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ratetheromance's Reviews (659)
A SWEET MESS is a truly sweet love story! Oh, I loved every minute of this book. The characters are complex and wonderfully written. And the love story between Landon and Aubrey was realistic and beautiful. I was so sad when I reached the end of this book because I just adored these two and their HEA.
The food described in this book is enough to make you drool on the pages and there is even a Korean recipe at the end which I fully intend to make for my family.
I finished this book last night and went back today to reread some of the deliciously swoon-worthy moments. That's how great this story is.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The food described in this book is enough to make you drool on the pages and there is even a Korean recipe at the end which I fully intend to make for my family.
I finished this book last night and went back today to reread some of the deliciously swoon-worthy moments. That's how great this story is.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This novella makes Hallmark Christmas Movies look like The Godfather II. It's so sweet. Too sweet, in fact.
There is no conflict.
No character flaws.
No misunderstandings.
No character growth.
No bad weather. Nothing.
If you are looking for a truly fluffy holiday novella then this is a good one! There's nothing wrong with it, there's just not much to it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
RATING:⭐️⭐️
STEAM LEVEL: Rated G
There is no conflict.
No character flaws.
No misunderstandings.
No character growth.
No bad weather. Nothing.
If you are looking for a truly fluffy holiday novella then this is a good one! There's nothing wrong with it, there's just not much to it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
RATING:⭐️⭐️
STEAM LEVEL: Rated G
3.75 STARS (I know, that 3/4 is kind of ridiculous...just go with it).
The first half of this book was soooooo slooowwwww. There were easily 50 pages that repeated the same formula 3 or 4 times that could have been cut from this book. These are booty-calls, but the interaction doesn't add anything or move the story forward. The good news is, after the halfway point the book finally finds a good pace and this story is sweet, steamy, and socially relevant. If you find the first half dragging I urge you to push through! It's well worth it in the end.
This book tackles the pressure of being a POC in the workplace with a few perfectly executed conversations that feel genuine and not-at-all preachy or forced. The author did an excellent job of finding the balance of writing a romance novel where the leads are POC and it's a very real factor, but not the ONLY factor in who they are as individuals and as a community. LOVED THAT.
Maddie is smart, driven, messy and beautifully flawed. You see her making mistakes in this book but there is never that "Seriously...WAKE UP, GIRL" moment that drives readers crazy. You see her errors, while completely understanding why she is making them. Theo is similarly wonderfully flawed. He can be neurotic, a perfectionist, and tends to being too serious about everything. But, just like with Maddie, the reader loves him for these flaws and they get where he's coming from. He's adorably nerdy and epically sweet at the same time.
One thing I didn't love in this story is that when the leads argue a couple of times, they each go straight for the jugular. Saying the most emotionally cutting thing possible because you are upset seems grossly immature and I disliked how harsh their words got the minute a conflict arose.
On the plus side, this book also has wonderful female friendships, fun family dynamics, and smart takes on the world of politics and entrepreneurship.
I gave this book a STEAM LEVEL of Rated R, although it's really somewhere between PG-13 and R. There are multiple sex scenes, but they aren't very explicit. It's not a play-by-play, but it is still hot.
The first half of this book was soooooo slooowwwww. There were easily 50 pages that repeated the same formula 3 or 4 times that could have been cut from this book. These are booty-calls, but the interaction doesn't add anything or move the story forward. The good news is, after the halfway point the book finally finds a good pace and this story is sweet, steamy, and socially relevant. If you find the first half dragging I urge you to push through! It's well worth it in the end.
This book tackles the pressure of being a POC in the workplace with a few perfectly executed conversations that feel genuine and not-at-all preachy or forced. The author did an excellent job of finding the balance of writing a romance novel where the leads are POC and it's a very real factor, but not the ONLY factor in who they are as individuals and as a community. LOVED THAT.
Maddie is smart, driven, messy and beautifully flawed. You see her making mistakes in this book but there is never that "Seriously...WAKE UP, GIRL" moment that drives readers crazy. You see her errors, while completely understanding why she is making them. Theo is similarly wonderfully flawed. He can be neurotic, a perfectionist, and tends to being too serious about everything. But, just like with Maddie, the reader loves him for these flaws and they get where he's coming from. He's adorably nerdy and epically sweet at the same time.
