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154 reviews
Attack of the Rom-Com by Martti Nelson
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Spoilers have been removed
For those of you who have seen the movie Isn't This Romantic, this book will be right up your alley. When initially asked to read it, the cover made me think of Killer Klowns from Outer Space, with the sci-fi horror looking "edge"' to it. This book is anything but! Making fun of romantic comedy clichés, Attack of the Rom Com is a whole lot of fun and insanity. You won't want to put it down as you "leap" from story to insane story.
There were very few things Sophie Sweet believed in: a leather jacket could cure anything, Doritos Surprise is the best meal ever, any conflict can be resolved with good ol’ fashion violence; but “twuwuv”, yeah that wasn't one of them! She wasn't interest in finding her perfect match, her soulmate, her other half. All she wanted was to enjoy a fun night out with her best friend Jodie at the carnival and maybe get in a few good pokes messing with her favorite psychic. What she got was a pink abomination named Tiffani, insight she could live without, and the unrealistic promise that Jodie would find true love (at least it came with a money back guarantee!). Having had enough “fun” for one night, Sophie and Jodie pass out at their traditional sleepover, only for Sophie to wake up… in high school?! On the gym floor no less. Trying to determine what fresh torment she has been subjected to, Sophie quickly realizes she is being forced to relive her worst days but with a twist - the most popular guy in high school has asked her to the prom. Sick to her stomach, Sophie's suddenly aware that a lot is starting to resemble… a romantic comedy! As if things couldn’t get any worse, her pinkish nightmare… i.e. Tiffani the sociopath (I mean psychic) is Tiffany the Guidance Counselor! Letting her in on what’s about to go down, Sophie - against her will, plays along (to an extent) in order to end this nightmare… only to awaken as a pretty pretty princess. Each time Sophie believes she has checked the boxes to escape her torturer, she is placed in a brand new scenario. As each scenario plays out, despite her best efforts, Sophie begins to face the demons she carefully avoided, breaking through the walls until she can finally see what, rather who, has been waiting for her on the other side.
This was a beautiful story of psychological constraints. We believe in the narrative that we tell ourselves so if we believe we don’t deserve happiness, we don’t. If we believe we are not worthy of love, we aren’t. We convince ourselves that we are just beating everyone to the chase, they can’t put us down if we are already there, right?!
While sometimes hard to follow, this book was very funny! Sophie is all over the place and her moments of freaking out are down right hilarious. As the book is told from her perspective, we spend the vast majority of time in her head or seeing things from her eyes. You can quickly tell where the book is going in terms of the overall message but you also get to see first hand why Sophie is absolutely clueless!
Overall, it is an AMAZING story about love, growth, the effects of trauma, and healing. To reiterate the comment above, the writing is confusing at times, often muddled or inundated with colloquials that the reader is temporarily lost. With a great editor, this book would fly off the shelf! Simply put, it is a really good story but not very well written. Again, this could be due to it being in single POV so you are reading an internal dialogue for most of the story. If this is the case, then it is written as if you are peering into the jumbled mind of someone who is carrying a lot on their shoulders and has spent so long pushing everything down, the lid is about to pop off!
While the book did have language and humorous references to intimacy, it kept things pretty PG-13 (again, mostly for the coarse language). For anyone who may have grown up with a less than stellar childhood, has any type of abandonment issues, or faced adversity due to their sexual identity, this book may be triggering.
The ending of this book warmed my heart so much and will give any reader hope that we can always turn a corner, the ending isn't written as long as we are still breathing. We may not want to face the ugly and may try to hide from what hurts us but if we can find the strength to overcome it, the reward is worth it.
For those of you who have seen the movie Isn't This Romantic, this book will be right up your alley. When initially asked to read it, the cover made me think of Killer Klowns from Outer Space, with the sci-fi horror looking "edge"' to it. This book is anything but! Making fun of romantic comedy clichés, Attack of the Rom Com is a whole lot of fun and insanity. You won't want to put it down as you "leap" from story to insane story.
There were very few things Sophie Sweet believed in: a leather jacket could cure anything, Doritos Surprise is the best meal ever, any conflict can be resolved with good ol’ fashion violence; but “twuwuv”, yeah that wasn't one of them! She wasn't interest in finding her perfect match, her soulmate, her other half. All she wanted was to enjoy a fun night out with her best friend Jodie at the carnival and maybe get in a few good pokes messing with her favorite psychic. What she got was a pink abomination named Tiffani, insight she could live without, and the unrealistic promise that Jodie would find true love (at least it came with a money back guarantee!). Having had enough “fun” for one night, Sophie and Jodie pass out at their traditional sleepover, only for Sophie to wake up… in high school?! On the gym floor no less. Trying to determine what fresh torment she has been subjected to, Sophie quickly realizes she is being forced to relive her worst days but with a twist - the most popular guy in high school has asked her to the prom. Sick to her stomach, Sophie's suddenly aware that a lot is starting to resemble… a romantic comedy! As if things couldn’t get any worse, her pinkish nightmare… i.e. Tiffani the sociopath (I mean psychic) is Tiffany the Guidance Counselor! Letting her in on what’s about to go down, Sophie - against her will, plays along (to an extent) in order to end this nightmare… only to awaken as a pretty pretty princess. Each time Sophie believes she has checked the boxes to escape her torturer, she is placed in a brand new scenario. As each scenario plays out, despite her best efforts, Sophie begins to face the demons she carefully avoided, breaking through the walls until she can finally see what, rather who, has been waiting for her on the other side.
This was a beautiful story of psychological constraints. We believe in the narrative that we tell ourselves so if we believe we don’t deserve happiness, we don’t. If we believe we are not worthy of love, we aren’t. We convince ourselves that we are just beating everyone to the chase, they can’t put us down if we are already there, right?!
While sometimes hard to follow, this book was very funny! Sophie is all over the place and her moments of freaking out are down right hilarious. As the book is told from her perspective, we spend the vast majority of time in her head or seeing things from her eyes. You can quickly tell where the book is going in terms of the overall message but you also get to see first hand why Sophie is absolutely clueless!
Overall, it is an AMAZING story about love, growth, the effects of trauma, and healing. To reiterate the comment above, the writing is confusing at times, often muddled or inundated with colloquials that the reader is temporarily lost. With a great editor, this book would fly off the shelf! Simply put, it is a really good story but not very well written. Again, this could be due to it being in single POV so you are reading an internal dialogue for most of the story. If this is the case, then it is written as if you are peering into the jumbled mind of someone who is carrying a lot on their shoulders and has spent so long pushing everything down, the lid is about to pop off!
While the book did have language and humorous references to intimacy, it kept things pretty PG-13 (again, mostly for the coarse language). For anyone who may have grown up with a less than stellar childhood, has any type of abandonment issues, or faced adversity due to their sexual identity, this book may be triggering.
The ending of this book warmed my heart so much and will give any reader hope that we can always turn a corner, the ending isn't written as long as we are still breathing. We may not want to face the ugly and may try to hide from what hurts us but if we can find the strength to overcome it, the reward is worth it.
Meet me in Moonshine by Brooklyn Dean
funny
slow-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
5.0
Meet Me In Moonshine was insanely frustrating and I couldn’t put it down! I have never wanted to jump to the end to find out the mystery person so bad in my life! Worst part, it wouldn’t have helped! You had to read the story and even then, Brooklyn had me bouncing back and forth between who the person was. Darn her and her red herrings! In all seriousness, I really did enjoy this book but wish I had read it before The Write Way for Love, not because it is necessary, but it gives a really good introduction to Adam, Billie, and Sam. Knowing their characters better, is softens the sharp edges of Adam and Billie’s brief interactions in The Write Way for Love. Back to Moonshine, this book will absorb you as you become more and more committed to Jillian and her wild goose chase of her mystery man. I even found myself looking forward to the “notes” each time! A recommended quick read for those who love that novella magic.
