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ratetheromance's Reviews (659)
slow-paced
I can't remember the last time I read a book that was this boring. Almost nothing happens and the pace is so, so slow. There is a truly insane amount of talk about salads. Yes, salads.
A GUIDE TO BEING JUST FRIENDS started off really strong, but after the first quarter of the book is turned into a non-stop cycle of low-drama story.
Salad. Just friends. Mild sexual tension. Salad. I can grow this business on my own. Salad. My ex made me feel worthless. Just friends. Salad. Mild miscommunication. More than just friends. Salad. I can grow this business on my own. Mild miscommunication. More salad.
The female friendships were great. The brothers' dynamic was great. Everything else was incredibly boring. A GUIDE TO BEING JUST FRIENDS was filled with curse words and sexual innuendos, only to be very closed door. It felt very incongruent.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️💫
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated PG / Kissing and awareness that characters sleep together. Closed Door.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: parent who cheated, awful ex
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A GUIDE TO BEING JUST FRIENDS started off really strong, but after the first quarter of the book is turned into a non-stop cycle of low-drama story.
Salad. Just friends. Mild sexual tension. Salad. I can grow this business on my own. Salad. My ex made me feel worthless. Just friends. Salad. Mild miscommunication. More than just friends. Salad. I can grow this business on my own. Mild miscommunication. More salad.
The female friendships were great. The brothers' dynamic was great. Everything else was incredibly boring. A GUIDE TO BEING JUST FRIENDS was filled with curse words and sexual innuendos, only to be very closed door. It felt very incongruent.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️💫
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated PG / Kissing and awareness that characters sleep together. Closed Door.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: parent who cheated, awful ex
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
slow-paced
After a slow start, PARTNERS IN CRIME really picked up and was really promising. But the second half just fell apart for me.
Lots of repetitive criminal hi-jinx. Lots of forced twists and turns. And, sadly, this author seems dead set against foreplay. The steamy scenes were both really rushed and I felt cheated.
I really liked all of the Indian culture in the story, but otherwise, PARTNERS IN CRIME just wasn't for me.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️💫
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R / 1-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: lots of violence, alcoholism
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.
Lots of repetitive criminal hi-jinx. Lots of forced twists and turns. And, sadly, this author seems dead set against foreplay. The steamy scenes were both really rushed and I felt cheated.
I really liked all of the Indian culture in the story, but otherwise, PARTNERS IN CRIME just wasn't for me.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️💫
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R / 1-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: lots of violence, alcoholism
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.
emotional
medium-paced
I absolutely loved this book! ASTRID PARKER DOESN'T FAIL had wonderful side characters, loads of chemistry, lovable leads, a fun story, and a perfect HEA!
I think the strongest part of this book was reading about Astrid's journey of discovery, as she reassessed her sexuality. I could relate to so much of her character's experience.
And Jordan was so perfect and likable and I loved these two together. THE CHEMISTRY! And the grand gesture is one of my all time favorites.
I truly love when a book starts with a storyline you may have seen before, but ends in a very unexpected yep, satisfying way, and ASTRID PARKER DOESN'T FAIL does this perfectly. It doesn't end by every single thing resolving perfectly. But the ending IS perfect.
𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R / 1-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: breast cancer (side character)
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
I think the strongest part of this book was reading about Astrid's journey of discovery, as she reassessed her sexuality. I could relate to so much of her character's experience.
And Jordan was so perfect and likable and I loved these two together. THE CHEMISTRY! And the grand gesture is one of my all time favorites.
I truly love when a book starts with a storyline you may have seen before, but ends in a very unexpected yep, satisfying way, and ASTRID PARKER DOESN'T FAIL does this perfectly. It doesn't end by every single thing resolving perfectly. But the ending IS perfect.
𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R / 1-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: breast cancer (side character)
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
slow-paced
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I usually absolutely love Denise Williams' writing, but DO YOU TAKE THIS MAN just didn't work for me.
I found both of the lead characters to be extremely unlikable, particularly RJ (the heroine). She is mean, selfish, and just jerks around the hero non stop. The way both of these main characters treat each other is pretty deplorable.
After a fairly promising start, the remainder of DO YOU TAKE THIS MAN turned into a cycle of the same stuff happening over and over again. The forward momentum of the story ground to a halt and I got to a point where I was just sick of reading about this couple's unhealthy relationship cycle.
Sad times. A total miss for me.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R / 1-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: cheating ex, past death of parent, past parent abandonment
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
I found both of the lead characters to be extremely unlikable, particularly RJ (the heroine). She is mean, selfish, and just jerks around the hero non stop. The way both of these main characters treat each other is pretty deplorable.
After a fairly promising start, the remainder of DO YOU TAKE THIS MAN turned into a cycle of the same stuff happening over and over again. The forward momentum of the story ground to a halt and I got to a point where I was just sick of reading about this couple's unhealthy relationship cycle.
Sad times. A total miss for me.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R / 1-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: cheating ex, past death of parent, past parent abandonment
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
slow-paced
I loved The Layover.
But I really disliked FROM THE JUMP.
This romance revolves around a small group of friends, who met their freshman year of college, and are still best friends 11 years later.
There are two issues here:
(1) This friend group is toxic in many ways. I hated most of them.
(2) These characters are written as if they are 18 years old and not in their 30s. This book is written in then-and-now format and all of these people act exactly the same way in both time frames. They are immature, petty, jealous, and needy. I wish I were joking when I say that they still sometimes speak in the secret language they made up in college. They are business owners and professionals now and they talk in code with each other. Nooooo.
Of the much too large cast of characters in this book, there was literally only one that I liked. Every other character actively annoyed me. It was just hard to read.
FROM THE JUMP might have worked if the timeline was condensed and it was billed as a YA novel, but as it is I just can't recommend it.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated PG-13 / Only 1 descriptive sex scene, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: past homelessness, identity theft/robbery
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
But I really disliked FROM THE JUMP.
This romance revolves around a small group of friends, who met their freshman year of college, and are still best friends 11 years later.
There are two issues here:
(1) This friend group is toxic in many ways. I hated most of them.
(2) These characters are written as if they are 18 years old and not in their 30s. This book is written in then-and-now format and all of these people act exactly the same way in both time frames. They are immature, petty, jealous, and needy. I wish I were joking when I say that they still sometimes speak in the secret language they made up in college. They are business owners and professionals now and they talk in code with each other. Nooooo.
Of the much too large cast of characters in this book, there was literally only one that I liked. Every other character actively annoyed me. It was just hard to read.
FROM THE JUMP might have worked if the timeline was condensed and it was billed as a YA novel, but as it is I just can't recommend it.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated PG-13 / Only 1 descriptive sex scene, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: past homelessness, identity theft/robbery
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
emotional
medium-paced
I liked IN A JAM a lot, but not as much as everyone on Bookstagram. Bishes LOVE this book, but there was good and bad.
The Great:
- positive female friendships
- found family
- super steamy sex scenes
- snort-laughs
- totally lovable lead characters
- grumpy+sunshine
- positive rep for therapy
The Not So Great:
- a caricature of a "problem child"
- this 5yo is basically never supervised. She only appears when convenient to the story, otherwise she is roaming a farm/county fair/chilling in her room ALL BY HERSELF.
- i hate ridiculous inheritance stipulations
- very unrealistic letters written by a high schooler. pretty sure a 17yo has never written <i>I know you’ve grown weary of my complaints on the topic of this provincial town but have we discussed the matter of wind chill?</> in a note to be passed during math class.
IN A JAM was still a really good read, but not a 5-star read for me.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated NC-17 / 5+ sex scenes, harsh language. *MIGHT* include props/bondage.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: past death of parent, MS, parent abandonment, fat shaming (antagonist), drug addiction
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
The Great:
- positive female friendships
- found family
- super steamy sex scenes
- snort-laughs
- totally lovable lead characters
- grumpy+sunshine
- positive rep for therapy
The Not So Great:
- a caricature of a "problem child"
- this 5yo is basically never supervised. She only appears when convenient to the story, otherwise she is roaming a farm/county fair/chilling in her room ALL BY HERSELF.
- i hate ridiculous inheritance stipulations
- very unrealistic letters written by a high schooler. pretty sure a 17yo has never written <i>I know you’ve grown weary of my complaints on the topic of this provincial town but have we discussed the matter of wind chill?</> in a note to be passed during math class.
IN A JAM was still a really good read, but not a 5-star read for me.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated NC-17 / 5+ sex scenes, harsh language. *MIGHT* include props/bondage.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: past death of parent, MS, parent abandonment, fat shaming (antagonist), drug addiction
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
slow-paced
This book was fun and very cute. I really loved the OCD rep and the Queer rep. Both were very well done.
However, the pacing of this book really dragged for me. And a few scenes just seemed to go on and on without it adding much to the story.
Overall this was a good read, but not a great one (for my taste).
However, the pacing of this book really dragged for me. And a few scenes just seemed to go on and on without it adding much to the story.
Overall this was a good read, but not a great one (for my taste).
adventurous
medium-paced
Good. Lord. This. Cover. Though.
I am not a Historical Romance reader. Ever. But this cover seriously tempted me and I'm glad my horniness paid off! NEVER CROSS A HIGHLANDER is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, super steamy, love story and I was here. for. it.
Ailsa was a total badass. She is smart, fiery, and also kind-hearted. I loved her fire, but I sometimes found her refusal to listen to reason/advice frustrating. Know your mind, but also know when to take directions from someone who can help you.
And Kallum...gahhhhh. The man is just all growly, sexy f*ckboy-finds-love hotness. He is so damn honorable and protective and hot. May I please be banged under a waterfall by this fictional man already?
NEVER CROSS A HIGHLANDER had a bit of a slow start. It's unnecessarily wordy in stretches, especially at the beginning. But it really gets going after a while and the pace picks up.
I absolutely loved the dynamics of the clans and how the main characters' race was portrayed in this story. Ailsa is mixed and Kallum is black. This author found the perfect balance of making their minority status in their world an important part of the story without it becoming the ONLY part of the story.
I'm not sure I'm about to dive into non-stop historical romances, but NEVER CROSS A HIGHLANDER was definitely a great read and very worthy of my cross over from contemporary romances. Strong thighs peaking out from under a kilt definitely didn't hurt.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: enslavement, attempted sexual assault, physical assault, racism, lots of sword-fighting violence
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
I am not a Historical Romance reader. Ever. But this cover seriously tempted me and I'm glad my horniness paid off! NEVER CROSS A HIGHLANDER is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, super steamy, love story and I was here. for. it.
Ailsa was a total badass. She is smart, fiery, and also kind-hearted. I loved her fire, but I sometimes found her refusal to listen to reason/advice frustrating. Know your mind, but also know when to take directions from someone who can help you.
And Kallum...gahhhhh. The man is just all growly, sexy f*ckboy-finds-love hotness. He is so damn honorable and protective and hot. May I please be banged under a waterfall by this fictional man already?
NEVER CROSS A HIGHLANDER had a bit of a slow start. It's unnecessarily wordy in stretches, especially at the beginning. But it really gets going after a while and the pace picks up.
I absolutely loved the dynamics of the clans and how the main characters' race was portrayed in this story. Ailsa is mixed and Kallum is black. This author found the perfect balance of making their minority status in their world an important part of the story without it becoming the ONLY part of the story.
I'm not sure I'm about to dive into non-stop historical romances, but NEVER CROSS A HIGHLANDER was definitely a great read and very worthy of my cross over from contemporary romances. Strong thighs peaking out from under a kilt definitely didn't hurt.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: enslavement, attempted sexual assault, physical assault, racism, lots of sword-fighting violence
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Lauren Landish is a consistently great author for me. I particularly love how she writes her heroines: strong, sometimes quirky, feisty, badasses! And Hazel in THE WRONG BRIDESMAID is all of that and more! I fell in love with the ballsy, pool-hustling Hazel!
And the chemistry between Hazel and Wyatt was FIRE. Wyatt's dysfunctional family basically owns their town and reading as Wyatt found his own path and then stood up for what was right was sweetly satisfying!
The cast of small town characters in THE WRONG BRIDESMAID were fun and totally endearing! Definitely a high point!
And, good Lord, does this author ever bring the STEAM. And I loved ever word of it. All the well-written chemistry between Wyatt and Hazel makes their steamy scenes even better.
I really liked THE WRONG BRIDESMAID. Another great book by Lauren Landish that you should definitely read.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R / 1-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: none
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 1/5 - Light and funny Rom-Com with little to no drama.
And the chemistry between Hazel and Wyatt was FIRE. Wyatt's dysfunctional family basically owns their town and reading as Wyatt found his own path and then stood up for what was right was sweetly satisfying!
The cast of small town characters in THE WRONG BRIDESMAID were fun and totally endearing! Definitely a high point!
And, good Lord, does this author ever bring the STEAM. And I loved ever word of it. All the well-written chemistry between Wyatt and Hazel makes their steamy scenes even better.
I really liked THE WRONG BRIDESMAID. Another great book by Lauren Landish that you should definitely read.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R / 1-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: none
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 1/5 - Light and funny Rom-Com with little to no drama.
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Meghan Quinn does it again!
RUNAWAY GROOMSMAN is funny, smart, sweet, and just a little steamy. So...ALL THE GOOD THINGS! But, you know, I wanted more sexy-times! When the author is Meghan Quinn I expect some serious steam!
Sawyer starts the book as a jilted, burnt out, mostly grumpy Hollywood screenwriter. Reading his slow transformation was seriously a joy. I loved his character arc!
And Fallon was such a great heroine! Hard working and loving and doing all she can to care for het grandfather and his legacy!
There is a past love story within this story that is so sweet and funny! And I love Fallon's grandfather. His character felt real and a vital part of the story, not just a writing prop.
RUNAWAY GROOMSMAN was a little slow in parts, but it's well worth adding to your TBR! You will love these characters and the their swoony HEA!
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated PG-13 / Only 1 descriptive sex scene, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: Alzheimer's, cheating ex
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.
RUNAWAY GROOMSMAN is funny, smart, sweet, and just a little steamy. So...ALL THE GOOD THINGS! But, you know, I wanted more sexy-times! When the author is Meghan Quinn I expect some serious steam!
Sawyer starts the book as a jilted, burnt out, mostly grumpy Hollywood screenwriter. Reading his slow transformation was seriously a joy. I loved his character arc!
And Fallon was such a great heroine! Hard working and loving and doing all she can to care for het grandfather and his legacy!
There is a past love story within this story that is so sweet and funny! And I love Fallon's grandfather. His character felt real and a vital part of the story, not just a writing prop.
RUNAWAY GROOMSMAN was a little slow in parts, but it's well worth adding to your TBR! You will love these characters and the their swoony HEA!
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated PG-13 / Only 1 descriptive sex scene, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: Alzheimer's, cheating ex
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.