sdupont's reviews
498 reviews

Burn the Wild by Ava Hunter

Go to review page

emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

If you are looking for a dramatic and emotional romantic suspense book then you are in the right place. Ford and Reese may not get off to the best start but they definitely find their way to their happily ever after. Ford and Reese have both been through a lot in the past and have struggled with their mental health. It took them both awhile to open up and be vulnerable but once they did, their anxieties lessened and their connection grew deeper. Ford is your classic protective cowboy which is perfect for Reese who has never had anyone truly in her corner. I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and evolve. I also loved the scenes with the brothers and their wives- such a cute little family. This book is like if Britney Spears was a country star who fell in love with a cowboy. I recommend this for fans of AL Jackson. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Just Like That by Lena Hendrix

Go to review page

emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This series just keeps getting better! I loved JP’s book, it had it all- emotion, spice, and drama. JP is a misunderstood man, cold and calculating on the outside but soft and thoughtful and caring on the inside. I loved being able to dive in and see his complexities (and growth!). Hazel has spent her life in constant motion but now has to settle into a new life raising her nephew. In a way she is finding herself again after experiencing the loss of her sister. Teddy was just the sweetest boy, I loved seeing the three of them become a family. Honorable mention to all the scenes with the Kings and Sullivans- the former dueling now healing families coming together is the best. I couldn’t put this one down. I recommend it for fans of a single guardian trope and small town romances with a side of drama. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Once Smitten, Twice Shy by Chloe Liese

Go to review page

emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Chloe Liese’s romances are like being wrapped in a warm blanket and getting a hug. Her stories are so heartwarming and sweet and gentle. This book is no different. I loved Juliet and Will. They were such soft souls that were destined to find one another. They really were two puzzle pieces fitting together. They really saw each other and were so supportive. I loved seeing Juliet and Will open up and be vulnerable while they “practiced” romance. Their gentle love really blossomed into this beautiful relationship throughout the book. This romance is perfect for those looking for low angst but lots of love and a healthy dose of some spice. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Shoot Your Shot by Lexi LaFleur Brown

Go to review page

emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Hockey romance will enjoy this debut novel. This book features Lucy a painter striving to become a tattoo artist and Jaylen a hockey player aiming for a comeback season. I loved the whole good luck charm aspect of their meet up and relationship setup, especially since hockey players are notoriously superstitious. Lucy is very guarded but sweet Jaylen helps her open up and along the way finds himself becoming equally vulnerable. They both find ways to be supportive of the other and their needs. The mental health aspects of this story were well portrayed- both realistic and suited the character development. I will say at times Lucy was giving off a little too much “I’m not like other girls” energy but I understood it since she had been so alone. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to fans of the black cat x golden retriever trope. 

*I received the ARC for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.* 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Steal My Heart by Laura Pavlov

Go to review page

emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Laura is a small town romance queen! She never disappoints. As always I get so immersed in her books. I enjoyed the start to this new series. Easton and Henley found their way to each other despite some barriers. It was really beautiful seeing Easton open himself back up after experiencing the traumas of his past. He suddenly could see his life on an entirely new trajectory. I equally loved Henley. She was strong and independent (a tad lonely in the way only independent girlies can understand) but deeply caring. Their connection was clear from the jump. Nothing like a little workplace animosity to mask a crush. Honorable mention to Emerson/Nash/Cutler’s cameos! I loved seeing our cute little family again. Speaking of families, I love how tightly connected Easton’s family is. I am excited to see where the series goes from here!
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young

Go to review page

emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

“I have loved you since we were 18…” 

This book is both heart wrenching and heart warming in the best way. Hannah just creates the most fleshed out, complex, and warm characters. You just feel so connected with them. Typically I’m anti-the marriage in crisis trope but this book does it so well. Sarah and Caleb deeply and truly love one another and just needed a way to communicate more openly. Through it all their love and connection shined. Sarah has been through so much, which becomes so clear in the flashbacks. But equally telling was how Caleb has been there supporting her through it all. I appreciated Sarah’s personal journey in the book as well, finally giving herself some grace so she can take the steps she wants in life. It was all so beautifully written. Bonus was the Win and Bo content! I recommend this book to fans of a soulmate/high school sweethearts vibe. 

*I received the ARC for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.* 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Only With Me by Brooke Montgomery

Go to review page

emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Waylon is such a sweet and protective soul. I loved how much he looked out for his twin Wilder. He was so supportive of Harlow, always letting her set the tone and the pace and never making her feel embarrassed for her questions or inexperience. I enjoyed seeing their friendship develop and then grow into something more. Waylon and Harlow understood each other in an easy way. Even with their age gap and her being his ex’s sister, this book is low drama which did surprise me. I recommend this book for fans of a teaching trope moment. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
From Air by Jewel E. Ann

Go to review page

emotional funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book was excellent. It offers one of those stories that is so compelling you keep turning the pages and at the end are left just saying wow. This book delivered on all fronts- banter, chemistry, angst, tension, drama! The secondary plot is a real jaw dropper. I actually gasped while reading. I loved Calvin and Jamie. They book have had some tragedies and found different ways to cope. Despite Calvin’s metaphorical fortress he built, him and Jamie just clicked. Their banter early on was fabulous and often had me smiling and giggling while reading. It was beautiful seeing Calvin slowly become more vulnerable and open himself up to her and the possibilities. Jamie is sunny and persistent. She brought out this other side Calvin didn’t know he had. Honorable mention to the friends because they really supported both Calvin and Jamie as individuals and as a couple. This book is perfect for fans of romance with a side of drama. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
The One I Didn't See Coming by Piper Rayne

Go to review page

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

4.0

I really enjoyed this book, it was fun and so quick to get through. Emmett is a misunderstood carefree jokester. He just wasn’t seen by his family and I felt for him. In comes Briar who is trying to find her way back home after a heartbreak. This is the perfect setup for a roommates moment between Briar and her high school crush. I loved seeing their dynamic shift from adversaries to friends to more. Emmett was so kind and supportive, really being vocal and clear about how he felt. Once Briar let her guard down the just clicked. I will say Gillian and Ben were so over the top with their protective nonsense. Despite that I couldn’t put this book down.  
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Bourbon & Secrets by Victoria Wilder

Go to review page

emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I found this book to be a slow start. It took awhile for the story to get going. I felt that the timeline could’ve been sped up and that the book could’ve been shorter. I liked Lincoln and Faye as a couple. Once they gave into the attraction they just fell into place. I loved Lark and Lily and Griz they offered up great moments of levity during this heavy story. While I am curious to see where the plot lines go in book 3, I am more excited to see what goes down between Ace and Hadley. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings