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readers_sea's reviews
460 reviews
Make You Mine by Tia Louise
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
4.0
I love second chance romance!!
I really enjoyed Grayson & Drew's story. I feel like these characters were so layered and while there was a lot of deeper conversations being had and real issues that they were going through, I feel like it was well-balanced. I liked how real they were as a couple and how much they worked for each other. Instead of giving up, they continued to support and work through it.
Their stories weren't easy - especially Grayson - but the love that Drew had for him was everything! I loved that she was so supportive of him without being pushy. She allowed him to figure some things out without being too overbearing. She was so sweet and understanding, and while she did want to help people around her, she never forced that help in to anyone.
Grayson was amazing! Through it all, he knew he wanted Grayson but also knew that he had a lot of work to do on himself too. Drew was the best, but I do wish we got a little more time with her because I know she went through a lot with grieving as well.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one and I do want to read the next book where we follow Drew's bestie - Ruby!!
I really enjoyed Grayson & Drew's story. I feel like these characters were so layered and while there was a lot of deeper conversations being had and real issues that they were going through, I feel like it was well-balanced. I liked how real they were as a couple and how much they worked for each other. Instead of giving up, they continued to support and work through it.
Their stories weren't easy - especially Grayson - but the love that Drew had for him was everything! I loved that she was so supportive of him without being pushy. She allowed him to figure some things out without being too overbearing. She was so sweet and understanding, and while she did want to help people around her, she never forced that help in to anyone.
Grayson was amazing! Through it all, he knew he wanted Grayson but also knew that he had a lot of work to do on himself too. Drew was the best, but I do wish we got a little more time with her because I know she went through a lot with grieving as well.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one and I do want to read the next book where we follow Drew's bestie - Ruby!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Violence, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Cursing
Dirty Secret by Mira Lyn Kelly
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Vaughn and Allie were made for each other.
For Vaughn Chicago was never part of his plan. He is just trying to keep his head down and get through this season so that he can get traded and continue his NHL career with his best friend in Oregon. Until Allie.
Months ago, Allie and Vaughn hooked up. No numbers were exchanged so after Allie snuck out on him, he had no way of even trying to contact her. While he is at a bar in Chicago, the last person he expects to see is there - Allie. Not only that... he learns that she is actually his team captain aka his nemesis since forever's little sister. What could go wrong?
Vaughn does everything in his power to stay away, but he just can't and seemingly neither can Allie. They start their secret romance and it kicks off from there.
I actually really enjoyed Vaughn. He was a classic case of misunderstood. I loved his willingness to show Allie how much she really meant to him and prove to her that he can put her first. I love Allie as well! She was such a strong FMC, who could hold her ground even against her older brother.
The effortless connection between Allie and Vaughn was so easy to root for. I loved watching them confide in each other and be open to communicate. Vaughn knew what he wanted, and I really liked that he wasn't afraid to show that. He knew his actions would have consequences, but he wasn't afraid to face them. He really was made to be a villain for no reason, and I am so happy that Allie was able to see through that and give him a chance.
This was a fast paced, forbidden romance that you can't put down. Can't wait to continue the series and see what the other Slayers players are going to get up to.
For Vaughn Chicago was never part of his plan. He is just trying to keep his head down and get through this season so that he can get traded and continue his NHL career with his best friend in Oregon. Until Allie.
Months ago, Allie and Vaughn hooked up. No numbers were exchanged so after Allie snuck out on him, he had no way of even trying to contact her. While he is at a bar in Chicago, the last person he expects to see is there - Allie. Not only that... he learns that she is actually his team captain aka his nemesis since forever's little sister. What could go wrong?
Vaughn does everything in his power to stay away, but he just can't and seemingly neither can Allie. They start their secret romance and it kicks off from there.
I actually really enjoyed Vaughn. He was a classic case of misunderstood. I loved his willingness to show Allie how much she really meant to him and prove to her that he can put her first. I love Allie as well! She was such a strong FMC, who could hold her ground even against her older brother.
The effortless connection between Allie and Vaughn was so easy to root for. I loved watching them confide in each other and be open to communicate. Vaughn knew what he wanted, and I really liked that he wasn't afraid to show that. He knew his actions would have consequences, but he wasn't afraid to face them. He really was made to be a villain for no reason, and I am so happy that Allie was able to see through that and give him a chance.
This was a fast paced, forbidden romance that you can't put down. Can't wait to continue the series and see what the other Slayers players are going to get up to.
Heartstopper Volume 5 by Alice Oseman
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Loved this continuation!
The growth and trust between Nick and Charlie were perfect. Their open communication and honesty continued to be unmatched. Charlie has grown into himself so much and I'm so excited to see what the final volume has for them both - esp Nick.
The growth and trust between Nick and Charlie were perfect. Their open communication and honesty continued to be unmatched. Charlie has grown into himself so much and I'm so excited to see what the final volume has for them both - esp Nick.
Her Shadows, His Secrets by CC Monroe
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
Can't lie, I wasn't the biggest fan of the start of this one. I wanted things to get to the point already and I felt like we were just getting the same thing over and over again. Personally, the second half of the book saved it all for me.
This book follows Hanna and Theo.
Hanna was abandoned when she was a baby and hopped around foster homes. One day she gets a letter in the mail saying her grandfather passed and left everything to her. Having nothing in New York, she takes what she can, gets on a bus, and goes to Cherry Hill, South Carolina.
Theo grew up in Cherry Hill. His parents and sister still live there, but he moved to New York to get out of that town. Theo is back in town for a few weeks for a job and that's all he says. He wants to be out of that town as fast as he can be.
Theo and Hanna don't start off not the greatest foot and Hanna instantly does not like Theo, but Theo becomes intrigued with her instantly. Although Theo is a man who does not do commitment, he does go after what he wants and right now, he wants Hanna, so let the chase begin.
Theo and Hanna come to a mutual agreement on what this can and cannot be. Pleasure only, and once feelings show even a little, it stops. They're both on board and it seems to be going fine, until both of them find themselves seeking out the other a bit too much.
I felt like the beginning was a bit of a whirlwind. Theo and Hanna jumped into things really fast without knowing much about each other, so it was hard to root for them when I couldn't see the foundation. I know it was intentional since it was supposed to be a casual thing, but I felt disconnected from the characters. Once Hanna and Theo began to talk to each other more and be more open, then I found something to root for. I really enjoyed watching them get to know each other.
Watching Theo care for Hanna and slowly bring down his walls and soften for her gave me everything I could've ever wanted! Theo was so harsh at first that I didn't know if I would ever grow to like him, but by the end of the book I loved him.
I will mention - some of the nicknames Theo used for Hanna didn't do it for me at all. I also felt like the mystery was very in and out of the plot. Then the ending was giving me whiplash. I understand why the ending was so fast paced, but I do wish we got more sprinkles and foreshadowing of the mystery plotline more. I feel like it would've made it apart of the story instead of a convenient conflict/shock line.
This book follows Hanna and Theo.
Hanna was abandoned when she was a baby and hopped around foster homes. One day she gets a letter in the mail saying her grandfather passed and left everything to her. Having nothing in New York, she takes what she can, gets on a bus, and goes to Cherry Hill, South Carolina.
Theo grew up in Cherry Hill. His parents and sister still live there, but he moved to New York to get out of that town. Theo is back in town for a few weeks for a job and that's all he says. He wants to be out of that town as fast as he can be.
Theo and Hanna don't start off not the greatest foot and Hanna instantly does not like Theo, but Theo becomes intrigued with her instantly. Although Theo is a man who does not do commitment, he does go after what he wants and right now, he wants Hanna, so let the chase begin.
Theo and Hanna come to a mutual agreement on what this can and cannot be. Pleasure only, and once feelings show even a little, it stops. They're both on board and it seems to be going fine, until both of them find themselves seeking out the other a bit too much.
I felt like the beginning was a bit of a whirlwind. Theo and Hanna jumped into things really fast without knowing much about each other, so it was hard to root for them when I couldn't see the foundation. I know it was intentional since it was supposed to be a casual thing, but I felt disconnected from the characters. Once Hanna and Theo began to talk to each other more and be more open, then I found something to root for. I really enjoyed watching them get to know each other.
Watching Theo care for Hanna and slowly bring down his walls and soften for her gave me everything I could've ever wanted! Theo was so harsh at first that I didn't know if I would ever grow to like him, but by the end of the book I loved him.
I will mention - some of the nicknames Theo used for Hanna didn't do it for me at all. I also felt like the mystery was very in and out of the plot. Then the ending was giving me whiplash. I understand why the ending was so fast paced, but I do wish we got more sprinkles and foreshadowing of the mystery plotline more. I feel like it would've made it apart of the story instead of a convenient conflict/shock line.
"To be with someone who loves you so deeply, with such force and desire that they would do anything to keep you as theirs and theirs alone." (8)
"Don't be ashamed of desires, they are what makes life worth living" (110)
"What a shame that this world ever made you afraid or ashamed to love yourself. What a shame they don't see what I see" (120)
"Some scars are closed and only outwardly show for a reason, to remind you to be careful and to never open the skin again." (187)
Pucked Over by Helena Hunting
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
Randy and Lily were perfect for each other!!
Randy is not a man looking for commitment because he doesn't want to be responsible for hurting anyone - thanks to his father for that fear. He is known to just have a good time, but once feelings start to show he leaves. When he meets Lily, he expects for it to be the same way.
Lily has just broken up with her boyfriend of 7 years - although it was over long before that. She has never been a hook up kind of girl, but why not give it a go and just have fun for a while? She thinks a no-strings situation is just what she needs right now.
Lily and Randy lay down some ground rules and agree that this is a mutual agreement for causal. After some time together, Lily finds some quirks about Randy and Randy is discovering that there might just be something different about Lily.
I enjoyed the balance of Randy and Lily. The banter and the passion between the both of them was so easy to root for. They both had some pasts that they needed to unpack. While Randy didn't normally talk much to those he hooked up with, Lily was so easy to talk to. She never made him feel any type of way and that was new to him. It was so wholesome to see their connection grow, even though they were both pretty much in denial about it the whole time. I liked how they balanced each other out and their development of their relationship.
I will mention - this is the first book that I have read in this series, so ngl the way the girls talk about their rendezvous was a bit odd to me and first and did need some getting used it!
Randy is not a man looking for commitment because he doesn't want to be responsible for hurting anyone - thanks to his father for that fear. He is known to just have a good time, but once feelings start to show he leaves. When he meets Lily, he expects for it to be the same way.
Lily has just broken up with her boyfriend of 7 years - although it was over long before that. She has never been a hook up kind of girl, but why not give it a go and just have fun for a while? She thinks a no-strings situation is just what she needs right now.
Lily and Randy lay down some ground rules and agree that this is a mutual agreement for causal. After some time together, Lily finds some quirks about Randy and Randy is discovering that there might just be something different about Lily.
I enjoyed the balance of Randy and Lily. The banter and the passion between the both of them was so easy to root for. They both had some pasts that they needed to unpack. While Randy didn't normally talk much to those he hooked up with, Lily was so easy to talk to. She never made him feel any type of way and that was new to him. It was so wholesome to see their connection grow, even though they were both pretty much in denial about it the whole time. I liked how they balanced each other out and their development of their relationship.
I will mention - this is the first book that I have read in this series, so ngl the way the girls talk about their rendezvous was a bit odd to me and first and did need some getting used it!
Heartstopper Volume 4 by Alice Oseman
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This one touched on heavier topics, and I was not expecting it.
I loved seeing how supportive Nick was for Charlie. Their connection keeps growing and growing. Nick is so tender with Charlie, and I love seeing that Charlie can lean on and trust Nick.
Cannot wait to see what's next!
I loved seeing how supportive Nick was for Charlie. Their connection keeps growing and growing. Nick is so tender with Charlie, and I love seeing that Charlie can lean on and trust Nick.
Cannot wait to see what's next!
The Perfect Guy Doesn't Exist by Sophie Gonzales
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
What an interesting concept...
This book follows Ivy who is left alone for the first time while her parents go on a work trip. While she is home alone, she accidentally conjures up her favorite TV character, Weston, that she also writes fanfic about... into real life. She is genuinely so confused and has no clue what is going on, who he is, what is happening, or how it is happening. She's forced to think quickly about how this is all possible and how to resolve it.