One thing I didn't love in this story is that when the leads argue a couple of times, they each go straight for the jugular. Saying the most emotionally cutting thing possible because you are upset seems grossly immature and I disliked how harsh their words got the minute a conflict arose.
On the plus side, this book also has wonderful female friendships, fun family dynamics, and smart takes on the world of politics and entrepreneurship.
I gave this book a STEAM LEVEL of Rated R, although it's really somewhere between PG-13 and R. There are multiple sex scenes, but they aren't very explicit. It's not a play-by-play, but it is still hot.
DNF - 35%
I tried. I really tried. I loved that this book had a black female lead and a half black/half Korean male lead. I loved that the female lead formed friendships with women that society tells us she should immediately hate. I love that the three friends are career women.
But, man, this book had no spark. By 35%, when I finally gave up, the two leads had had 2 polite convos, a handshake, and a slightly longer conversation about granola bars. I mean, ZZZZzzzzzzzzZZZZZZzzzzz.....
This book seems just filled with words. So many words, but not much story. So many descriptions of clothing/hair and so many meaningless conversations that don't advance the narrative. I slogged on and on, waiting for some chemistry between the leads, a plot point, ANYTHING. But when reading a contemporary romance starts to feel like "work" is the moment you move on to the next book.
I received an advanced digital copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I tried. I really tried. I loved that this book had a black female lead and a half black/half Korean male lead. I loved that the female lead formed friendships with women that society tells us she should immediately hate. I love that the three friends are career women.
But, man, this book had no spark. By 35%, when I finally gave up, the two leads had had 2 polite convos, a handshake, and a slightly longer conversation about granola bars. I mean, ZZZZzzzzzzzzZZZZZZzzzzz.....
This book seems just filled with words. So many words, but not much story. So many descriptions of clothing/hair and so many meaningless conversations that don't advance the narrative. I slogged on and on, waiting for some chemistry between the leads, a plot point, ANYTHING. But when reading a contemporary romance starts to feel like "work" is the moment you move on to the next book.
I received an advanced digital copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Seriously Unpopular Opinion Alert: I hated this book.
I know, I know. Lauren Landish is usually one of my go-to authors and everyone seems to like this book. I just....ugh. Okay, firstly, I thought the best girl friends daring each other to do crazy things and it becomes a lifelong game was just incredibly immature. (Related: have I become a cranky old lady?) Besides the fact that this behavior is more suited to 19 year olds, that these adult females are doing it at their place of business and dropping trou in the boss's office just makes me feel that the lead female is silly and stupid. It made it hard for me to take her seriously in any way.
Secondly, the lead male came off as crazy inappropriate at work as well. Asking a female co-worker to do filthy (and I mean that in a good way) sex acts to you in your office is just pervy and skirts the line of #MeToo, whether she seems/is willing or not.
Thirdly, I found the balance of the sex to the story to be out of whack (for MY personal tastes). Other readers will love it (and if so...GET IT GIRL), but it felt like 90% dirty sex and 10% romance and emotional connection.
I know, I know. Lauren Landish is usually one of my go-to authors and everyone seems to like this book. I just....ugh. Okay, firstly, I thought the best girl friends daring each other to do crazy things and it becomes a lifelong game was just incredibly immature. (Related: have I become a cranky old lady?) Besides the fact that this behavior is more suited to 19 year olds, that these adult females are doing it at their place of business and dropping trou in the boss's office just makes me feel that the lead female is silly and stupid. It made it hard for me to take her seriously in any way.
Secondly, the lead male came off as crazy inappropriate at work as well. Asking a female co-worker to do filthy (and I mean that in a good way) sex acts to you in your office is just pervy and skirts the line of #MeToo, whether she seems/is willing or not.
Thirdly, I found the balance of the sex to the story to be out of whack (for MY personal tastes). Other readers will love it (and if so...GET IT GIRL), but it felt like 90% dirty sex and 10% romance and emotional connection.
I read the first book in this series by Abby Jimenez (titled THE FRIEND ZONE) and was blown away. The author created a simply engrossing and meaningful romance that is far beyond the typical Contemporary Romance standard. I wondered if a sophomore novel could live up to the standard of that first book. I should not have been concerned. It may have even surpassed the first novel in it's story telling.
THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER PLAYLIST is a deeply meaningful romance filled with emotional depth that is unparalleled. The author tackles deep topics like loss, death, grieving, healing, moving forward after tragedy, and romantic expectations. But, where this author is truly skilled, is weaving this tale without the book feeling overly depressing or heavy. The brevity she creates using dialog between the romantic leads, but even more so the dialog between female best friends, had me literally laughing out loud. This book is a love letter to "found family" as much as it is to the key romantic relationship.
I don't often get emotionally attached to characters in Contemporary Fiction which is generally a fairly light genre with quick moving stories and happily ever afters tied in a neat little bow, but this book had me CRYING and LAUGHING and SWOONING.
Abby Jimenez proves that she is a master at writing substantial and meaningful romances that also tackle real life issues with grace, understanding, and emotional depth. I will absolutely re-read both of the books in the series (also something I almost never do) and I will be awaiting the author's next books with manic anticipation!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for my honest review. And, honestly, I LOVED THIS BOOK.
THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER PLAYLIST is a deeply meaningful romance filled with emotional depth that is unparalleled. The author tackles deep topics like loss, death, grieving, healing, moving forward after tragedy, and romantic expectations. But, where this author is truly skilled, is weaving this tale without the book feeling overly depressing or heavy. The brevity she creates using dialog between the romantic leads, but even more so the dialog between female best friends, had me literally laughing out loud. This book is a love letter to "found family" as much as it is to the key romantic relationship.
I don't often get emotionally attached to characters in Contemporary Fiction which is generally a fairly light genre with quick moving stories and happily ever afters tied in a neat little bow, but this book had me CRYING and LAUGHING and SWOONING.
Abby Jimenez proves that she is a master at writing substantial and meaningful romances that also tackle real life issues with grace, understanding, and emotional depth. I will absolutely re-read both of the books in the series (also something I almost never do) and I will be awaiting the author's next books with manic anticipation!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for my honest review. And, honestly, I LOVED THIS BOOK.
Holy, hot kitchen counter sex.
That's it. That's the book review.
Okay, I guess I'll expound a little.
Daphne has suffered a tremendous loss and decides to get away from her life in Atlanta for a month and focus on her own healing. So she goes to the exact opposite of the Southern heat...Alaska. While there she is a fish out of water and everyone can tell, especially ex-Air Force pilot and grumpy lodge owner Flynn.
I loved Daphne and her raw vulnerability, her honesty, and her determination to make her life better. And Flynn is extra swoony. He's hard-working, protective, and loyal. I love the friendships he has with the other men who work for him.
These two are sexual chemistry for daaayyyssss. Prepare your panties accordingly.
I love J.H. Croix books and this one is shooting to the top of my favorites list! I highly recommend CRASH INTO YOU to my fellow Smut Lovers!!
That's it. That's the book review.
Okay, I guess I'll expound a little.
Daphne has suffered a tremendous loss and decides to get away from her life in Atlanta for a month and focus on her own healing. So she goes to the exact opposite of the Southern heat...Alaska. While there she is a fish out of water and everyone can tell, especially ex-Air Force pilot and grumpy lodge owner Flynn.
I loved Daphne and her raw vulnerability, her honesty, and her determination to make her life better. And Flynn is extra swoony. He's hard-working, protective, and loyal. I love the friendships he has with the other men who work for him.
These two are sexual chemistry for daaayyyssss. Prepare your panties accordingly.
I love J.H. Croix books and this one is shooting to the top of my favorites list! I highly recommend CRASH INTO YOU to my fellow Smut Lovers!!
4 1/2 STARS
I freaking LOVE the Blue Moon series by Lucy Score. So I was foaming at the mouth (more figuratively than literally...gross) when I saw a new book was being released!
This book is SOOOO GOOD!
