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ratetheromance's Reviews (659)
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Oh, my HEART.
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I have loved Emily Henry's past books, but HAPPY PLACE eclipses all of them. I wish I could give this book 10 freaking stars!
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I snort-laughed.
I sobbed.
I sighed.
I wanted it to last forever.
I love this book.
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HAPPY PLACE is a second chance, fake relationship, only one bed romance that grabs your heart and never lets it go. Not even when you've finished reading the book.
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I loved the themes of found family, making your own happiness, and beautiful friendships. This author also includes lots of funny dialogue, positive queer relationships, depression representation, a diverse cast of characters, and so much honesty about the complexities of life, relationships, and the way we allow others to define ourselves.
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It's only May and I'm certain HAPPY PLACE will be in my Top 5 reads of 2023 and is currently in my number one spot. It's just so damn good.
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𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: past death of parent, parent with multiple sclerosis, depression
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 4/5 - You'll need a few days to recover from the FEELINGS.
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I have loved Emily Henry's past books, but HAPPY PLACE eclipses all of them. I wish I could give this book 10 freaking stars!
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I snort-laughed.
I sobbed.
I sighed.
I wanted it to last forever.
I love this book.
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HAPPY PLACE is a second chance, fake relationship, only one bed romance that grabs your heart and never lets it go. Not even when you've finished reading the book.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I loved the themes of found family, making your own happiness, and beautiful friendships. This author also includes lots of funny dialogue, positive queer relationships, depression representation, a diverse cast of characters, and so much honesty about the complexities of life, relationships, and the way we allow others to define ourselves.
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It's only May and I'm certain HAPPY PLACE will be in my Top 5 reads of 2023 and is currently in my number one spot. It's just so damn good.
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𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: past death of parent, parent with multiple sclerosis, depression
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 4/5 - You'll need a few days to recover from the FEELINGS.
lighthearted
slow-paced
One tiny word: MEH.
ACCIDENTAL ATTACHMENT was okay, but there were a few issues I couldn't get past.
(1) The Hero, Chase, has zero flaws. In fact, in the book the Heroine (who is an author) gets in trouble because she writes an character in her book with no flaws. Chase is a perfect man, with perfect manners, a perfect huge penis, a perfect body, who always says the perfect thing. He was booooorrrring.
(2) This is a story that takes a formula and then repeats it over and over and over again until I was skimming entire chapters. Road Trip. She's awkward, he drives, she makes him laugh, sexual tension, "I can't tell him the truth", fun day in a new city, medical fainting crisis. REPEAT IN EVERY CHAPTER. Throw in a 3rd act break-up. Make up. Predictable grand gesture. The end.
There was a decent amount of chemistry between Chase and Brooke. Brooke was likably awkward. And this book had great family relationships.
ACCIDENTAL ATTACHMENT was an okay, a fairly light read, but didn't wow me in any way.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R / 1-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: cheating ex, ex with addiction problems, medical fainting
𝗙𝗘𝗘LS: 1/5 - Light and funny Rom-Com with little to no drama.
ACCIDENTAL ATTACHMENT was okay, but there were a few issues I couldn't get past.
(1) The Hero, Chase, has zero flaws. In fact, in the book the Heroine (who is an author) gets in trouble because she writes an character in her book with no flaws. Chase is a perfect man, with perfect manners, a perfect huge penis, a perfect body, who always says the perfect thing. He was booooorrrring.
(2) This is a story that takes a formula and then repeats it over and over and over again until I was skimming entire chapters. Road Trip. She's awkward, he drives, she makes him laugh, sexual tension, "I can't tell him the truth", fun day in a new city, medical fainting crisis. REPEAT IN EVERY CHAPTER. Throw in a 3rd act break-up. Make up. Predictable grand gesture. The end.
There was a decent amount of chemistry between Chase and Brooke. Brooke was likably awkward. And this book had great family relationships.
ACCIDENTAL ATTACHMENT was an okay, a fairly light read, but didn't wow me in any way.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R / 1-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: cheating ex, ex with addiction problems, medical fainting
𝗙𝗘𝗘LS: 1/5 - Light and funny Rom-Com with little to no drama.
funny
slow-paced
The theme of this book is: MISCOMMUNICATION
THE NANNY has some really good parts, but the writing was very flat.
This seriously steamy book had likable characters that were entirely one-dimensional. The lead characters have no flaws. None. It makes them incredibly boring. Every character is painted with one brush: the lovable lead, the other lovable lead, the lovable old lady, the lovable kid, the unlovable antagonist. Everyone miscommunicates. The end.
And there is a lot of repetitiveness. It's just a cycle of almost-confessed feelings and rampant miscommunication. The third act break-up will DRIVE YOU NUTS.
