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ratetheromance's Reviews (659)
3.5 STARS
This was a good book, but the middle act was so very slow for me. I feel like 50 pages could have been edited out. The relationship between the two lead characters is just inching forward with baby steps for chapters and chapters.
It was also hard for me personally to get behind the way these characters weaponize sex with each other. They use it to shame and reject each other repeatedly and that's not a trope I enjoy.
I liked how smart and hard working Dekker (the female lead) is. She is also caring and compassionate.
This is ultimately a story about letting go of past patterns of self-inflicted guilt and forgiving yourself for being human. These two got to a very sweet place in their relationship eventually, but there was a lot of angst, fighting, and hurt along the way.
This was a good book, but the middle act was so very slow for me. I feel like 50 pages could have been edited out. The relationship between the two lead characters is just inching forward with baby steps for chapters and chapters.
It was also hard for me personally to get behind the way these characters weaponize sex with each other. They use it to shame and reject each other repeatedly and that's not a trope I enjoy.
I liked how smart and hard working Dekker (the female lead) is. She is also caring and compassionate.
This is ultimately a story about letting go of past patterns of self-inflicted guilt and forgiving yourself for being human. These two got to a very sweet place in their relationship eventually, but there was a lot of angst, fighting, and hurt along the way.
I really liked the first book in this series so I was excited to read this next story. This book had a lot of wonderful insights on navigating grief. And there was great chemistry between the leads. But, geez, was it hard to like the female lead.
Yes, she is afraid to love again after loss, but she's just such a dick to the male lead over and over and over again that, by the end, I wanted him to move on and find a better woman.
Meanwhile the male lead is a perfect human with no flaws. He just accepts her crap with endless patience, never loses his temper, and keeps going back for more. It was just so frustrating. This man deserved better.
I did like the challenging of gender stereotypes since the mead works in a female-dominated industry. The author did a good job of exploring the expectations from others about his chosen profession.
In the end I just kind of muddled through this book and finished thinking, "meh".
Yes, she is afraid to love again after loss, but she's just such a dick to the male lead over and over and over again that, by the end, I wanted him to move on and find a better woman.
Meanwhile the male lead is a perfect human with no flaws. He just accepts her crap with endless patience, never loses his temper, and keeps going back for more. It was just so frustrating. This man deserved better.
I did like the challenging of gender stereotypes since the mead works in a female-dominated industry. The author did a good job of exploring the expectations from others about his chosen profession.
In the end I just kind of muddled through this book and finished thinking, "meh".
I needed a day to emotionally recover from this story before writing my review. Prepare yourself for me to put on my English Lit Major cap and write a review that is significantly loftier than my usual "talk about hot kitchen counter sex!" reviews. Here we go...
*drawn out feminine sigh*
I loved this book. It is deliciously well written, with beautiful words and vivid descriptions. We know from the very first words that this book will be an emotional journey. The female lead, Anna, is drowning in grief after losing her boyfriend to suicide by overdose. His plans with Anna to sail around the world with a boat he had purchased and was fixing up came screeching to a halt and are forgotten once he cuts his life short. But Anna decides, very last minute, to take the trip solo to honor him and try to heal.
The journey, both geographically and emotionally, that Anna takes is both heart breaking and beautiful. Author Trish Doller writes the grieving process with such truth and authenticity that I felt connected to her in a way I seldom do while reading an author's words. Having spent the last 2 1/2 years next to my 6 year old as she fights cancer, my heart recognized the meaningful story of traveling through grief.
The love story that unfolds in this book is similarly genuine and truthful. It is slow-burn and complex, with highs and lows. Misunderstandings and moments of distinct clarity. It is the sweetest and most genuine love story I have read in a long time and I am pining for my own Irish Sailor named Keane in my life.
I took off 1/2 star from my rating for a part of the book that I feel strongly about. In the beginning of this story, Anna is deep in grief, hardly leaving her bed. Her mother repeatedly suggests she seeks therapy. This idea is brushed off entirely and Anna takes a journey on the boat to heal instead. Anna could have taken this journey to heal WITHOUT ever even mentioning the rejection of going to therapy. It could have been removed from the book entirely in order for her to take her "Hero's Journey" on the boat. But mentioning therapy and then having the main character reject it is a problem. Therapy is a highly necessary tool that is imperative to navigate through major traumatic events, such as loosing your partner to suicide. Suggesting otherwise creates an ongoing narrative in pop culture that we can heal ourselves and even that it is BETTER to attempt to heal ourselves. In the background of this dismissal of therapy is a hint of shame surrounding seeking professional resources to heal.
Having said that, PLEASE READ THIS BOOK. It is beautiful and heartbreaking and life affirming and sweet and a fantastic story that will stay with you long after you close the final page.
RATING:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
STEAM LEVEL: Rated R
TRIGGERS: Suicidal overdose, childhood parent abandonment, car accident, limb loss
FEELS-O-METER: 4/5 *so many of feels, you will probably shed a tear or two*
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
BUY IT HERE: https://amzn.to/2Pw4hil (aff.)
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
*drawn out feminine sigh*
I loved this book. It is deliciously well written, with beautiful words and vivid descriptions. We know from the very first words that this book will be an emotional journey. The female lead, Anna, is drowning in grief after losing her boyfriend to suicide by overdose. His plans with Anna to sail around the world with a boat he had purchased and was fixing up came screeching to a halt and are forgotten once he cuts his life short. But Anna decides, very last minute, to take the trip solo to honor him and try to heal.
The journey, both geographically and emotionally, that Anna takes is both heart breaking and beautiful. Author Trish Doller writes the grieving process with such truth and authenticity that I felt connected to her in a way I seldom do while reading an author's words. Having spent the last 2 1/2 years next to my 6 year old as she fights cancer, my heart recognized the meaningful story of traveling through grief.
The love story that unfolds in this book is similarly genuine and truthful. It is slow-burn and complex, with highs and lows. Misunderstandings and moments of distinct clarity. It is the sweetest and most genuine love story I have read in a long time and I am pining for my own Irish Sailor named Keane in my life.
I took off 1/2 star from my rating for a part of the book that I feel strongly about. In the beginning of this story, Anna is deep in grief, hardly leaving her bed. Her mother repeatedly suggests she seeks therapy. This idea is brushed off entirely and Anna takes a journey on the boat to heal instead. Anna could have taken this journey to heal WITHOUT ever even mentioning the rejection of going to therapy. It could have been removed from the book entirely in order for her to take her "Hero's Journey" on the boat. But mentioning therapy and then having the main character reject it is a problem. Therapy is a highly necessary tool that is imperative to navigate through major traumatic events, such as loosing your partner to suicide. Suggesting otherwise creates an ongoing narrative in pop culture that we can heal ourselves and even that it is BETTER to attempt to heal ourselves. In the background of this dismissal of therapy is a hint of shame surrounding seeking professional resources to heal.
Having said that, PLEASE READ THIS BOOK. It is beautiful and heartbreaking and life affirming and sweet and a fantastic story that will stay with you long after you close the final page.
RATING:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
STEAM LEVEL: Rated R
TRIGGERS: Suicidal overdose, childhood parent abandonment, car accident, limb loss
FEELS-O-METER: 4/5 *so many of feels, you will probably shed a tear or two*
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
BUY IT HERE: https://amzn.to/2Pw4hil (aff.)
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
This story had so much promise and I loved a different book from this author, but this book wasn't good. It has one of my biggest romance pet peeves: perfect people.
These two leads are inhuman. They are both perfect. The only hitch in their relationship is from a family member and it resolves itself almost instantly. Honestly, it's not enjoyable to read a story about two people who never make mistakes, never disagree, and never have to work at their relationship. They meet, spend time together, fall in love, and then tell each other how in love they are on a loop for the rest of the book.
When I was putting this in my Goodreads shelves there is literally not even a TROPE it fits into. It's about almost nothing. Hard pass.
These two leads are inhuman. They are both perfect. The only hitch in their relationship is from a family member and it resolves itself almost instantly. Honestly, it's not enjoyable to read a story about two people who never make mistakes, never disagree, and never have to work at their relationship. They meet, spend time together, fall in love, and then tell each other how in love they are on a loop for the rest of the book.
When I was putting this in my Goodreads shelves there is literally not even a TROPE it fits into. It's about almost nothing. Hard pass.
3.5 stars
I liked this book fairly well, but something about it just didn't grab me. The early chapters between the two leads were filled with sizzle and great banter, but after that things kind of waned for me as far as their relationship.