She has no choice but to accept the help from her neighbor/ex-bestie, Mack. Their friendship didn't end on the best terms so when Mack starts to get suspicious about what is going on with Ivy, she forces herself into the situation and tries to help with Liv's current bestie, Henry. None of them know how to solve this, but as Weston gets more out of hand and Ivy's parents are set to come home soon, their time is running out to figure it out.
This was pretty entertaining tbh. Even if I had no clue what was going on either. I liked the backstory between Ivy and Mack, seeing how they became friends and how Henry came into the mix as well. There was a lot more going into the story than just the Weston situation. Sometimes I felt like I was reading two different books with the flashbacks to how Ivy and Mack became so estranged. It felt a bit all over the place and I wish it was weaved together a bit more.
Overall, entertaining and I found myself laughing and rooting for them all.
This book follows Ivy who is left alone for the first time while her parents go on a work trip. While she is home alone, she accidentally conjures up her favorite TV character, Weston, that she also writes fanfic about... into real life. She is genuinely so confused and has no clue what is going on, who he is, what is happening, or how it is happening. She's forced to think quickly about how this is all possible and how to resolve it.
She has no choice but to accept the help from her neighbor/ex-bestie, Mack. Their friendship didn't end on the best terms so when Mack starts to get suspicious about what is going on with Ivy, she forces herself into the situation and tries to help with Liv's current bestie, Henry. None of them know how to solve this, but as Weston gets more out of hand and Ivy's parents are set to come home soon, their time is running out to figure it out.
This was pretty entertaining tbh. Even if I had no clue what was going on either. I liked the backstory between Ivy and Mack, seeing how they became friends and how Henry came into the mix as well. There was a lot more going into the story than just the Weston situation. Sometimes I felt like I was reading two different books with the flashbacks to how Ivy and Mack became so estranged. It felt a bit all over the place and I wish it was weaved together a bit more.
Overall, entertaining and I found myself laughing and rooting for them all.
The Reunion by Kayla Olson
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
Liv and Random grew up together on the TV show "Girl on the Verge". While they were love interests on the show, not much happened off scene - even if they may have wanted something.
It is now twenty years later, and they are back together on set for a reunion episode! Liv hasn't seen or talked to Random much since the show ended, but being back in each other's space is bringing up some unresolved feelings.
I really enjoyed the additive of blog posts, social media, and podcasts throughout the book! I felt like it added another layer to all the filming fun, especially because not all the opinions lined up with which characters they loved. It was a lot of fun seeing different POVs of "outside opinions".
I am a sucker for a second chance romance, and although Liv and Ransom didn't have <i>too much</i> of a past, I still really enjoyed watching them reconnect. I think we could've benefitted from more of a past between them, but they never really took things off set. I liked watching Liv figure out who she was and what she wanted.
Overall, I had fun with this book!
It is now twenty years later, and they are back together on set for a reunion episode! Liv hasn't seen or talked to Random much since the show ended, but being back in each other's space is bringing up some unresolved feelings.
I really enjoyed the additive of blog posts, social media, and podcasts throughout the book! I felt like it added another layer to all the filming fun, especially because not all the opinions lined up with which characters they loved. It was a lot of fun seeing different POVs of "outside opinions".
I am a sucker for a second chance romance, and although Liv and Ransom didn't have <i>too much</i> of a past, I still really enjoyed watching them reconnect. I think we could've benefitted from more of a past between them, but they never really took things off set. I liked watching Liv figure out who she was and what she wanted.
Overall, I had fun with this book!
Fall I Want by Lyra Parish
funny
lighthearted
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
4.5
Tad bit long, but I loved Zane and Autumn.
Perfect Fall vibes throughout the book. Zane comes back to Cozy Creek to escape the whirlwind that i currently his life. He just wants to keep his head down and worry about himself, but when he goes to the coffee shop and meets Autumn, something is there. He just can't quite put his finger on what it is.
It's a normal day for Autumn at work, until she sees the man of her dreams (literally) in the coffee shop she works at! She has no idea what is going on and slightly freaked out. Then he says the coffee she made him was horrible, and immediately she does not like him. So when they bump into each other again and he proposes to be friends, she actually laughs in his face... Until she realizes he was serious...