The Write Way For Love by Brooklyn Dean
emotional
funny
inspiring
slow-paced
5.0
Spoilers removed so review has a lot of holes.
To say I love this book would be far too easy. To say I am head over hills for Sam and Anita would feel repetitive. Instead, I will say I have never read a book where I feel like I could step into the pages. The Write Way For Love engulfs you, pulling you into the small town of Moonshine, Australia. From the hijinks of the townspeople, to the bromance of Reece and Sam, to the magic that is Anita and the circus, you will grow to know, love, and figuratively stand beside them, experiencing all the feels that only an exceptional writer can provide.
In a literary world dominated by female authors, a crafty pseudonym has allowed Samuel Harthrup to make his way in and disturb the status quo. Posing as Sammie Hart (and doing everything in his power to keep his true identity a secret), Samuel couldn’t ask for anything more. With a bestselling, record-breaking romance and a growing fan base demanding a sequel, Samuel’s editorial team is beside itself waiting to get a glimpse at his latest manuscript. Sounds wonderful except the next “epic romance” is turning into an epic fail. Taking advice from his doctor and best friend Reece, Samuel decides to denounce his hermit lifestyle for a night, rejoining the living by heading out to the circus that has come into town. Looking for motivation in the form of liquid courage, Sam suddenly finds himself falling, quite literally, for a gorgeous curvy palm reader. Pulling him from the game bin that he just fell into, Anita Fortuna finds herself drawn to Sam. A kindred spirit in the arts, Anita asks to read Sam’s palms and gets more than she bargains for when he passes out of her (what is with this guy and gravity?!) Enjoying the nuisances of small town hospitality (and hoping for a decent meal for once), Anita ends up playing babysitter in Sam’s apartment. While waiting for Sam to regain consciousness, she discovers a manuscript that must be a comedy because it is either that hilarious or that awful! Not one to bite her tongue, she quickly shares with a hungover Sam all the ways he has gone wrong with his romance - creating the missing spark Sam needs to get back on track. Together, can these two pull off the impossible and create the sequel the fans demand without writing a love story of their own?
This book had me laughing from the beginning! I have never encountered someone so at home with his lactose intolerance or room clearing flatulence! Someone please introduce this man to Lactaid. The town of Moonshine itself was such a wonderful community that you couldn’t help fall for the citizens (and secretly hope the author intends to write more about its occupants). I also love a good bromance and the interactions between Reece and Sam were just too adorable.
Shifting my attention to the main characters: I love Sam so much! He is just a guy trying his best to hold his space in the world. He isn’t muscle-bound, super wealthy, or drop dead gorgeous. He is just like the rest of us mere mortals with the blessing and disappointments that only life can offer. His insecurities are so relatable and his past will make you want to hug him and promise everything will be ok. That is another thing I enjoyed about this book - within it you are introduced to two words - Sam’s and the simple town of Moonshine and Anita’s birthright of Circus de la Fortuna. In most books, the main two characters operate within the same world but different perspectives. For Anita and Sam, we get two layers - different perspectives moving between two different societies with its own sets of rules and hierarchy.
Brooklyn brought the heat with this book but she kept it so true to the characters that it felt incredibly intimate. Add in the poetry of Sam’s seductive food puns and you are just putty.
This book focuses a lot on the impact of family. We are taught to believe that family is who catches you when you fall, who shields you from harm, who has your back and loves you unconditionally. We are reminded that family isn’t always who you are born to, but who you choose.
On a lighter note, Sam’s best friend Reece was my hero in this book. To have someone in your life who has your back like that is a blessing.
What I loved most about this book is as soon as Brooklyn grips your heart with sorrow, she makes it lighter with laughter. The smile this book leaves plastered on your face speaks volumes. Well that and the food puns. Seriously, I was impressed! How she came up with so many was insane!
I have had the pleasure of reading a lot of Indie authors and Brooklyn is definitely one to watch. I don’t know if she did it intentionally but she has set this book up perfectly for at least two more in the series (hint…hint). I would love to read Reece’s entire story and Adam’s. The town of Moonshine has stolen my heart and I can’t wait to see what other magic it has up its sleeve.
To say I love this book would be far too easy. To say I am head over hills for Sam and Anita would feel repetitive. Instead, I will say I have never read a book where I feel like I could step into the pages. The Write Way For Love engulfs you, pulling you into the small town of Moonshine, Australia. From the hijinks of the townspeople, to the bromance of Reece and Sam, to the magic that is Anita and the circus, you will grow to know, love, and figuratively stand beside them, experiencing all the feels that only an exceptional writer can provide.
In a literary world dominated by female authors, a crafty pseudonym has allowed Samuel Harthrup to make his way in and disturb the status quo. Posing as Sammie Hart (and doing everything in his power to keep his true identity a secret), Samuel couldn’t ask for anything more. With a bestselling, record-breaking romance and a growing fan base demanding a sequel, Samuel’s editorial team is beside itself waiting to get a glimpse at his latest manuscript. Sounds wonderful except the next “epic romance” is turning into an epic fail. Taking advice from his doctor and best friend Reece, Samuel decides to denounce his hermit lifestyle for a night, rejoining the living by heading out to the circus that has come into town. Looking for motivation in the form of liquid courage, Sam suddenly finds himself falling, quite literally, for a gorgeous curvy palm reader. Pulling him from the game bin that he just fell into, Anita Fortuna finds herself drawn to Sam. A kindred spirit in the arts, Anita asks to read Sam’s palms and gets more than she bargains for when he passes out of her (what is with this guy and gravity?!) Enjoying the nuisances of small town hospitality (and hoping for a decent meal for once), Anita ends up playing babysitter in Sam’s apartment. While waiting for Sam to regain consciousness, she discovers a manuscript that must be a comedy because it is either that hilarious or that awful! Not one to bite her tongue, she quickly shares with a hungover Sam all the ways he has gone wrong with his romance - creating the missing spark Sam needs to get back on track. Together, can these two pull off the impossible and create the sequel the fans demand without writing a love story of their own?
This book had me laughing from the beginning! I have never encountered someone so at home with his lactose intolerance or room clearing flatulence! Someone please introduce this man to Lactaid. The town of Moonshine itself was such a wonderful community that you couldn’t help fall for the citizens (and secretly hope the author intends to write more about its occupants). I also love a good bromance and the interactions between Reece and Sam were just too adorable.
Shifting my attention to the main characters: I love Sam so much! He is just a guy trying his best to hold his space in the world. He isn’t muscle-bound, super wealthy, or drop dead gorgeous. He is just like the rest of us mere mortals with the blessing and disappointments that only life can offer. His insecurities are so relatable and his past will make you want to hug him and promise everything will be ok. That is another thing I enjoyed about this book - within it you are introduced to two words - Sam’s and the simple town of Moonshine and Anita’s birthright of Circus de la Fortuna. In most books, the main two characters operate within the same world but different perspectives. For Anita and Sam, we get two layers - different perspectives moving between two different societies with its own sets of rules and hierarchy.
Brooklyn brought the heat with this book but she kept it so true to the characters that it felt incredibly intimate. Add in the poetry of Sam’s seductive food puns and you are just putty.
This book focuses a lot on the impact of family. We are taught to believe that family is who catches you when you fall, who shields you from harm, who has your back and loves you unconditionally. We are reminded that family isn’t always who you are born to, but who you choose.
On a lighter note, Sam’s best friend Reece was my hero in this book. To have someone in your life who has your back like that is a blessing.
What I loved most about this book is as soon as Brooklyn grips your heart with sorrow, she makes it lighter with laughter. The smile this book leaves plastered on your face speaks volumes. Well that and the food puns. Seriously, I was impressed! How she came up with so many was insane!
I have had the pleasure of reading a lot of Indie authors and Brooklyn is definitely one to watch. I don’t know if she did it intentionally but she has set this book up perfectly for at least two more in the series (hint…hint). I would love to read Reece’s entire story and Adam’s. The town of Moonshine has stolen my heart and I can’t wait to see what other magic it has up its sleeve.