I did not read the books that come before this in the series and maybe that is why I found myself having so many questions about the female lead. We learn that she leaves a wealthy life in Chicago and finds solace in a small town, working in a local bakery. But we never hear WHY she chose a bakery. If she was raised primarily by nannies and other staff how does she know how to bake? Why does she find working at the bakery so fulfilling? Is that her passion? We hear nothing about that professional choice and why she chose it. We know she left a billionaire lifestyle behind in Chicago for a new start, but we never learn how she chose THIS town, why she chose a tiny studio apartment, did she bring no money with her from Chicago? This details are never fleshed out and it makes this character feel oddly foreign to the reader, even after reading an entire book in which she is the lead.
There is also A LOT of mention of the couple who were the subject of one of the previous books in this series and it seems really odd how much they get mentioned in this story if you are reading it as a standalone.
The story itself was cute, well-paced, and a decent read, but it doesn't feel nearly fleshed out enough and it definitely feels like a middle book in a series and the reader doesn't get enough info for it to be a true standalone romance.
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this book fairly well, but something about it just didn't grab me. The early chapters between the two leads were filled with sizzle and great banter, but after that things kind of waned for me as far as their relationship.
I did not read the books that come before this in the series and maybe that is why I found myself having so many questions about the female lead. We learn that she leaves a wealthy life in Chicago and finds solace in a small town, working in a local bakery. But we never hear WHY she chose a bakery. If she was raised primarily by nannies and other staff how does she know how to bake? Why does she find working at the bakery so fulfilling? Is that her passion? We hear nothing about that professional choice and why she chose it. We know she left a billionaire lifestyle behind in Chicago for a new start, but we never learn how she chose THIS town, why she chose a tiny studio apartment, did she bring no money with her from Chicago? This details are never fleshed out and it makes this character feel oddly foreign to the reader, even after reading an entire book in which she is the lead.
There is also A LOT of mention of the couple who were the subject of one of the previous books in this series and it seems really odd how much they get mentioned in this story if you are reading it as a standalone.
The story itself was cute, well-paced, and a decent read, but it doesn't feel nearly fleshed out enough and it definitely feels like a middle book in a series and the reader doesn't get enough info for it to be a true standalone romance.
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Oh, how I adore a small town setting with a steamy romance, lots of great banter, and a lovable cast of supporting characters. HOOKED ON YOU has all of it and more!
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Kira and Nate were the most wonderful couple that you just can't help but root for. They were sweet and steamy and so right for each other!
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By the end of this book I was in love with each and every character and cheering on the happy ending. This author is truly skilled at creating characters with complexity and flaws that will steal your heart.
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I am swooning at the thought of seeing more of these characters get their own love stories in the future.
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I received and ARC of this title from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
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Kira and Nate were the most wonderful couple that you just can't help but root for. They were sweet and steamy and so right for each other!
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By the end of this book I was in love with each and every character and cheering on the happy ending. This author is truly skilled at creating characters with complexity and flaws that will steal your heart.
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I am swooning at the thought of seeing more of these characters get their own love stories in the future.
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I received and ARC of this title from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
STEAM LEVEL: Rated R
TRIGGERS: opioid addiction, cheating ex
I love J.H. Croix and her books set in Alaska! Evers & Afters was a read I was looking forward to when we first saw sparks fly between Cammi and Elias over steaming cups of coffee on cold Alaska mornings. Both of these characters have been hurt in love and their attraction to each other keeps them at war with their fears of being hurt again.
I loved how naturally this slow-burn romance came together. Sometimes I feel like characters in romances only spend their time together feeling attracted to each other and flirting and then BAM! They are in love. Cammi and Elias have meaningful, sweet, and non-romantic interactions that add to their story so much before the romance begins. I loved that.
This book felt very heavy on the side characters. Much more than the average stand-alone within a series. And while I really like positive female friendships, male friendships, and a tapestry of characters besides the Hero and heroine, this felt like a bit too much. This book also had my least favorite type of conflict: NO conflict except the fear of getting hurt. It's a personal preference of mine and you might not mind it at all.
This is a sweet love story, with plenty of heat, that will warm up your heart!
STEAM LEVEL: Rated R
TRIGGERS: opioid addiction, cheating ex
I love J.H. Croix and her books set in Alaska! Evers & Afters was a read I was looking forward to when we first saw sparks fly between Cammi and Elias over steaming cups of coffee on cold Alaska mornings. Both of these characters have been hurt in love and their attraction to each other keeps them at war with their fears of being hurt again.