I liked the subtle magic oof Cozy Creek and the connection between Autumn and Zane. Zane is misunderstood and he just wants a quiet life. Autumn is trying to figure out what exactly she does want. So when they spark a friendship, obviously that's all it'll be...
Their romance was a bit cheesy once we got there, but I thought it was cute! I loved Autumn showing Zane around and them getting to experience all the little things together. I think they complimented each other really well. Their adventures were so entertaining and seeing them open up to each other was so heartwarming. Zane didn't have that many people he could count on, so finding Autumn was everything he needed.
Although it was a bit long, I still enjoyed the story and liked the Fall vibes. I definitely need to read the rest of the books in the collection. I would've loved to see Zane find more letters though (iykyk)
Perfect Fall vibes throughout the book. Zane comes back to Cozy Creek to escape the whirlwind that i currently his life. He just wants to keep his head down and worry about himself, but when he goes to the coffee shop and meets Autumn, something is there. He just can't quite put his finger on what it is.
It's a normal day for Autumn at work, until she sees the man of her dreams (literally) in the coffee shop she works at! She has no idea what is going on and slightly freaked out. Then he says the coffee she made him was horrible, and immediately she does not like him. So when they bump into each other again and he proposes to be friends, she actually laughs in his face... Until she realizes he was serious...
I liked the subtle magic oof Cozy Creek and the connection between Autumn and Zane. Zane is misunderstood and he just wants a quiet life. Autumn is trying to figure out what exactly she does want. So when they spark a friendship, obviously that's all it'll be...
Their romance was a bit cheesy once we got there, but I thought it was cute! I loved Autumn showing Zane around and them getting to experience all the little things together. I think they complimented each other really well. Their adventures were so entertaining and seeing them open up to each other was so heartwarming. Zane didn't have that many people he could count on, so finding Autumn was everything he needed.
Although it was a bit long, I still enjoyed the story and liked the Fall vibes. I definitely need to read the rest of the books in the collection. I would've loved to see Zane find more letters though (iykyk)
Heart Trick by Kristen Granata
lighthearted
fast-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
5.0
Ahhhh!! Trent and Cassidy were so much fun!
Trent just got traded and he is not happy about it. Cassidy is in a writing slump after walking in on her (now ex) boyfriend cheating on her with her best friend. And now these two people who are not in the best place... are neighbors.
Cassidy tried to be nice to Trent when he moved in but all he does is slam doors and she was not having it. One day she is having some trouble outside of their apartment building and Trent steps into help. The paparazzi catches this and now their pictures are everywhere with the headlines saying that they're dating?!
Trent's agent wants to run with it, and Cassidy agrees... under one condition. She is allowed to use him and their situation as inspiration to help her get out of her writing slump and finally write books again. Since Trent needs the good press, they all agree.
As lines start to blur between what is to help Trent's image and what's to help with Cassidy's writing, neither of them know how to approach it. They've both just been burned by people they thought they could trust.
I loved Trent and Cassidy! I thought they were such a good match and so entertaining. The grump x sunshine was so well done. Seeing Trent soften and become protective of Cassidy was everything! I loved how much they supported one another and how their connection grew so naturally.
Trent just got traded and he is not happy about it. Cassidy is in a writing slump after walking in on her (now ex) boyfriend cheating on her with her best friend. And now these two people who are not in the best place... are neighbors.
Cassidy tried to be nice to Trent when he moved in but all he does is slam doors and she was not having it. One day she is having some trouble outside of their apartment building and Trent steps into help. The paparazzi catches this and now their pictures are everywhere with the headlines saying that they're dating?!
Trent's agent wants to run with it, and Cassidy agrees... under one condition. She is allowed to use him and their situation as inspiration to help her get out of her writing slump and finally write books again. Since Trent needs the good press, they all agree.
As lines start to blur between what is to help Trent's image and what's to help with Cassidy's writing, neither of them know how to approach it. They've both just been burned by people they thought they could trust.
I loved Trent and Cassidy! I thought they were such a good match and so entertaining. The grump x sunshine was so well done. Seeing Trent soften and become protective of Cassidy was everything! I loved how much they supported one another and how their connection grew so naturally.