Making Perfect Sense: When Only The Truth Matters by Beth Gelman
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Spoilers removed to review may jump around.
Having read The Perfect Lesson and The Perfect Voice, I have watched Trudie and Alex grow into the people they always dreamed of being. I have also witnessed the power of nurturing and the long lasting impact teachers can have in the lives of children. In that same breathe, we bear witness to the damage of bureaucracy and how disconnected decision makers can do more harm than good. Making Perfect Sense brings long awaited closure for those who believe that with love, dedication, and sacrifice - anything is possible.
In Part Two, we rejoin Trudie and Alex, post New York Gala fallout. Life is moving forward and Trudie doesn’t know what to think, how to feel, or even how to fathom working along side Alex. With great growth comes great discomfort and Trudie is in unfamiliar territory. She’s not alone in her murky sea of thought as Alex has his own skeletons to deal with. His ex-fiance Sheila has reared her ugly head, causing the woman he loves to flee without a word. Knowing Trudie’s tendency to be standoffish and skittish when she feels out of control and hurt, he’s on the outside looking in - lost at how to reach her when she still refuses to give him the time of day. He’s called, he’s texted, and when he drops off her stuff, he is shattered that she won’t even look at him. The only luck on his side is their paired project forces their paths to cross. Locked in a conference room (thank you Eloise), he is able to rekindle the connection, fanning the flames through heart to hearts and big reveals, allowing them to come together, yet again. The problem is, with two people as broken as they are - are they strong enough to build a bond that will last forever?
The evolution of Trudie’s character was visible in Part Two. In Part One, I constantly felt as if she was overreacting, shutting down, displaying more of a childlike behavior than a grown woman who has spent five years learning the tools she needed to move on. In Part Two, she was present, she was vocal, her inner voice pushed her to “grow up” and take ownership.
With the combination of part one and two creating a whole story, it is easy to see how this book would truly be a favorite for those in the education or psychology field. Unfortunately, while there were so many things I loved about Making Perfect Sense, the continuity of the overall story (looking at all three books - not just The Perfect Lesson), the cliffhanger, the 180 of the characters, and the laser focus on the school program for at risk children pulled me too far out to truly enjoy it.
The disservice of a cliffhanger is the “hope” that the reader has retained the information from the first part of the book. While Beth did provide a Prologue, the time between Part One and Part Two did make the recollection of facts somewhat cumbersome. For that reason, I felt lost the first couple of chapters. If this story simply stuck with the push and pull of Trudie and Alex, it would have been easier to jump right in. Instead, we needed to also remember the program Trudie and Alex were building as it is such an intricate part of the story. Again, Beth does a great job to re-inform the reader but it also creates a drawn out process to get to the meat/heart of the book. The real time of this book is also something I didn’t favor as it slowed down/dragged out the overall story. We just went through the entire first half of the book and understand the nuances of their high risk student program, Trudie’s background with her father, Alex’s background with his family, and the roadblocks of their relationship. In Part Two, I wanted to accelerate past that and arrive deeper into the story. While we did eventually, the journey was at a snail's pace.
I will warn that if you read The Perfect Voice, the lack of continuity between the two books may create frustration after awhile. For this book, focus on what you gather from The Perfect Lesson in terms of who Trudie is and her timelines of events. If you do read the Perfect Voice (or read it in between, like me) again just take away who Ruby and Daniel are as their story is referenced in The Perfect Lesson and more so in Making Perfect Sense.
Like those who truly enjoy Ali Hazelwood’s books due to their STEM affiliation, individuals with a psychological background would be the perfect audience for The Perfect Lesson and Making Perfect Sense. Unfortunately, outside of that realm, the book may be too focused on the psychological profile of its characters and educational/supportive impact of youth - pulling away from the essence of a romance. For those who are just looking for a romance to melt into, this would not be it. For those who looking for a Michael Crichton approach to romance - a book that educations as well as entertains, you may find what you are looking for.
Having read The Perfect Lesson and The Perfect Voice, I have watched Trudie and Alex grow into the people they always dreamed of being. I have also witnessed the power of nurturing and the long lasting impact teachers can have in the lives of children. In that same breathe, we bear witness to the damage of bureaucracy and how disconnected decision makers can do more harm than good. Making Perfect Sense brings long awaited closure for those who believe that with love, dedication, and sacrifice - anything is possible.
In Part Two, we rejoin Trudie and Alex, post New York Gala fallout. Life is moving forward and Trudie doesn’t know what to think, how to feel, or even how to fathom working along side Alex. With great growth comes great discomfort and Trudie is in unfamiliar territory. She’s not alone in her murky sea of thought as Alex has his own skeletons to deal with. His ex-fiance Sheila has reared her ugly head, causing the woman he loves to flee without a word. Knowing Trudie’s tendency to be standoffish and skittish when she feels out of control and hurt, he’s on the outside looking in - lost at how to reach her when she still refuses to give him the time of day. He’s called, he’s texted, and when he drops off her stuff, he is shattered that she won’t even look at him. The only luck on his side is their paired project forces their paths to cross. Locked in a conference room (thank you Eloise), he is able to rekindle the connection, fanning the flames through heart to hearts and big reveals, allowing them to come together, yet again. The problem is, with two people as broken as they are - are they strong enough to build a bond that will last forever?
The evolution of Trudie’s character was visible in Part Two. In Part One, I constantly felt as if she was overreacting, shutting down, displaying more of a childlike behavior than a grown woman who has spent five years learning the tools she needed to move on. In Part Two, she was present, she was vocal, her inner voice pushed her to “grow up” and take ownership.
With the combination of part one and two creating a whole story, it is easy to see how this book would truly be a favorite for those in the education or psychology field. Unfortunately, while there were so many things I loved about Making Perfect Sense, the continuity of the overall story (looking at all three books - not just The Perfect Lesson), the cliffhanger, the 180 of the characters, and the laser focus on the school program for at risk children pulled me too far out to truly enjoy it.
The disservice of a cliffhanger is the “hope” that the reader has retained the information from the first part of the book. While Beth did provide a Prologue, the time between Part One and Part Two did make the recollection of facts somewhat cumbersome. For that reason, I felt lost the first couple of chapters. If this story simply stuck with the push and pull of Trudie and Alex, it would have been easier to jump right in. Instead, we needed to also remember the program Trudie and Alex were building as it is such an intricate part of the story. Again, Beth does a great job to re-inform the reader but it also creates a drawn out process to get to the meat/heart of the book. The real time of this book is also something I didn’t favor as it slowed down/dragged out the overall story. We just went through the entire first half of the book and understand the nuances of their high risk student program, Trudie’s background with her father, Alex’s background with his family, and the roadblocks of their relationship. In Part Two, I wanted to accelerate past that and arrive deeper into the story. While we did eventually, the journey was at a snail's pace.
I will warn that if you read The Perfect Voice, the lack of continuity between the two books may create frustration after awhile. For this book, focus on what you gather from The Perfect Lesson in terms of who Trudie is and her timelines of events. If you do read the Perfect Voice (or read it in between, like me) again just take away who Ruby and Daniel are as their story is referenced in The Perfect Lesson and more so in Making Perfect Sense.
Like those who truly enjoy Ali Hazelwood’s books due to their STEM affiliation, individuals with a psychological background would be the perfect audience for The Perfect Lesson and Making Perfect Sense. Unfortunately, outside of that realm, the book may be too focused on the psychological profile of its characters and educational/supportive impact of youth - pulling away from the essence of a romance. For those who are just looking for a romance to melt into, this would not be it. For those who looking for a Michael Crichton approach to romance - a book that educations as well as entertains, you may find what you are looking for.
The Score by Elle Kennedy
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
5.0
Spoilers removed so review bounces around.
