readandwright's reviews
458 reviews

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Thank you Kensington Books for my copy! All thoughts are my own.

I read a lot of holiday romances each year and I’ve become pretty picky when it comes to the stories. I love a little of holiday predictability but mostly, I want to read something that is actually compelling set at the holidays. In the Event of Love was up to the challenge and it did not disappoint. And even better, it is a queer (wlw) love story that doesn’t center on coming out. After having mixed feelings about the 2020 film The Happiest Season, this story was very refreshing and swoony.

Synopsis:

What I Liked:

The Setting—A mountain setting in an idyllic small town? Chef’s kiss. It was so charming and Gilmore Girls esque.
The Pacing—I loved how things unfolded in this story. Everything felt natural and believable with a little bit of that RomCom magic.
The Wintery Vibes—This book was perfectly wintry with a little bit of holiday magic but wasn’t Hallmark level cheesy. A sprinkle of peppermint, if you will.
The Characters—I loved Morgan and Rachel. I loved their second chance trope and the side characters were truly top notch. Such a fun group to read about.

What Didn’t Work:

I would have loved a but more inclusion from the side characters, but I think this is going to become a series so there’s going to be more soon!

Character Authenticity: 4/5 Spice Rating: 1.5/5 Overall Rating: 4/5

Content Warnings:

Alcoholism, death of a parent, grief

Better Than Fiction by Alexa Martin

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Content Warnings

Moderate: Grief

Thank you Berkley Romance for my copy of Better Than Fiction! All thoughts are my own. After I read Mom Jeans and Other Mistakes last year, I became a huge fan of Alexa Martin. If you haven’t read it yet, you must. It’s so good. So I was really excited for her return to Romance with Better Than Fiction and it did not disappoint! I really enjoyed Drew’s journey and it was one I could really identify with; truthfully, after the last two and a half years I think a lot of people will be able to identify with her. I loved how clever the premise was, with a male Romance writer and a self proclaimed book “hater.” I loved the bookstore setting in a mountain town too! But who is surprised there. This is a perfect book to cuddle up with during these colder months and dream of traveling to scenic places. Synopsis: “As a self-proclaimed book hater and a firm believer that the movie is always better, Drew Young didn’t anticipate inheriting her grandma’s bookstore, the Book Nook. She’s in way over her head even before the shop’s resident book club, comprising seven of the naughtiest old ladies ever, begin to do what they do best—meddle. Bestselling author Jasper Williams is a hopeless romantic. When he meets Drew at his Book Nook signing event, he becomes determined to show her the beauty of reading. He curates a book bucket list in exchange for her help exploring the local Denver scene for his current manuscript. From going river rafting to trying local restaurants, Drew begins to connect with Jasper in a way she only thought happened in fictionWhen messy family ties jeopardize the future of the Book Nook, Drew is caught between a bookshelf and a hard place. She’s reminded that real life isn’t always big dreams and sweeping romance. But Jasper is the plot twist she never saw coming and he’s writing a happily ever after just for them.” —Amazon What I Liked: The Setting—I LOVE a good mountain town and loved how Drew’s passion for nature was featured so seamlessly in this book. I loved the descriptions and now want to get back to Colorado as fast as possible. The Premise—A romance writer meets a non reader! How fun! I loved that Jasper was a believable character. He didn’t feel like a caricature of a Romance writer. He seemed grounded and real and Drew didn’t hate books, she just hadn’t found the right genre. It all felt very authentic! The Characters—Jasper is sexy AF, just gonna say it (chapter 18, my friends). I also loved Daisy and Elsie and would loved books from their POV’s! And the DIrty Birds were a delight. The whole world of Better Than Fiction was well thought out and developed. What Didn’t Work For Me: Honestly, nothing. I am a huge fan of Alexa Martin’s books and I’ve loved watching her writing and storytelling grow with each release. I adored Mom Jeans and Other Mistakes and I’m glad she brought some of those elements into Better Than Fiction! I wish we had like, MAYBE 30 more pages to explore the resolution of the 3rd act break up but I still loved it. Character Authenticity: 4.5/5 Spice Rating: 2/5 Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Content Warnings: grief

Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey

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emotional hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Thank you Avon Books for my copy of Hook Line and Sinker! All thoughts are my own.

I was ready to fall in love with Fox before I even started this book and fall in love I did. It’s a storyline I simply love: two strangers meet and don’t get along, then become fast friends, and quickly learn their friendship is so much more. Frienemies to Friends to Lovers if you will. It was just the warm and sunshine I needed during these dreary winter days. It’s quieter and calmer than It Happened One Summer but it still captures the same magic that story did. Plus Fox is hella dreamy.

Synopsis:

What I Liked:

Fox and Hannah—I LOVE THEM. That’s all. I’m such a sucker for the reformed rake.
The Setting—Just like It Happened One Summer, I fell in love with Westport, Washington. I did feel like this story was a little more isolated, but that was necessary for the couple.
Use of Music—I usually don’t like when music is mentioned in books or at the top of chapters (that doesn’t happen in this one) but I really loved Hannah’s passion for music. It lept off the page and added so much to Hannah and Fox’s journey.

What Didn’t Work:

To Little Plot—I really felt like this was just about the relationship. Which hey, it’s a Romance! I just would have liked a little more exploration into Hannah’s job woes and Fox’s life on the boat. Just a dash!
The 3rd Act Break Up—This isn’t a spoiler since it’s a very common Romance trope but I just really didn’t like the use of it in this one. It felt so forced and put us through more heartache for no reason!

Content Warnings:

death of a parent, mention of infidelity, mental illness, emotional abuse

Character Authenticity: 4/5 Steam Rating: 2.75/5 Overall Rating: 4/5

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Elle Cosimano

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Running Wild by K.A. Tucker

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Thank you to KA Tucker and Valentine PR for my copy of Running Wild! All opinions are my own.

I could not be happier to be back in Alaska. It is no secret I love The Simple Wild series and when I finished Forever Wild last year, I was apprehensive to be excited to read about Marie’s story. But KA Tucker is a master at making you fall in love with a flawed character and it was so refreshing to see Marie’s perspective on the story.

Now before you get pressed, we DO get to see Calla and Jonah, Roy, Agnes, Mabel, Muriel and the rest of the crew in Running Wild. But we also get to meet some amazing new characters like Marie’s parents, a champion musher (who is DREAMY) and an instagram famous dog. Yes, truly. But mostly, this book is about the complexities of relationships and people. It’s about the very real fear of missing out on the person we thought we were supposed to be with, learning about what we need from a partner, and moving forward with grief.

In short, I loved it. This is the type of story I love so much. Something quiet that really pulls you into the story, keeps your engaged with action, and delivers a knee wobbling romance. I can’t wait for all the other fans to read it!

Synopsis:

What I Liked:

The Setting—Every time KA Tucker treats us to a new book in The Simple Wild universe, we get to see the world expand. I loved getting to see Marie’s Alaska. For most readers, we don’t know what it likes to live there so I liked walking with Calla to understand the way of life. But for Marie, she was born and raised there. It’s just a different perspective!
The Plot—Everything moved so well. It wasn’t too fast to make the plot and romance feel unbelievable, but it wasn’t so slow that I was bored and waiting for the slow burn to combust. Plus, I really liked how Tucker acknowledged the complexities of the dog sledding industry. I know nothing about the sport but I felt how Marie grappled with both sides of the issue.
The Characters—TYLER BRADY. It was going to take a lot for me to get behind a character with the initials TB (if you know you know) and I was sold so quickly. I loved Tyler. I loved meeting Cory and Marie’s family. And honestly, I really really loved getting to know Marie. Those of us who are so protective of Jonah and Calla were hesitant, especially after her behavior in Wild at Heart, but she earned my respect and love.
Returning to Alaska—I will read whatever KA Tucker gives us in the world. Every time we get to return, the world grows. I loved that Marie’s story was quieter than Jonah and Calla’s. I think it made sense for who she was as a person and I am so happy she gets her happily ever after.

What Didn’t Work:

The fan in me just wants to say “I didn’t want it to end and I wish there was more" but I know that’s not helpful. But honestly, I really did just want more.

CW/TW:

Miscarriage; infant death; death in childbirth; animal death; pregnancy; animal cruelty; animal medical trauma; grief; loss of a spouse

Character Authenticity: 5/5

Steam/Spice Rating: 2.5/5

Overall Rating: 5/5

Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Thank you Berkley Publishing for my advanced copy. All thoughts are my own!

One of the break out RomComs of 2021 was The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon. I was so excited for her next book, Weather Girl, and it did not disappoint. It’s truly a delight. Russ, the hero, was completely adorable and I could really relate to Ari’s insecurities. I also really appreciated the Jewish representation in this book!

Plus, Weather Girl combines two things I can’t get enough of in books: love and weather. I love stories that feature storms as it really gets me into the atmosphere of the book.

Synopsis:

What I Liked:

The Setting—I LOVED the timeframe of this book as well as the setting of the Pacific Northwest. It was so cozy and magical.
The Representation—Mental Health is so personal since we all have different experiences. But I found how Ari described living with her depression very eye opening.
The Trope—I don’t think I’ve read a schemey romance where the two main characters are trying to work together to get another couple together. it was fun and I liked the twist at the end!

What Didn’t Work: