her best instead of spending that time in the hospital.
Thank goodness in the end it didn't matter as she wasn't dying from ALS (at least not yet). I love that these two got their happy ending.
All of Abby's books are uplifting romances that actually have depth with a plot full of lessons to the characters and to us. I love that they have dogs with great names, Harry Puppins?! Come on!
I love a book that teaches me lessons and the lessons in this book were plenty. Live in the moment, forgive and let go, everyone is going through something so be patient and kind.
Best quotes from this book:
"A tiny little smile that popped up on my phone" This gives you all the feels of a new relationship and getting a text from that special someone!
"It looks like a wrinkled elbow" LOL if you know, you know.
Really hoping we get a story on Becky next...please! :D
This book made me laugh, made me tear up, and made me research ALS so I was better informed. I love that Abby writes about real issues because not only do I have a great time reading, I'm informed on something that I probably didn't know much about before.
Our FMC is the most loving, adorable, joie de vivre character out there. Vanessa lives for the next adventure and loves sharing the world with her followers on YouTube.
Watching Adrian fall in love with Vanessa and Grace really gives you goosebumps. (Any grown man with a baby am I right?) When Adrian can't stand the idea of not doing everything in their power to give her more life I totally resonated with that. Why wouldn't you try? What if a life saving measure is offered during this time? But seeing Vanessa's side of it, I also wondered if she was doing it right. Time with her family feeling her best instead of spending that time in the hospital.
Thank goodness in the end it didn't matter as she wasn't dying from ALS (at least not yet). I love that these two got their happy ending.
All of Abby's books are uplifting romances that actually have depth with a plot full of lessons to the characters and to us. I love that they have dogs with great names, Harry Puppins?! Come on!
I love a book that teaches me lessons and the lessons in this book were plenty. Live in the moment, forgive and let go, everyone is going through something so be patient and kind.
Best quotes from this book:
"A tiny little smile that popped up on my phone" This gives you all the feels of a new relationship and getting a text from that special someone!
"It looks like a wrinkled elbow" LOL if you know, you know.
Really hoping we get a story on Becky next...please! :D
The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez
challenging
tense
medium-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
3.0
This is my fourth Abby Jimenez book and the first I’m not raving about. The story is cute and the writing is lovely but what I love about her books is how relatable and real the stories feel. This one just doesn’t feel possible, a relationship way too rushed for the circumstances and not as authentic feeling. I’m sad because I was SO excited for Sloan’s second big break.
Don’t get me wrong, the book is not bad. I read it in a day, I enjoyed it. The story just isn’t as relatable as her books have been so far.
I love that Sloan’s best friend supported her moving on and actually pushed for it. I was thrilled when Jason pushed Sloan to head of his parents so she can work on her art and take a break. I was also happy when Lola had a redeeming character arc.
It’s not realistic that an up and coming music star would date a nobody, only because they’d never have the time to date. I felt they feel hard and fast but were given a bunch of challenges right away, realistically that would have torn them apart. Maybe I’m just not a hopeless romantic enough ;). I love that she stated cooking and writing again and I wish we heard more about her realism drawing/painting.
Loving that the girls are having babies together and living next door to each other. That is the best friend dream!
I did read the authors note and I enjoy that she did write about her friend who was suffering from something that hopefully most of us will never have to experience. Check in on your loved ones.
Don’t get me wrong, the book is not bad. I read it in a day, I enjoyed it. The story just isn’t as relatable as her books have been so far.
It’s not realistic that an up and coming music star would date a nobody, only because they’d never have the time to date. I felt they feel hard and fast but were given a bunch of challenges right away, realistically that would have torn them apart. Maybe I’m just not a hopeless romantic enough ;). I love that she stated cooking and writing again and I wish we heard more about her realism drawing/painting.
Loving that the girls are having babies together and living next door to each other. That is the best friend dream!
I did read the authors note and I enjoy that she did write about her friend who was suffering from something that hopefully most of us will never have to experience. Check in on your loved ones.