Venturing back to Briar University campus, we move down the bromance roster and get to see the inner workings of one Dean Di Laurentis - a.k.a. Mr. Sunshine himself. This time, we have the added bonus of bringing back one of our favorite characters, Allie Hayes. When we first met her in The Deal, she was the supportive best friend of Hannah and making things work with Sean. Now in The Score, we get to find out who Allie really is and how life doesn't always work on the way we plan.
Life as Allie Hayes knows it, is about to change. For better or for the worst, that is still up for debate. After one fight too many, Allie finally decides to pull the plug on her long time boyfriend Sean. Granted, she has broken up with Sean countless times but it never sticks; however, this time will be different. She's older, stronger, smarter, and has ever intention of hiding like a coward at her best friend’s boyfriend house where Sean wouldn’t think to look for her (or be greeted by overly protective hockey players if he did manage to track her down). All she needs to do is stay away from her phone - no calls, no texts, no meetups. Open heart surgery would be easier but Allie is determined to stick to her guns. So much so that she has enlisted Dean Di Laurentis to take possession of her phone to avoid any temptation. It’s the least he could do after his snide babysitting comments. Yes, she may have interrupted what looked like a “Dear Penthouse” moment for Dean but this was a crisis! Dean, on the other hand, knows the perfect way to keep Allie distracted but a one night stand girl she is not. Well she didn’t think she was until she woke up the next morning with a tequila fueled hangover and chest slamming recall of the night before. Desperate to right a horrendous (yet insanely enjoyable) wrong, Allie demands the night is forgotten, declares it won’t happen again, and puts as much distance between her and Dean as possible. Easier said than done as Allie just delivered the best night of Dean’s life and he isn’t quite ready to forget.
I always enjoy Elle Kennedy’s books and The Score is just as mind-blowing as the rest. The universe (or in this case - University) she has built has become a second home. We know these guys! I feel like I have been invited inside of this sacred family and get to see where life takes them. Having read the first two books, we know where Logan and Garrett go. Now we see how life is panning out for Dean and Allie.
What I loved the MOST about this book was how Dean taught Allie to love who she was and not let anyone else make her feel less than. He showed her that labels are just words without meaning - we have to give them meaning to do any type of damage.
While I am sure there are words to describe the intensity of spice in this book, none come to mind. Dean really brought it out of Allie or at least unlocked the door she had it hidden behind. These two together was like poor gasoline on an open flame!
Each of these books draws you in, makes you laugh, make you cry, and reminds you that no matter what age - life always has something to teach you. Kennedy provides a peek at what's to come in The Goal and I can't wait to crack that one open!
Venturing back to Briar University campus, we move down the bromance roster and get to see the inner workings of one Dean Di Laurentis - a.k.a. Mr. Sunshine himself. This time, we have the added bonus of bringing back one of our favorite characters, Allie Hayes. When we first met her in The Deal, she was the supportive best friend of Hannah and making things work with Sean. Now in The Score, we get to find out who Allie really is and how life doesn't always work on the way we plan.
Life as Allie Hayes knows it, is about to change. For better or for the worst, that is still up for debate. After one fight too many, Allie finally decides to pull the plug on her long time boyfriend Sean. Granted, she has broken up with Sean countless times but it never sticks; however, this time will be different. She's older, stronger, smarter, and has ever intention of hiding like a coward at her best friend’s boyfriend house where Sean wouldn’t think to look for her (or be greeted by overly protective hockey players if he did manage to track her down). All she needs to do is stay away from her phone - no calls, no texts, no meetups. Open heart surgery would be easier but Allie is determined to stick to her guns. So much so that she has enlisted Dean Di Laurentis to take possession of her phone to avoid any temptation. It’s the least he could do after his snide babysitting comments. Yes, she may have interrupted what looked like a “Dear Penthouse” moment for Dean but this was a crisis! Dean, on the other hand, knows the perfect way to keep Allie distracted but a one night stand girl she is not. Well she didn’t think she was until she woke up the next morning with a tequila fueled hangover and chest slamming recall of the night before. Desperate to right a horrendous (yet insanely enjoyable) wrong, Allie demands the night is forgotten, declares it won’t happen again, and puts as much distance between her and Dean as possible. Easier said than done as Allie just delivered the best night of Dean’s life and he isn’t quite ready to forget.
I always enjoy Elle Kennedy’s books and The Score is just as mind-blowing as the rest. The universe (or in this case - University) she has built has become a second home. We know these guys! I feel like I have been invited inside of this sacred family and get to see where life takes them. Having read the first two books, we know where Logan and Garrett go. Now we see how life is panning out for Dean and Allie.
What I loved the MOST about this book was how Dean taught Allie to love who she was and not let anyone else make her feel less than. He showed her that labels are just words without meaning - we have to give them meaning to do any type of damage.
While I am sure there are words to describe the intensity of spice in this book, none come to mind. Dean really brought it out of Allie or at least unlocked the door she had it hidden behind. These two together was like poor gasoline on an open flame!
Each of these books draws you in, makes you laugh, make you cry, and reminds you that no matter what age - life always has something to teach you. Kennedy provides a peek at what's to come in The Goal and I can't wait to crack that one open!
Neanderthal Seeks Human by Penny Reid
4.0
Spoilers removed.
As the first book I have read by Penny Reid, I really wanted to love it! While I did enjoy the humor (she had me laughing before I finished the first page), I just couldn’t go all in with this book. The the storyline of Janie and Quinn was solid; however, it was the subplots that consistently pulled my attention away, causing my interest to dip until we were finally able to get back to the heart of the story. Understanding Neanderthal Seeks Human was Penny’s debut novel, I believe her writing was still finding its footing and the rest of the series may be more formulated and awe-inspiring.
To say Janie has had a bad day would be a gross understatement. First, she finds out her boyfriend has been cheating on her. Next, she spectacularly destroys her work outfit and has to borrow a variety of items to resemble a partially functioning/half decent human being. But it doesn’t stop there! Of course she is also fired once she gets to work, conveniently being part of a downsizing of one. You would think mercy would be taken on her at some point but the icing on the cake, the extremely hot security guard – Sir McHotPants, the man she can’t even look in the face, has been assigned to escort her off the premises. What has she possibly done to deserve all of this?! Out of the three sisters, she was the good one, the calm one, the one who always did the right thing. Taking a deep breath (after hiding in the bathroom post firing and pre McHotPants), Quinn leaves with her head held high and resolves to get her life back on track. After sulking around the apartment and embracing her new reclusive way of life, her roommate and best friend Elizabeth suggests a girls night out. Not knowing what she signed up for, she definitely wasn’t expecting to run into McHotPants – i.e. Quinn! She also didn’t expect to wake up hungover, in her underwear, and in a strange bed the next morning! Quickly to reassure her nothing happened, Quinn offers to help Janie snag a job where he works. Going full circle and back where it all started, Janie finally feels like things are working out. Now if she can just figure out her love life. Lucky for her, Quinn has an answer for that too!
Janie was unlike any character I have read in book! Her trivia knowledge alone below me away. She was gorgeous but didn’t see it. Deserved the world and yet felt so undeserving of the love and attention from anyone. Everything that made her special was viewed as a hindrance or made her a “freak”. I did love her scathing sense of humor and moments where she showed that she could hold her own.
As mentioned initially, I had waxing and waning attention with this book. There were times where it was so good that I couldn’t put it down but other times that anything but reading it was appealing. When the story stuck with Janie and Quinn, it had my full attention. When it started to focus on the family dynamics, dark history, and a sub story, it pulled focus. It made a lighthearted story a little too dark.
The book walked the line of a heated closed door romance. The lead ups were sizzling and the post recaps where clean but didn’t leave the reader in the dark of what happened “off camera”. If you prefer spice, it is slight frustrating. If you prefer steam but keeping it clean, it does an excellent job!
