retrogirlreads's reviews
166 reviews

The Love Destroyers by Angela Casella

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Okay, so I’ve loved every single book in Angela Casella’s Unlucky in Love spicy romantic comedy series. 

However, there was something truly special about Seamus and Emma, the main characters in “The Love Destroyers.”

Part of the reason why I loved Seamus and Emma’s story so much was because they were both a little jaded. 

Even though things were super complicated for them, they somehow managed to fall in love anyway, and I was totally here for it. 

All in all, this was an amazing and hilarious read, and I’m very glad I read it and anything else written by Angela Casella.

Captivating by Bella Matthews

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

“Captivating” is the fourth book in Bella Matthews’ Red Lips & White Lies contemporary romance series, and it’s Killian St. James and Lilah Ryan’s story. 

Killian and Lilah have a long, complicated history, but that’s why this book was so intriguing. I was hooked from their very first interaction with each other - it made me want to know more. 

Killian was broody, growly, possessive, and protective, and I loved that about him. He gave off serious “touch her and die” vibes, and I was totally here for it.

Lilah might have been known as a pop star princess, but she could definitely hold her own when necessary. She was smart and sassy and snarky, which made her really fun to read about. 

Killian and Lilah’s love story was emotional and heartfelt, with a decent amount of angst. I really enjoyed it, and I think their romance will appeal to a lot of readers. I highly recommend!

Woven by Fate by Autumn Hawthorne

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced

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

4.0

“Woven by Fate” is Autumn Hawthorne’s debut novel, and I thought it was an intriguing read that had a very unique premise. 

The two main characters were Xavier and Celeste, and while they definitely didn’t get along at first, but as the novel progressed, so did their relationship. 

I loved the world building, as well. It gave me enough background to understand what was happening, but it also wasn’t too much information thrown at me at once. 

Xavier was the kind of leader who was willing to do anything to protect his people. He was a little grumpy at times, but I knew he had good intentions. 

Celeste was such a fun and sassy character to read about. I loved how strong she was, and the way she fought for what she thought was right. All in all, I would recommend this book to dystopian fans!

Playing Mr. Perfect: Clay Braden by Melissa Foster

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

5.0

“Playing Mr. Perfect” was a contemporary romance novel featuring Clay Braden and Pepper Montgomery. It’s also the start to a new series called The Bradens at Ridgeport.

 

Clay and Pepper’s story was so much fun, as well as being incredibly swoony and super spicy, and I loved their chemistry from their very first interaction with each other.

 

Clay had to work very hard to get Pepper to give him a real chance, and I’m so glad that he was successful in the end! He was a kindhearted and generous man with a good sense of humor, which was nice to read about.

 

And Pepper! I thought she was so intelligent (she is a scientist after all), and I especially loved that she never dumbed herself down for anyone. She was quiet and serious at times, but I think being with Clay brought her out of her shell.

 

Honestly, I think that Melissa Foster truly has a gift when it comes to writing books that will immediately grab my attention. I’ve never been disappointed with any of her books, and “Playing Mr. Perfect” was no exception. I highly recommend!

A Shadow Falls by Rose Garcia

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious sad tense slow-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? Yes

5.0

Rose Garcia’s “A Shadow Falls” is the continuation of her epic fantasy romance series, Bloodlines Legacy, and picks up right where the first one left off.

 

Mateo and Avalynn, our main characters, obviously had a lot to work through, especially after everything that was revealed in the first book.

 

They’re both struggling with their new identities, and all of the changes that have happened in such a short amount of time. And no spoilers, but let’s just say they handle things in very different ways.

 

On one hand, Mateo’s behavior and personality changed drastically, but I promise there’s a reason for it. Avalynn, on the other hand, went through a lot of amazing character development.

 

Now that I’ve finished “A Shadow Falls,” I’ve become even more hooked on this world and these characters. Rose Garcia is such a talented author, and I highly recommend giving her books a chance if you’re a fantasy fan!

A Storm Rises by Rose Garcia

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced

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

5.0

“A Storm Rises,” the first book in Rose Garcia’s newest fantasy romance series, Bloodlines Legacy, was everything I could’ve wished for and more!

 

This book was amazing. It was full of some amazing action scenes, shocking plot twists, laugh out loud banter, and sweet and swoony romance. 

 

Avalynn Stromm might be a princess, but her life is far from easy. She’s smart and sassy, and she’s determined to prove herself to the father she’s never been able to please. 

 

But when she meets Mateo Vela, her priorities start to shift, and she soon begins to realize that not everything is as it seems. 

 

Mateo, on the other hand, is hardened and arrogant from the very beginning. The reason he joins the royal hunt is because he’s trying to find a way to bring recognition to the Sublands. 

 

He was determined not to let anything or anyone get in his way. However, the more time he spends with Avalynn, the harder it becomes for him to stop thinking about her. 

 

I thought they were both wonderful characters, and I was invested in their story. And as for that ending… I can’t wait to see what happens next!

A Runaway in Winter by Alexandra Hale

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

“A Runaway in Winter” is part of author Alexandra Hale’s small town romance series set in the fictional town of Wintervale, Montana.

 

This is Lake and Penelope’s story, and I thought it was really sweet! It had some of my favorite tropes as well, including best friends to lovers and a runaway bride.

 

From the very beginning, it was obvious that Lake and Pen’s friendship had a very strong foundation. Even when things were strictly platonic between them, it was obvious how much they loved each other.

 

In a way, their romance seemed almost inevitable. They definitely had some things to work through, but overall, I’m happy with how their story ended.

Nightshade by Autumn Woods

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

“Nightshade” was my first experience with Autumn Woods’ writing style, and while it wasn’t what I was expecting, that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a good read!

 

Ophelia Winters is our heroine, and the book starts off by explaining her determination to find answers and get revenge for the death of her parents.

 

This book was really interesting. I especially loved the academy setting, and I thought it had enough action-packed scenes, plot twists, and suspense to keep me entertained.

 

This book does end on a cliffhanger, so now I’m dying to know what happens next. I’m really glad I decided to read this, and I will definitely be reading the next installment in the Sorrowsong University series!

Merlot Marriage by Fancy Roberts

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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? It's complicated

4.0

Fancy Roberts’ “Merlot Marriage” is a marriage of convenience romance featuring Philip van der Merwe and Ophelia “Ophie” Moore.

 

I thought Philip and Ophie’s story was super sweet - it was incredibly fun to read! Their relationship was both swoony and adorable, and I loved their interactions with each other.

 

It was obvious that Philip and Ophie truly cared about each other, even when their relationship was strictly platonic. Their friendship was such a beautiful thing, and I loved that about them.

 

There was some slight angst, but nothing too depressing. All in all, I would say that I definitely enjoyed reading Philip and Ophie’s story, and I’m glad to have discovered Fancy Roberts as an author!

Dashing For Love by Valerie Pepper

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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? It's complicated

5.0

I absolutely adored “Dashing For Love” by Valerie Pepper! Matty and Goldie’s story gave me all the feels, and I loved everything about them and their relationship.

 

I loved that this was a sister’s best friend trope instead of a brother’s best friend trope! It was a really nice twist. I also thought the dating app aspect spiced things up.

 

Matty and Goldie’s chemistry was amazing, and I loved that their relationship was based on an already established friendship. It was obvious how much they cared about each other, even when things were still platonic.

 

Small town romances are one of my favorite things, and this book was definitely a great example of one! I devoured Matty and Goldie’s story, and I can’t wait to see what Valerie Pepper writes next.