The good parts of THE NANNY were: the steamy scenes were seriously good, lots of sex positivity, some really funny dialog, and a female lead in STEM.
THE NANNY had potential, but the characters needed dimension and the plot was repetitive and completely predictable. This is a fun and steamy beach read, but nothing more.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated NC-17 / 5+ sex scenes, harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: estranged parents, stroke, past death of partner
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.
THE NANNY has some really good parts, but the writing was very flat.
This seriously steamy book had likable characters that were entirely one-dimensional. The lead characters have no flaws. None. It makes them incredibly boring. Every character is painted with one brush: the lovable lead, the other lovable lead, the lovable old lady, the lovable kid, the unlovable antagonist. Everyone miscommunicates. The end.
And there is a lot of repetitiveness. It's just a cycle of almost-confessed feelings and rampant miscommunication. The third act break-up will DRIVE YOU NUTS.
The good parts of THE NANNY were: the steamy scenes were seriously good, lots of sex positivity, some really funny dialog, and a female lead in STEM.
THE NANNY had potential, but the characters needed dimension and the plot was repetitive and completely predictable. This is a fun and steamy beach read, but nothing more.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated NC-17 / 5+ sex scenes, harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: estranged parents, stroke, past death of partner
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.
Good LORD. I think the feminist in me is in the ICU and may never recover after what I just read.
The male lead is a misogynist, immature, smarmy, assholey, POS. His inner dialogue is truly disgusting. I get that the author is going for a Reformed Rake/Fuckboy Finds Love story here, but I am not a reader who can handle a redemption story for a man this gross.
He legitimately sexually harasses the female lead at work and at a client dinner, commenting on her "tits", and then gets angry when the client propositions her.
And then, as if the Hero being garbage isn't enough, this author threw in a few JOKES about school shootings. Y'know...for giggles.
The male lead is a misogynist, immature, smarmy, assholey, POS. His inner dialogue is truly disgusting. I get that the author is going for a Reformed Rake/Fuckboy Finds Love story here, but I am not a reader who can handle a redemption story for a man this gross.
He legitimately sexually harasses the female lead at work and at a client dinner, commenting on her "tits", and then gets angry when the client propositions her.
And then, as if the Hero being garbage isn't enough, this author threw in a few JOKES about school shootings. Y'know...for giggles.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mass/school shootings
slow-paced
FALLING HARD FOR THE ROYAL GUARD started out okay. Quirky, down-on-her-luck heroine has disastrous meet cute with a Royal Guard. But then, it started to unravel.
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It got very, verrrry slow. I got 31% in and almost nothing had happened. Just a rundown of her going to work every single day, her coworkers being awful to her, and her saying nothing in return.
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I've heard other reviews talk about female heroines that were "too dumb to live" and I was like, "Geez. That seems harsh." But now I understand.
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Maggie is silly, immature, a doormat, and gets embarrassed by literally everything. Her ex calls and texts her all day, every day, and into the night...so she turns off her phone—which makes her late for work the next day. JUST BLOCK HIS NUMBER.
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The same ex shows up at her work and physically assaults her repeatedly and she does nothing about it. No strong words. No restraining order. She just runs away crying each time. WHAT IS THIS MAIN CHARACTER?
At one point in this book, the main character THIN-SHAMES another woman. She comments on the other woman being too thin and being able to see her bones and CAN WE JUST NOT SHAME WOMEN'S BODIES?!
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I finally gave up reading. FALLING HARD FOR THE ROYAL GUARD just isn't for me.
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RATING: DNF 31%
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I received a gifted copy of this title in exchange for an honest review, something I'm sure NetGalley is regretting at this moment.
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It got very, verrrry slow. I got 31% in and almost nothing had happened. Just a rundown of her going to work every single day, her coworkers being awful to her, and her saying nothing in return.
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I've heard other reviews talk about female heroines that were "too dumb to live" and I was like, "Geez. That seems harsh." But now I understand.
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Maggie is silly, immature, a doormat, and gets embarrassed by literally everything. Her ex calls and texts her all day, every day, and into the night...so she turns off her phone—which makes her late for work the next day. JUST BLOCK HIS NUMBER.
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The same ex shows up at her work and physically assaults her repeatedly and she does nothing about it. No strong words. No restraining order. She just runs away crying each time. WHAT IS THIS MAIN CHARACTER?
At one point in this book, the main character THIN-SHAMES another woman. She comments on the other woman being too thin and being able to see her bones and CAN WE JUST NOT SHAME WOMEN'S BODIES?!
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I finally gave up reading. FALLING HARD FOR THE ROYAL GUARD just isn't for me.
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RATING: DNF 31%
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I received a gifted copy of this title in exchange for an honest review, something I'm sure NetGalley is regretting at this moment.
DNF because WTAF?!!
I was in chapter 3 when the rampant fatphobia began.
Kate is the main character and her best friend says to her, "Honestly, you’re kind of disgusting. I don’t know how you’re not two hundred pounds by now.”
In response Kate replies, "I do look like a pig when you list it all out like that."
And later in the book, "I just stuffed my face with a breadstick like some sort of pubescent child on the run from Fat Camp"
Wow. I was absolutely NOT expecting this fat-phobia in my current read. Especially since this author is not a size 2. Like, what was she thinking?! This is just really offensive.
Dear authors, some of us weigh more than 200lbs and that doesn't make us "disgusting".
I was in chapter 3 when the rampant fatphobia began.
Kate is the main character and her best friend says to her, "Honestly, you’re kind of disgusting. I don’t know how you’re not two hundred pounds by now.”
In response Kate replies, "I do look like a pig when you list it all out like that."
And later in the book, "I just stuffed my face with a breadstick like some sort of pubescent child on the run from Fat Camp"
Wow. I was absolutely NOT expecting this fat-phobia in my current read. Especially since this author is not a size 2. Like, what was she thinking?! This is just really offensive.
Dear authors, some of us weigh more than 200lbs and that doesn't make us "disgusting".
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia
emotional
medium-paced
I love a romance that also explores deeper topics and has great therapy rep and healing. The first half of THE PLUS ONE has a really great blend of enemies-to-lovers romance mixed with heavier topics. But the second half is just the heaviness and almost no romance. The balance gets thrown off.
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I did really like THE PLUS ONE, but I wish the second half had been trimmed a bit. Yes, therapy in romance books is a great way to explore a character and show positive therapy experiences, but there was too much in this book. The reader gets entire chapters of just therapy sessions—which would be fine except the main characters have already had these exact conversations with each other.
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Even so, Jude and Indira are so great together! I loved their banter. And when these two finally give in and go from enemies to lovers, it is scorchingly hot! THE PLUS ONE is a lot steamier than the previous books in this series and I was here for it.
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Overall, THE PLUS ONE is a good read if you want to feel all the feels and add some serious steam in the mix. But be warned that the second half gets very heavy. Be sure to check out my trigger warnings.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated NC-17 / 5+ sex scenes, harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: ptsd, mention of war violence, cheating, past parent abandonment
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 5/5 - Broke my heart and then put it back together.
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I did really like THE PLUS ONE, but I wish the second half had been trimmed a bit. Yes, therapy in romance books is a great way to explore a character and show positive therapy experiences, but there was too much in this book. The reader gets entire chapters of just therapy sessions—which would be fine except the main characters have already had these exact conversations with each other.
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Even so, Jude and Indira are so great together! I loved their banter. And when these two finally give in and go from enemies to lovers, it is scorchingly hot! THE PLUS ONE is a lot steamier than the previous books in this series and I was here for it.
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Overall, THE PLUS ONE is a good read if you want to feel all the feels and add some serious steam in the mix. But be warned that the second half gets very heavy. Be sure to check out my trigger warnings.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated NC-17 / 5+ sex scenes, harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: ptsd, mention of war violence, cheating, past parent abandonment
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 5/5 - Broke my heart and then put it back together.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
The way I kept finding myself slowing down my natural reading speed so this book would last longer. Is BOOK EDGING a thing?
SOMETHING WILD & WONDERFUL is just so damn good! I loved it.
I almost never cry while reading, but this book had me sobbing. The themes of queerness, parent rejection, and healing from spiritual abuse are all in my own past and SOMETHING WILD & WONDERFUL healed some parts of my heart, I think. These tough topics are handled with realness and honesty.
Lex and Ben are just the perfect love story. I was gut-wrenchingly invested in these two amazing and flawed, but lovable, characters.
SOMETHING WILD & WONDERFUL has heart and meaningful ideas and is also seriously steamy. It has fantastic neuro-diverse representation and positive professional therapy experiences.
I absolutely adored this book and demand that you read it and love it as much as I did.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R / 1-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: homophobia (challenged), family member with Alzheimer's
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 4/5 - Tackled some seriously tough topics.
SOMETHING WILD & WONDERFUL is just so damn good! I loved it.
I almost never cry while reading, but this book had me sobbing. The themes of queerness, parent rejection, and healing from spiritual abuse are all in my own past and SOMETHING WILD & WONDERFUL healed some parts of my heart, I think. These tough topics are handled with realness and honesty.