I would say more in an indirect way, the book focuses on stereotyping, perspective, and the ways of viewing the world. Just because one person is one way doesn’t mean that everyone else who exhibits the same characteristics should be labeled and treated the same way. We are all uniquely different and each situation should be taken into consideration for what it is. Should past experiences influence our perspective? Sure, but we should still be open minded about the elements that are different and impactful.
While I don’t see myself reading any more books in this series, I do highly recommend it for those who love a steamy romance with humor, suspense, drama, and a quirky group of characters that keep you smiling, guessing, laughing, and loving from beginning to end.
As the first book I have read by Penny Reid, I really wanted to love it! While I did enjoy the humor (she had me laughing before I finished the first page), I just couldn’t go all in with this book. The the storyline of Janie and Quinn was solid; however, it was the subplots that consistently pulled my attention away, causing my interest to dip until we were finally able to get back to the heart of the story. Understanding Neanderthal Seeks Human was Penny’s debut novel, I believe her writing was still finding its footing and the rest of the series may be more formulated and awe-inspiring.
To say Janie has had a bad day would be a gross understatement. First, she finds out her boyfriend has been cheating on her. Next, she spectacularly destroys her work outfit and has to borrow a variety of items to resemble a partially functioning/half decent human being. But it doesn’t stop there! Of course she is also fired once she gets to work, conveniently being part of a downsizing of one. You would think mercy would be taken on her at some point but the icing on the cake, the extremely hot security guard – Sir McHotPants, the man she can’t even look in the face, has been assigned to escort her off the premises. What has she possibly done to deserve all of this?! Out of the three sisters, she was the good one, the calm one, the one who always did the right thing. Taking a deep breath (after hiding in the bathroom post firing and pre McHotPants), Quinn leaves with her head held high and resolves to get her life back on track. After sulking around the apartment and embracing her new reclusive way of life, her roommate and best friend Elizabeth suggests a girls night out. Not knowing what she signed up for, she definitely wasn’t expecting to run into McHotPants – i.e. Quinn! She also didn’t expect to wake up hungover, in her underwear, and in a strange bed the next morning! Quickly to reassure her nothing happened, Quinn offers to help Janie snag a job where he works. Going full circle and back where it all started, Janie finally feels like things are working out. Now if she can just figure out her love life. Lucky for her, Quinn has an answer for that too!
Janie was unlike any character I have read in book! Her trivia knowledge alone below me away. She was gorgeous but didn’t see it. Deserved the world and yet felt so undeserving of the love and attention from anyone. Everything that made her special was viewed as a hindrance or made her a “freak”. I did love her scathing sense of humor and moments where she showed that she could hold her own.
As mentioned initially, I had waxing and waning attention with this book. There were times where it was so good that I couldn’t put it down but other times that anything but reading it was appealing. When the story stuck with Janie and Quinn, it had my full attention. When it started to focus on the family dynamics, dark history, and a sub story, it pulled focus. It made a lighthearted story a little too dark.
The book walked the line of a heated closed door romance. The lead ups were sizzling and the post recaps where clean but didn’t leave the reader in the dark of what happened “off camera”. If you prefer spice, it is slight frustrating. If you prefer steam but keeping it clean, it does an excellent job!
I would say more in an indirect way, the book focuses on stereotyping, perspective, and the ways of viewing the world. Just because one person is one way doesn’t mean that everyone else who exhibits the same characteristics should be labeled and treated the same way. We are all uniquely different and each situation should be taken into consideration for what it is. Should past experiences influence our perspective? Sure, but we should still be open minded about the elements that are different and impactful.
While I don’t see myself reading any more books in this series, I do highly recommend it for those who love a steamy romance with humor, suspense, drama, and a quirky group of characters that keep you smiling, guessing, laughing, and loving from beginning to end.
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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
5.0
***Spoilers have been removed so review will jump around.***
It has taken me FOREVER to write this review and it still feels like I just finished this book yesterday. The layers upon layers between Nate and Anastasia burrow so deep into your psyche that you find yourself thinking about scenes long after you close the book. If you are a fan of Elle Kennedy and have finished the Off-Campus Series - consider this a second helping (yes, I am aware of the Briar U Spin-off).
For as long as she could remember, all Anastasia ever wanted to be was a figure skater. Now, with her partner Aaron, she finally has a chance of qualifying, moving her even closer to her dream of competing in the Olympics. Said dream quickly turns into a nightmare when the antics of the school's hockey team causes one of the only two rinks on campus to shut down, forcing the skaters and hockey players to split rink time. With competitions coming up, consolidated practice time and distractions are not an option, even if the drop dead gorgeous Hockey Captain is apologetic and determined to "make nice". As the hostility builds, the coaches come up with a bright idea to have an icebreaker exercise. Despite skepticism everywhere, it works and bonds are formed. All is well until one run-in leads to an unexpected connection. Reminding herself that she doesn’t do relationships and can live without the drama, Anastasia suddenly realizes there is something (or someone) else she can’t seem to live without.
The best way to describe this book is as a very "casual", laid back read. It has its moments of intensity and insanely spicy scenes, but nothing was over the top, which is a nice change of pace. You didn't feel like you were going 160mph in terms of intensity and hostility between these two characters. It felt more like watching a relationship develop and evolve - namely the ups and downs caused by different backgrounds combined with their own hopes, aspirations, and dreams. What did make me laugh was the unrealistic maturity level of people in their very early 20s. While I am not saying it is impossible, it reminded me a lot of Dawson’s Creek and the unbelievable vocabulary and articulation of high school students!
Back to the casualness of the story, when reading most contemporary romantic comedies, as I have said on numerous occasions, the tone is set by an overly used formula. This one didn’t even consider it and just let events fold as they happened. This book was a literary rollercoaster (again no deep dives or high drops, just in the up and down aspect).
The supporting characters in this book were some of my favorite people. I am 100% IN LOVE with Nate’s teammates. Robbie cracked me up and I am head over heels for Henry! JJ was just too much for his own good! I also enjoyed the inclusivity of the book, from Robbie being wheelchair bound to JJ being pansexual, the sexual liberty of Anastasia and Henry having same sex parents.
I think for individuals disappointed in this book, what they may not have liked was the mellowness of it and the lack of resolve for certain characters. There are a few characters plot holes that leave open the possibility of adding books to the series but if this is a one and done, we are left wondering what happened!
***Quick note - as again it has taken me a lifetime to write this review, I have learned there is a book two! While I was hoping it was going to be about Henry, it focuses on Russ. Can't wait!***
Anyone who has read this book will tell you it is hot. Sure, I could call this book spicy. I could call in steamy. Truth be told, I feel like it needs a whole new category. This book was not just five alarm chili hot, it was stuck in Death Valley kind of heat! Hannah over delivered and just kept it coming. The scenes between Nate and Anastasia were some of the best I have read (no one has been able to top AK Landow yet though but Tessa Bailey and Amy Daws may have some competition!)
While the heat was front and center (and what many gushed about when it came to this book), I enjoyed the ongoing theme of communication and therapy. The book also showed how some may try to weaponize mental health as well.
Icebreaker is definitely one I will read again in the future. Again, it wasn't the type of book that will have you weeping (fanning yourself - definitely) but it will get those gears moving and give you a lot to think about when it comes to love, life, relationships, friendship, hopes, and dreams.
It has taken me FOREVER to write this review and it still feels like I just finished this book yesterday. The layers upon layers between Nate and Anastasia burrow so deep into your psyche that you find yourself thinking about scenes long after you close the book. If you are a fan of Elle Kennedy and have finished the Off-Campus Series - consider this a second helping (yes, I am aware of the Briar U Spin-off).
For as long as she could remember, all Anastasia ever wanted to be was a figure skater. Now, with her partner Aaron, she finally has a chance of qualifying, moving her even closer to her dream of competing in the Olympics. Said dream quickly turns into a nightmare when the antics of the school's hockey team causes one of the only two rinks on campus to shut down, forcing the skaters and hockey players to split rink time. With competitions coming up, consolidated practice time and distractions are not an option, even if the drop dead gorgeous Hockey Captain is apologetic and determined to "make nice". As the hostility builds, the coaches come up with a bright idea to have an icebreaker exercise. Despite skepticism everywhere, it works and bonds are formed. All is well until one run-in leads to an unexpected connection. Reminding herself that she doesn’t do relationships and can live without the drama, Anastasia suddenly realizes there is something (or someone) else she can’t seem to live without.
The best way to describe this book is as a very "casual", laid back read. It has its moments of intensity and insanely spicy scenes, but nothing was over the top, which is a nice change of pace. You didn't feel like you were going 160mph in terms of intensity and hostility between these two characters. It felt more like watching a relationship develop and evolve - namely the ups and downs caused by different backgrounds combined with their own hopes, aspirations, and dreams. What did make me laugh was the unrealistic maturity level of people in their very early 20s. While I am not saying it is impossible, it reminded me a lot of Dawson’s Creek and the unbelievable vocabulary and articulation of high school students!
Back to the casualness of the story, when reading most contemporary romantic comedies, as I have said on numerous occasions, the tone is set by an overly used formula. This one didn’t even consider it and just let events fold as they happened. This book was a literary rollercoaster (again no deep dives or high drops, just in the up and down aspect).
The supporting characters in this book were some of my favorite people. I am 100% IN LOVE with Nate’s teammates. Robbie cracked me up and I am head over heels for Henry! JJ was just too much for his own good! I also enjoyed the inclusivity of the book, from Robbie being wheelchair bound to JJ being pansexual, the sexual liberty of Anastasia and Henry having same sex parents.
I think for individuals disappointed in this book, what they may not have liked was the mellowness of it and the lack of resolve for certain characters. There are a few characters plot holes that leave open the possibility of adding books to the series but if this is a one and done, we are left wondering what happened!
***Quick note - as again it has taken me a lifetime to write this review, I have learned there is a book two! While I was hoping it was going to be about Henry, it focuses on Russ. Can't wait!***
Anyone who has read this book will tell you it is hot. Sure, I could call this book spicy. I could call in steamy. Truth be told, I feel like it needs a whole new category. This book was not just five alarm chili hot, it was stuck in Death Valley kind of heat! Hannah over delivered and just kept it coming. The scenes between Nate and Anastasia were some of the best I have read (no one has been able to top AK Landow yet though but Tessa Bailey and Amy Daws may have some competition!)
While the heat was front and center (and what many gushed about when it came to this book), I enjoyed the ongoing theme of communication and therapy. The book also showed how some may try to weaponize mental health as well.
Icebreaker is definitely one I will read again in the future. Again, it wasn't the type of book that will have you weeping (fanning yourself - definitely) but it will get those gears moving and give you a lot to think about when it comes to love, life, relationships, friendship, hopes, and dreams.
Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon
5.0
The splayed open honest communication in this book was so refreshing that I had to make sure I mentioned it. There was no “saving face” or long breaks due to miscommunication. Rachel Lynn Solomon did what every romance reader begs authors to do, she made the characters talk to each other, not just about the easy things but the hard, embarrassing, vulnerable truths we have a tendency to avoid. Add in the humor, sultry scenes, and (as always) fantastic writing and Business or Pleasure will be yet another book by Rachel that you simply can’t put down.
“Reach for the moon. Even if you fail, you will land amongst the stars!” What a load of crap! Chandler had reached for the stars when she graduated with her journalism degree and landed her dream job. She reached for the stars when her unrequited love for Wyatt finally lead somewhere. Where has all of that gotten her! Sitting in the back of a bookstore watching yet another author take full credit for her ghostwriting work, nursing a broken heart. All she ever wanted to be when she was a child was an author. Cozy mysteries were her passion and her family loved the ones she would share. Now, sans a real job since the company she worked for folded, making do in the land of freelance writing, Chandler doesn’t know which way is up and she is drowning. Seeking refuge from her spinning thoughts and quickly recognized rock bottom, Chandler meets a gorgeous man at the bar and hits it off instantly. Never one to be a risk taker, Chandler decides to throw caution to the wind as Drew invites her to enjoy the evening with him. Mind blowing connection, sparks everywhere, this night looks all kinds of promising until it ends with the worst sex she has ever had in her life! How?! How could a connection so strong go south so fast! Mortified on his behalf, Chandler sneaks out to survive yet another day only to receive a call from her agent that a potential ghostwriting job is up for grabs and she has minutes to make it to the interview. Not what she pictures but a fan of job security and paying her bills, Chandler walks in to find no other than her one night stand sitting at the table. Turns out the illustrious “Drew” is no other than Finn Walsh from the hit show “The Nocturnals”. Realizing she definitely did something to warrant this level of bad luck, Chandler pretends to not know Drew/Finn until the agent leaves the table. Frustration, confusion, and hushed whispers aside, Chandler knows she can’t possibly take this job but can’t argue against Finn’s reasoning for wanting her talent. She concedes but quickly regrets her decision when a truce to forget the past reveals how she truly felt about their night together. Hoping that brief moment of confession is forgotten, once they reconnect to work – Finn shares that he did some “research” to validate her claim and finds out it is absolutely true! Simply making a joke to lighten the mood, Chandler offers to give Finn a few pointers to improve his bedroom etiquette. She can’t believe her surprise (and excitement?) when he agrees. As if her life wasn’t a mess before, now she has been tasked with not only writing a memoir, but helping Finn become a rockstar between the sheets. What is happening?!
While this was not a dual POV book, it almost felt like it as Finn was so transparent with everything – what he was thinking, how he was feeling, what was going on his life. Yes, Chandler was writing his memoir so that setup was perfect for the reader but the way Rachel presented it just seemed so natural. I loved how they were from different walks of life but were able to relate on the same level.
I loved Chandler’s spiraling as a character. She didn’t just look at that world and say “Here I am, take me or leave me”. She felt like her life was a dumpster fire but she was doing what she could to just stay above water and be happy. She didn’t want to rock the boat and her safety net had become her lifeline. She had no problem saying what needed to be said, speaking her truth, and being honest with others. It was being honest with herself, facing her fears, believing in her own capabilities that always tripped her up. Again, I applaud the communication throughout the story – it was so open and freeing. Her discussions with Noemie, her parents, no one sugar-coated in this story and it was never taken as an insult when someone said what “needed” to be said instead of what someone wanted to hear. The characters Rachel created were thoughtful, well-rounded, relatable, and simply the best.
As for Finn’s character, I don’t think it is possible to talk about him without hearts in my eyes. He was sweet, dorky, kind, loving, and very self-aware.
Seeing the fact that part of Finn and Chandler’s time together was spent giving intimacy lessons, yes – yes it was steamy and educational. With Chandler’s gender and sexuality educational background, Rachel had a chance to provide knowledge as well as heat to the reader. Asides for the initial mishap that will have you peeking through your fingers and cringing on Chandler’s behalf, their spicy moments could melt the pages but the communication factor between knowing one’s desires and feeling empowered to share them was invaluable. I did appreciate that all of this started because Finn put his ego aside and actually reached out to prior partners to see how he was in bed. Who does that?! Just one more reason why his character quickly became a personal favorite.
If the review hasn’t reveal it by now, communication, as well as acceptance, was the cornerstone of this book. Whether it was accepting who you are despite what others believed, communicating the good as well as the bad and being open to speaking and listening – without judgement, or simply trusting your own inner voice – Rachel reminds us that the journey of finding ourselves and following our hearts can be arduous but worth it in the end.