Sammy is a veterinarian and a hopeless people pleaser. She is running around town covering shifts for the other Vet, rescuing animals, stepping in to help with the town's Winter Solstice celebration, and crafting for a good cause. In the midst of all of this giving a grumpy stranger from her past blows into town and she is stuck helping him too. Ryan isn't a grump so much as a realist...or at least that's what he tells himself. Until the quirky small town and one very sweet veterinarian start to make him realize that maybe he is a bit too buttoned-up.
Oh, the BANTER between this "He's Grumpy She's Sunshine" pair is TO. DIE. FOR. I just loved there insane fights and hilarious farm animal encounters. All of the best parts of the Blue Moon series is in this book!
Now, there is one thing I feel I need to mention. The reason I took off half a star is because this book is billed as a Standalone within a Series, but it really, really isn't. I have READ every book in this series and I still felt low-key overwhelmed by the sheer amount of characters and back stories being highlighted in this story. I would say to ONLY read this book if you have read the others in the series first. If you haven't yet, start at the beginning and READ THIS SERIES because it is in my Top 3 Series of all time and you will LOVE it! But seriously, don't START with this one.
This book is everything. Smart, funny, swoony, sweet and seriously steamy!
RATING:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
STEAM LEVEL: Rated R
I freaking LOVE the Blue Moon series by Lucy Score. So I was foaming at the mouth (more figuratively than literally...gross) when I saw a new book was being released!
This book is SOOOO GOOD!
Sammy is a veterinarian and a hopeless people pleaser. She is running around town covering shifts for the other Vet, rescuing animals, stepping in to help with the town's Winter Solstice celebration, and crafting for a good cause. In the midst of all of this giving a grumpy stranger from her past blows into town and she is stuck helping him too. Ryan isn't a grump so much as a realist...or at least that's what he tells himself. Until the quirky small town and one very sweet veterinarian start to make him realize that maybe he is a bit too buttoned-up.
Oh, the BANTER between this "He's Grumpy She's Sunshine" pair is TO. DIE. FOR. I just loved there insane fights and hilarious farm animal encounters. All of the best parts of the Blue Moon series is in this book!
Now, there is one thing I feel I need to mention. The reason I took off half a star is because this book is billed as a Standalone within a Series, but it really, really isn't. I have READ every book in this series and I still felt low-key overwhelmed by the sheer amount of characters and back stories being highlighted in this story. I would say to ONLY read this book if you have read the others in the series first. If you haven't yet, start at the beginning and READ THIS SERIES because it is in my Top 3 Series of all time and you will LOVE it! But seriously, don't START with this one.
This book is everything. Smart, funny, swoony, sweet and seriously steamy!
RATING:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
STEAM LEVEL: Rated R
Two Words: CRANKY KOOTCH
This story is really good!
Penny goes to a friend's cabin for a week in December to finish writing her book. When she arrives there is a blizzard shutting everything down and she is surprised to find her brother's best friend (and sworn enemy) already at the cabin. Hello, forced proximity!!! *rubs hands together like an evil genius*
The hate-banter between these characters is epic. I loved every second of their snappy dialog! It builds the sexual tension so well. It builds and builds and builds and then.....a kiss. (sad trombone)
This is a GREAT low-steam romance if you are in to low-steam romances. I, sadly, am not. Be aware that this is a very PG read with just kissing and nothing more.
If you like a Hallmark feel good romance you will LOVE this! It's sweet and romantic and there is a great story of childhood wrongs made right. Just be prepared that the ice fishing is about the hottest part of this book.
This story is really good!
Penny goes to a friend's cabin for a week in December to finish writing her book. When she arrives there is a blizzard shutting everything down and she is surprised to find her brother's best friend (and sworn enemy) already at the cabin. Hello, forced proximity!!! *rubs hands together like an evil genius*
The hate-banter between these characters is epic. I loved every second of their snappy dialog! It builds the sexual tension so well. It builds and builds and builds and then.....a kiss. (sad trombone)
This is a GREAT low-steam romance if you are in to low-steam romances. I, sadly, am not. Be aware that this is a very PG read with just kissing and nothing more.
If you like a Hallmark feel good romance you will LOVE this! It's sweet and romantic and there is a great story of childhood wrongs made right. Just be prepared that the ice fishing is about the hottest part of this book.