sdupont's Reviews (551)

The Paradise Problem

Christina Lauren

4.0

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

The Paradise Problem is a good time. Who wouldn’t enjoy a marriage of convenience set on a private island? The beachy vibes were immaculate, brb booking my flight. I liked Liam and Anna. They were good for each other. Liam so desperately needed someone on his side (talk about family drama and manipulation). Despite being dropped into another world Anna is very sure of herself. I loved that she wasn’t constantly doubting herself. I wanted to see a little bit more emotional depth with the characters (and more spicy scenes if I’m being honest). This was a solid Christina Lauren romance. I would recommend this if you are looking for Crazy Rich Asians meets Pretty Woman/The Wedding Date.

Content Warnings

Sweet Spot

Rebecca Jenshak

4.0

funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Rebecca Jenshak always delivers a light and fun sports romance, she even had me into golf for this one! I enjoyed reading Keira and Lincoln’s story. Keira is spunky and driven. All she has been looking for is someone to be in her corner. Lincoln is hard on himself but sees the world for those he loves. It was fun seeing their relationship evolve from the meet cute to coach/athlete and then a relationship. I wish this book was a little angstier especially considering it is a coach/athlete age gap romance. I still enjoyed reading this book and recommend it for fans of her Campus Wallflower series.

Content Warnings

Madame

Sara Cate

DID NOT FINISH: 47%

While I really enjoyed this series, I found this book to not be as strong. I didn’t find the characters as easy to connect to. By 47% in I wasn’t invested in the characters and their relationships with each other. Unfortunately this one was not for me.

Content Warnings

The Pairing

Casey McQuiston

DID NOT FINISH: 49%

I am a huge fan of Casey McQuiston’s previous but unfortunately this book was not it for me. I found the pacing to be extremely slow. The book has far too many detailed descriptions of the locations, drinks, and food to the point it becomes boring. I just could not find myself invested in Kit and Theo as a couple, and I love a second chance romance. Perhaps I would’ve enjoyed this more if it was a movie or limited series where you can see the visuals rather than read the lengthy descriptors.

*I received the ARC for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Content Warnings

Silver Foxed

Kayla Grosse

4.5

funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

This novella is hot and spicy af. It’s short but delivers an engaging story. I really liked Alex and Elijah, I found myself rooting for them to get together from the jump. I feel like this would’ve benefitted from being a little longer. I wanted the secrecy and tension to continue longer and needed a more drawn out resolution with Alex’s father. Aside from that I really enjoyed this novella!

Content Warnings

The Guncle Abroad

Steven Rowley

4.0

emotional funny medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

While The Guncle Abroad is not as strong as The Guncle (which is truly a perfect book), I still enjoyed this sequel. GUP is still as witty as ever. I love his quick jokes and pop culture references, he’s like a Gilmore Girls ep all on his own. I felt that the storyline and journey for him and the kiddos was more compelling in book one. I also wished their trip was a little longer and had more stops before the wedding festivities. That being said there were some moments when GUP, Greg, and the kids were talking about Sara or reading her letter that did have me tearing up. If you enjoyed The Guncle I would recommend picking this book up, it is fun vibes for early summer.

Content Warnings

The Fiancé Dilemma

Elena Armas

5.0

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

Wow this book is excellent, easily my new favorite of Elena’s! I couldn’t put this book down. The energy and chemistry was flying off the page. While this may be a slow burn (I mean it is an Elena Armas book), this book is hot and horny. It also needs to be said that Matthew is hot af. The smirks! The head tilts! The soft and gentle support, giving Josie exactly what she needs! Absolute swooning! Josie and Matthew are perfect for each other they really balance out what the other needs. Josie has never been so seen. I just love that they felt like two puzzle pieces fitting together. This book does a fabulous job of balancing the fun chaos of a quickie fake engagement with a meaningful and emotional relationship that grows overtime I wish we got a little more than a snippet of Matthew’s POV at the end but I think living in Josie’s POV served the story and the plot in a way dual POV couldn’t. Overall I just adored Matthew and Josie and this book.

*I received the ARC for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Content Warnings

The Summer I Destroyed You

Elizabeth O'Roark

4.75

emotional 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

This book was so good! I know that Emmy is supposed to be this unlikeable FMC/anti-heroine but I honestly loved her. She was tough and fierce and sharp in the best way. She’s a real tough kid and can handle her shit. Liam is exactly what Emmy needed. His softness balanced her out. His patience was hot af he knew what he wanted and how to support her to get there. Liam really saw Emmy for who she was and loved her because of it not in spite of it. I loved seeing Emmy break down those walls after finally having someone in her court. I recommend this book for fans of “unlikeable FMCs” like Reckless by Elsie Silver or Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I am very excited for the next one in this series.

Content Warnings

Crossroads

Devney Perry

5.0

emotional 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

Booking a trip to Montana asap! Devney Perry has done it again with an excellent start to her new series. This second chance romance delivers angst, emotion, and spice in droves. The dual timelines are *chef’s kiss* giving the reader the chance to get to the see the couple fall in love in the past and present simultaneously. As for the couple, I loved Indya and West. They both have been through things and despite spendings but have found their way back to each other. They understand and see each other in a way no one else has. The mutual pining in this book is off the charts just like their chemistry. I honestly could not put this book down because I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. Also loved that there was no third act breakup in this one, our babies had been through enough. I am excited to see where this series will go next. Fans of The Edens series will enjoy this first installment in the Haven River Ranch series.

*I received the ARC for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Content Warnings

Annie LeBlanc Is Not Dead Yet

Molly Morris

DID NOT FINISH: 10%

Unfortunately this book was not for me. Early on there is not much background information on Lennon and how the “welcome back” works or why it happens every year. More importantly the writing style is very clunky and does not flow. It reads as a continuous train of thoughts from a teenager but without serving the plot.

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