I loved how naturally this slow-burn romance came together. Sometimes I feel like characters in romances only spend their time together feeling attracted to each other and flirting and then BAM! They are in love. Cammi and Elias have meaningful, sweet, and non-romantic interactions that add to their story so much before the romance begins. I loved that.
This book felt very heavy on the side characters. Much more than the average stand-alone within a series. And while I really like positive female friendships, male friendships, and a tapestry of characters besides the Hero and heroine, this felt like a bit too much. This book also had my least favorite type of conflict: NO conflict except the fear of getting hurt. It's a personal preference of mine and you might not mind it at all.
This is a sweet love story, with plenty of heat, that will warm up your heart!
Why are gym romances sexy AF? Probably the minimally clothed, sweaty bodies, right? Well, prepare yourself for HOTNESS.
WHEN YOU'RE MINE was a no-strings-sex turned super sweet love story between Dylan and Melanie. And these two have CHEMISTRY FOR DAYS. But this book will capture your heart after they begin their no-strings agreement.
Mel is a hard-working, smart, and funny female lead! She is so freaking likable and strong. And Dylan will begin melting your heart the minute he starts playing with a shelter puppy and will continue to melt it until you finish the book. His hidden sweetness is so swoony! And his family is perfectly funny, over-involved, and supportive!
These two do seem just a touch too good to be true. I wish we had seen a few more character flaws and relationship tests besides one of them being hesitant of a commitment. But there are worse things than perfectly sweet romances and you will LOVE this one!
RATING:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
STEAM LEVEL: Rated R
TRIGGERS:Parent stroke, parent abandonment
FEELS-O-METER: 2/5: Covers a few tough topics, but still a light read.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
WHEN YOU'RE MINE was a no-strings-sex turned super sweet love story between Dylan and Melanie. And these two have CHEMISTRY FOR DAYS. But this book will capture your heart after they begin their no-strings agreement.
Mel is a hard-working, smart, and funny female lead! She is so freaking likable and strong. And Dylan will begin melting your heart the minute he starts playing with a shelter puppy and will continue to melt it until you finish the book. His hidden sweetness is so swoony! And his family is perfectly funny, over-involved, and supportive!
These two do seem just a touch too good to be true. I wish we had seen a few more character flaws and relationship tests besides one of them being hesitant of a commitment. But there are worse things than perfectly sweet romances and you will LOVE this one!
RATING:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
STEAM LEVEL: Rated R
TRIGGERS:Parent stroke, parent abandonment
FEELS-O-METER: 2/5: Covers a few tough topics, but still a light read.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Once in a while I write a review of a book and then a few days later I think, "Geez, I need to re-write that." This is one of those rare times. So, if you read my review of
Oh, my HEART! This. Book.
*sigh*
THE LAST GOODBYE is an achingly wonderful and sweet love story about moving forward and opening your heart after unimaginable loss. This book covers all facets of that grieving process: how it affects friendships, family relationships, romantic relationships, daily life, and one's mental and emotional health.
I loved these characters. Each of them is complex, human, and relatable. And the friendship turned love story is the sweetest sort of perfection.
I listened to this via audiobook and I liked the narrator when she read in narrative voice and as Anna, the main female character. I disliked her reading of the side characters, particularly those with accents and, most notably, her voicing of the male lead. It sounded oddly insincere and affected when she changed to that male voice.
BOOK REVIEW: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
AUDIO REVIEW: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
STEAM LEVEL: Rated G
TRIGGERS: fatal car accident, drunk driver, drowning, death of spouse, death of child, agoraphobia, anxiety attacks, cheating ex, estranged family
*sigh*
THE LAST GOODBYE is an achingly wonderful and sweet love story about moving forward and opening your heart after unimaginable loss. This book covers all facets of that grieving process: how it affects friendships, family relationships, romantic relationships, daily life, and one's mental and emotional health.
I loved these characters. Each of them is complex, human, and relatable. And the friendship turned love story is the sweetest sort of perfection.
I listened to this via audiobook and I liked the narrator when she read in narrative voice and as Anna, the main female character. I disliked her reading of the side characters, particularly those with accents and, most notably, her voicing of the male lead. It sounded oddly insincere and affected when she changed to that male voice.
BOOK REVIEW: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
AUDIO REVIEW: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
STEAM LEVEL: Rated G
TRIGGERS: fatal car accident, drunk driver, drowning, death of spouse, death of child, agoraphobia, anxiety attacks, cheating ex, estranged family