“Reach for the moon. Even if you fail, you will land amongst the stars!” What a load of crap! Chandler had reached for the stars when she graduated with her journalism degree and landed her dream job. She reached for the stars when her unrequited love for Wyatt finally lead somewhere. Where has all of that gotten her! Sitting in the back of a bookstore watching yet another author take full credit for her ghostwriting work, nursing a broken heart. All she ever wanted to be when she was a child was an author. Cozy mysteries were her passion and her family loved the ones she would share. Now, sans a real job since the company she worked for folded, making do in the land of freelance writing, Chandler doesn’t know which way is up and she is drowning. Seeking refuge from her spinning thoughts and quickly recognized rock bottom, Chandler meets a gorgeous man at the bar and hits it off instantly. Never one to be a risk taker, Chandler decides to throw caution to the wind as Drew invites her to enjoy the evening with him. Mind blowing connection, sparks everywhere, this night looks all kinds of promising until it ends with the worst sex she has ever had in her life! How?! How could a connection so strong go south so fast! Mortified on his behalf, Chandler sneaks out to survive yet another day only to receive a call from her agent that a potential ghostwriting job is up for grabs and she has minutes to make it to the interview. Not what she pictures but a fan of job security and paying her bills, Chandler walks in to find no other than her one night stand sitting at the table. Turns out the illustrious “Drew” is no other than Finn Walsh from the hit show “The Nocturnals”. Realizing she definitely did something to warrant this level of bad luck, Chandler pretends to not know Drew/Finn until the agent leaves the table. Frustration, confusion, and hushed whispers aside, Chandler knows she can’t possibly take this job but can’t argue against Finn’s reasoning for wanting her talent. She concedes but quickly regrets her decision when a truce to forget the past reveals how she truly felt about their night together. Hoping that brief moment of confession is forgotten, once they reconnect to work – Finn shares that he did some “research” to validate her claim and finds out it is absolutely true! Simply making a joke to lighten the mood, Chandler offers to give Finn a few pointers to improve his bedroom etiquette. She can’t believe her surprise (and excitement?) when he agrees. As if her life wasn’t a mess before, now she has been tasked with not only writing a memoir, but helping Finn become a rockstar between the sheets. What is happening?!
While this was not a dual POV book, it almost felt like it as Finn was so transparent with everything – what he was thinking, how he was feeling, what was going on his life. Yes, Chandler was writing his memoir so that setup was perfect for the reader but the way Rachel presented it just seemed so natural. I loved how they were from different walks of life but were able to relate on the same level.
I loved Chandler’s spiraling as a character. She didn’t just look at that world and say “Here I am, take me or leave me”. She felt like her life was a dumpster fire but she was doing what she could to just stay above water and be happy. She didn’t want to rock the boat and her safety net had become her lifeline. She had no problem saying what needed to be said, speaking her truth, and being honest with others. It was being honest with herself, facing her fears, believing in her own capabilities that always tripped her up. Again, I applaud the communication throughout the story – it was so open and freeing. Her discussions with Noemie, her parents, no one sugar-coated in this story and it was never taken as an insult when someone said what “needed” to be said instead of what someone wanted to hear. The characters Rachel created were thoughtful, well-rounded, relatable, and simply the best.
As for Finn’s character, I don’t think it is possible to talk about him without hearts in my eyes. He was sweet, dorky, kind, loving, and very self-aware.
Seeing the fact that part of Finn and Chandler’s time together was spent giving intimacy lessons, yes – yes it was steamy and educational. With Chandler’s gender and sexuality educational background, Rachel had a chance to provide knowledge as well as heat to the reader. Asides for the initial mishap that will have you peeking through your fingers and cringing on Chandler’s behalf, their spicy moments could melt the pages but the communication factor between knowing one’s desires and feeling empowered to share them was invaluable. I did appreciate that all of this started because Finn put his ego aside and actually reached out to prior partners to see how he was in bed. Who does that?! Just one more reason why his character quickly became a personal favorite.
If the review hasn’t reveal it by now, communication, as well as acceptance, was the cornerstone of this book. Whether it was accepting who you are despite what others believed, communicating the good as well as the bad and being open to speaking and listening – without judgement, or simply trusting your own inner voice – Rachel reminds us that the journey of finding ourselves and following our hearts can be arduous but worth it in the end.
Wanderlust by Elle Everhart
3.0
Truth be told, I REALLY struggled with this book. I also question the comparison of People We Meet on Vacation and The Unhoneymooners. Taking into account they are two strangers traveling together that have some hostility between them, that is the extent of the similarities. For this reason, readers may be set up with unrealistic expectations when diving in, setting the foundation for a less than thrilling reading experience - especially with the heavy, trigger topics throughout the book. As the debut novel of Elle Everhart, I wanted to like this book, especially after reading the summary, but it was only a three star experience for me.
All Dylan’s dreamed of was her own column in the illustrious Buxom Magazine. The article she thought would give her the life she wanted almost ruined it. Now, two years since the ill-fated article was released, she finds herself writing quizzes and daydreaming about what could have been. Stuck in the monotony that is her workday, Dylan’s decides to take a chance when a local radio station offers a dream vacation to the tenth caller. The catch, the winner’s travel companion has to be a randomly selected contact in the person’s phone. Shocked beyond belief when her call in answered and she is announced the winner, Dylan can’t help but believe her life is turning around, that is until her randomly selected travel companion is none other than Jack the Posho - a random hookup at a bar that she had completely forgotten about. Going from bad to worse, her boss calls her up with the idea that her reunion with her one night stand (not a one night stand - just made out at a bar!) would make for a great series. Even better, if her content is a hit and garnishes traffic, Dylan will get her own permanent column in print and on the web. Not a problem - she can do this. Yes, Jack was less than excited to be selected and the past couple of messages have shown zero lingering interest but what her boss (and their readers) don’t know won’t hurt them. What’s the worst that can happen? It’s not like her and Jack are going to magically fall in love.
This book will definitely tease the travel bug in you. Elle takes the time and energy to truly draw in the beauty of each location through Dylan’s eyes. The sights, the sounds, the people, the energy - you can feel it flowing through the pages. If you have been to these places, her recollection will trigger moments of nostalgia. If you have not, the envy will blossom with every page turn. The number of places does become overwhelming after awhile but she tries to balance out the deep details of one location with a brief overview of another.
The characters; however, were a different story. Dylan was a tough pill to swallow. I agree with her best friend Gwen, she really did need to pick her battles instead of making each argument the "hill she was willing to die on". For a woman approaching her thirties, she has a very childlike temperament. It may have been aimed more towards Jack but I hated that she made him feel like he couldn’t do anything right. I also thought it was hypocritical that when he treated her with any type of disdain, she took it as an mortal wound to her psyche but he was supposed to willingly accept her constant put downs. As the book progressed, her character becomes more tolerable but not enough to reverse the opinions that may have already formed. I believe this is a case where a dual POV would have helped shape the opinions of the characters a lot more instead of having single POV in third person. Dylan also harbored a lot of anger that takes away or places a dark shadow on any humor in the book.
Speaking of which, I will definitely say this book is not for everyone. There are a lot of heavy, triggering issues that should probably have been mentioned either at the beginning of the book or somewhere in the summary. The topics of doxxing, cyberbulling, sexuality, abortion, and harassment that were discussed were illustrated well and brought a lot of information to light. The problem was the resolve, especially with Dylan's issues with her parents and the amount of repetitive focus that took away from the overall storyline. The book moved away from being about two people jetsetting around the world and became more about Dylan's fall out of an abortion article, her uncertainty of true acceptance when she came out, and the overall rift in her family. While that would have been fine as a backdrop and the reason she bonded with Jack (as he had his own issues with his parents), it became too front and center, moving this away from a Contemporary Romance/Romantic Comedy and more toward Women's Fiction.
Tried as I might, the book just couldn’t hold my attention. Whether it was the odd end of chapter drop-offs, the unlikeable female protagonist, or just the lackluster overall story - my focus kept wavering. I also think this was the first time I didn’t want an HEA because I honestly didn't believe the chemistry between these two characters. While I believe Wanderlust was a commendable first attempt at a novel, it just wasn't for me.