Lex and Ben are just the perfect love story. I was gut-wrenchingly invested in these two amazing and flawed, but lovable, characters.
SOMETHING WILD & WONDERFUL has heart and meaningful ideas and is also seriously steamy. It has fantastic neuro-diverse representation and positive professional therapy experiences.
I absolutely adored this book and demand that you read it and love it as much as I did.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R / 1-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: homophobia (challenged), family member with Alzheimer's
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 4/5 - Tackled some seriously tough topics.
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Another amazing book by Trish Doller that covers loss, finding your way, and gives a perfect HEA.
OFF THE MAP was sweet, steamy, hilarious, and completely engaging. I couldn't put it down!
I am a reader who does not ever believe Insta-Love. My very practical brain simply cannot handle it. But did I ever buy into when it came to Carla and Eamon! I am OB.SESSED.
These two are flawed, but so damn lovable. And talk about H-O-T! Were the other books in the series this steamy? Because Carla and Eamon were scorching my kindle. 🔥
And, just like with Float Plan, I absolutely cried while reading OFF THE MAP (very unusual for me). This author perfectly describes the messiness and beauty of grief.
OFF THE MAP is one of those rare books that I know will stay with me. I'll be thinking about all of these characters well beyond writing this review.
Massive bonus points for a heroine with short hair.
Now, stop what you're doing and add this book to your TBR immediately!
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R / 1-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: past parent abandonment, Alzheimer's, death of parent, care-giver burn out
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦:4/5 - Tackled some seriously tough topics.
OFF THE MAP was sweet, steamy, hilarious, and completely engaging. I couldn't put it down!
I am a reader who does not ever believe Insta-Love. My very practical brain simply cannot handle it. But did I ever buy into when it came to Carla and Eamon! I am OB.SESSED.
These two are flawed, but so damn lovable. And talk about H-O-T! Were the other books in the series this steamy? Because Carla and Eamon were scorching my kindle. 🔥
And, just like with Float Plan, I absolutely cried while reading OFF THE MAP (very unusual for me). This author perfectly describes the messiness and beauty of grief.
OFF THE MAP is one of those rare books that I know will stay with me. I'll be thinking about all of these characters well beyond writing this review.
Massive bonus points for a heroine with short hair.
Now, stop what you're doing and add this book to your TBR immediately!
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R / 1-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: past parent abandonment, Alzheimer's, death of parent, care-giver burn out
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦:4/5 - Tackled some seriously tough topics.
DNF at 15%
I was so excited for SPOTLIGHT ON POPPY because I love a fat heroine and this book cover is GORGEOUS.
Sadly, I couldn't continue reading this book past the first few chapters because the editing was non-existent and the writing itself needs work.
I was gifted an ARC of this book, so I went and downloaded the sample chapters from Amazon in case my ARC copy wasn't the final edited version. All the same errors, typos, terrible punctuation, and poor grammar are also in the finished copy.
Typos aside, the writing is very clunky and repetitive. Within two adjacent paragraphs (in chapter 1) the word BEAUTIFUL was used 4 times. FOUR. TIMES.
SPOTLIGHT ON POPPY is written in 3rd person and the author says the main characters' names rough 8 gazillion times per chapter.
Here's an example paragraph from chapter 1: Poppy had to wipe a tear from her own eye. That is what love looked like, and that is what Poppy wanted more than anything. Poppy kept her eyes peeled during the ceremony for the woman who gave Hannah her love spell. If she came, Poppy was going to ask for a spell of her own.
This author needs a bit more time to hone her craft and she absolutely needs an good editor.
I was so excited for SPOTLIGHT ON POPPY because I love a fat heroine and this book cover is GORGEOUS.
Sadly, I couldn't continue reading this book past the first few chapters because the editing was non-existent and the writing itself needs work.
I was gifted an ARC of this book, so I went and downloaded the sample chapters from Amazon in case my ARC copy wasn't the final edited version. All the same errors, typos, terrible punctuation, and poor grammar are also in the finished copy.
Typos aside, the writing is very clunky and repetitive. Within two adjacent paragraphs (in chapter 1) the word BEAUTIFUL was used 4 times. FOUR. TIMES.
SPOTLIGHT ON POPPY is written in 3rd person and the author says the main characters' names rough 8 gazillion times per chapter.
Here's an example paragraph from chapter 1: Poppy had to wipe a tear from her own eye. That is what love looked like, and that is what Poppy wanted more than anything. Poppy kept her eyes peeled during the ceremony for the woman who gave Hannah her love spell. If she came, Poppy was going to ask for a spell of her own.
This author needs a bit more time to hone her craft and she absolutely needs an good editor.