All Dylan’s dreamed of was her own column in the illustrious Buxom Magazine. The article she thought would give her the life she wanted almost ruined it. Now, two years since the ill-fated article was released, she finds herself writing quizzes and daydreaming about what could have been. Stuck in the monotony that is her workday, Dylan’s decides to take a chance when a local radio station offers a dream vacation to the tenth caller. The catch, the winner’s travel companion has to be a randomly selected contact in the person’s phone. Shocked beyond belief when her call in answered and she is announced the winner, Dylan can’t help but believe her life is turning around, that is until her randomly selected travel companion is none other than Jack the Posho - a random hookup at a bar that she had completely forgotten about. Going from bad to worse, her boss calls her up with the idea that her reunion with her one night stand (not a one night stand - just made out at a bar!) would make for a great series. Even better, if her content is a hit and garnishes traffic, Dylan will get her own permanent column in print and on the web. Not a problem - she can do this. Yes, Jack was less than excited to be selected and the past couple of messages have shown zero lingering interest but what her boss (and their readers) don’t know won’t hurt them. What’s the worst that can happen? It’s not like her and Jack are going to magically fall in love.
This book will definitely tease the travel bug in you. Elle takes the time and energy to truly draw in the beauty of each location through Dylan’s eyes. The sights, the sounds, the people, the energy - you can feel it flowing through the pages. If you have been to these places, her recollection will trigger moments of nostalgia. If you have not, the envy will blossom with every page turn. The number of places does become overwhelming after awhile but she tries to balance out the deep details of one location with a brief overview of another.
The characters; however, were a different story. Dylan was a tough pill to swallow. I agree with her best friend Gwen, she really did need to pick her battles instead of making each argument the "hill she was willing to die on". For a woman approaching her thirties, she has a very childlike temperament. It may have been aimed more towards Jack but I hated that she made him feel like he couldn’t do anything right. I also thought it was hypocritical that when he treated her with any type of disdain, she took it as an mortal wound to her psyche but he was supposed to willingly accept her constant put downs. As the book progressed, her character becomes more tolerable but not enough to reverse the opinions that may have already formed. I believe this is a case where a dual POV would have helped shape the opinions of the characters a lot more instead of having single POV in third person. Dylan also harbored a lot of anger that takes away or places a dark shadow on any humor in the book.
Speaking of which, I will definitely say this book is not for everyone. There are a lot of heavy, triggering issues that should probably have been mentioned either at the beginning of the book or somewhere in the summary. The topics of doxxing, cyberbulling, sexuality, abortion, and harassment that were discussed were illustrated well and brought a lot of information to light. The problem was the resolve, especially with Dylan's issues with her parents and the amount of repetitive focus that took away from the overall storyline. The book moved away from being about two people jetsetting around the world and became more about Dylan's fall out of an abortion article, her uncertainty of true acceptance when she came out, and the overall rift in her family. While that would have been fine as a backdrop and the reason she bonded with Jack (as he had his own issues with his parents), it became too front and center, moving this away from a Contemporary Romance/Romantic Comedy and more toward Women's Fiction.
Tried as I might, the book just couldn’t hold my attention. Whether it was the odd end of chapter drop-offs, the unlikeable female protagonist, or just the lackluster overall story - my focus kept wavering. I also think this was the first time I didn’t want an HEA because I honestly didn't believe the chemistry between these two characters. While I believe Wanderlust was a commendable first attempt at a novel, it just wasn't for me.
The Perfect Lessons by Beth Gelman
4.0
I want be completely honest – I don’t know how I feel about this book but I believe it is because I have never read a cliffhanger so I have yet to find the resolve I need to create an opinion. I will say I was caught up enough that I want to see what happens so that is a positive in terms of the overall story and quality. For me, the ending makes or breaks a book. Right now, I am at a literary crossroad. If the second book wraps up the story beautifully, it elevates the opinion of the first book (making all of it worth it). If the second book doesn’t live up to expectations (which I doubt but hear me out), it demolishes any feelings towards the first book, making the entire experience feel like a complete waste of time. So…crossroads…
Trudie Gonzalez has one mission this summer – to gain the tools she needs to finally move past the traumas she has carried since her childhood. Well that and find someone to make her body sing in a way Sam never could! First things first, overcoming her deep seated daddy issues and taking the tools she has learned to help the children she teaches. With each step she takes towards her goals, she finds the powers that be are in her favor. First she is hit on by a gorgeous man on a plane. Second, she wins the suite of her dreams. Third, she somehow lands not two but three lectures by the prestigious Dr. Alexander Pierce – the one person guaranteed to help her finally rid herself of her pain so she can grow and thrive. Life is good! Well it was until she crashed chest first into a “brick wall” when she should have been paying attention to where she was going. Apparently the brick wall didn’t appreciate her distraction or having his phone cracked because of it. As quickly as the heavens shined upon her, the storm clouds moved in as the temper-tantrum was coming from none other than Dr. Pierce himself. Having dealt with unruly behavior as a middle school teacher, Trudie quickly shuts him down and walks away. Problem: she has THREE lectures with this man and can only image how he is going to react.
Dr. Pierce has his own issues to deal with. Using this conference to get out of yet another “we are a united family” parade by his parents, Alex is not in the mood to deal with anything or anyone, let along a mouthy yet gorgeous woman that pushes his buttons. When he sees her walk into his first lecture, he decides to use it to get even for her walking away from him. Learning very quick she is more than a pretty face, Alex finds a worthy adversary in his new found firecracker that doesn’t want anything to do with him. After a number of chance run-ins and off the chart chemistry that neither of them can ignore – they finally give in to temptation only for the best night of his life to end with a door slammed in his face. Fast forward a month later, after searching high and low, Alex is shocked when his new consultation job lands him in the good graces of one Trudie Gonzalez. Trudie can’t figure out what she did wrong in life to have Alex reappear after the way he made her feel. Having promised the principal to help bring the school to exemplary status with Alex’s help, Trudie is trapped with working side by side with the only man who has ever made her body come to life. No matter what, they must keep it professional but can she make it to the end of the school year when her body (and his intentions) seem to speak their own language?
This book is hard to describe. I wouldn’t say it is a slow burn because of how quickly we shift from enemies to lovers while they are still in California. It was a slow build up initially but once the passion ignited between the characters, it was like a run away train for the rest of the book. I would definitely say this book, while funny at times, wouldn’t be considered a romantic comedy. I would categorize it as a contemporary romance with the possibility of a chic-lit feel (think coming of age, personal growth of a Sophia Kinsella novel), if it didn’t end on a cliffhanger. The problem with categorizing this book is we don’t have a chance in this first half to see the real growth of the characters. Mix in the programs at the school, the tie in of psychology, the elaboration of troubled youth and how they can be helped, and you can almost understand why this was too much to be in one book. The author wanted to take her time to delve into not just the characters, but their passions. She wanted to show the impact of childhood traumas when we are children as well as when we are adults and how, with programs and mentors who care, the smallest impacts can make the biggest differences.
While I have quickly learned this is not my preferred type of steam, for those who enjoy the Alpha Male, Dominating/Submissive roles with a hint of “Daddy/Little Girl” play, this book is right up your alley! The scenes are hot and some of the moments are insane and wild but again, if you are not a fan of the submissive female role – this may not be for you as that is what takes place is the majority of intimate scenes between these two characters. With that being said, Beth does know how to bring the spice and even if this spicy style trope is not your thing, you can appreciate her talent in writing it!
Again, without knowing how the story will end, I can’t honestly say how I feel about the book. The ending is going to make or break it for me. Was all of this for something or for nothing? Do we see growth or do they remain stagnant, constantly making excuses for their roadblocks. Do they reach an HEA and is it justified or settling. So many questions! Thank goodness part two is scheduled to release August 25!