sdupont's Reviews (551)

Small Town Swoon

Melanie Harlow

5.0

emotional 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

Melanie never disappoints! I just love how her small town romances offer up a perfect mix of sweetness and spice. I loved Ari and Dash. They had a deep and supportive friendship. He was a man obsessed and they were clearly in love. I appreciate that despite being best friend’s brother there is no drama with them coupling up. Honorable mention to the scenes with the brothers and Veronica. If you love a small town romance you need to read this book!

Content Warnings

Swift and Saddled

Lyla Sage

5.0

emotional 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

Lyla Sage hit it out of the park with her sophomore release! Wes and Ada have my heart. This book totally gives off the vibes of Loving You on My Mind by Chris Stapleton. Wes is the sweetest and most supportive. He deeply cares about the people in his life. It hurt my heart that he only saw his value as being of service to his loved ones (but relatable). Ada was equally as relatable with her concerns around people tolerating her rather than liking her. They brought out the best in each other and really found ways to ground one another. I love the Ryder family they just warm my heart. This book both feels like a warm hug and offers up some great spicy scenes. If you are all for a cowboy romance you absolutely need to read this book!

Content Warnings

Tempting Promises

Corinne Michaels

4.0

emotional 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

I’ve really been enjoying the Whitlock Family series. The bond between the siblings is beautiful they clearly would do anything to support one another. This book lets you see that there is more to Rowan than what the persona he plays implies. I liked being able to see Rowan and Charlotte open up to each other. I do feel like their “hatred” game went on longer than necessary. It left me wanting more out of their dynamic. I loved that once Rowan came to the conclusion he was in love he was all in and made it clear that he was sticking around. I do wish we could’ve had more resolution between the two sisters in the end. I recommend this book for the small town/farm girlies.

Content Warnings

Claim Me Forever

A.L. Jackson

4.0

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

This book was not as strong as the other two in the series. I felt like the characters were hot for each other for the jump but it took over 50% of the book for them to start to actually get to know each other. I wanted to see the relationship building sooner. Ezra is a classic protective MMC giving the girlies what they want. I liked Savannah, I felt that her trust issues were very realistic based on her trauma. I wish we could’ve seen a little more of the group, they could’ve helped open up the story a bit. Honorable mention to the kiddos (especially Owen) who were just the cutest! The suspense plot really ramps up at the end. While the plot is resolved, the book ends quick abruptly. I did still enjoy reading this book and would recommend it if you are looking for a romantic suspense vibe.

Content Warnings

Bride

Ali Hazelwood

4.5

emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Wow I could not put this book down! It has all the nostalgia of Twilight but with a more interesting plot. Arranged marriage but they are actually fated mates? Sold. Adding the tension of clashing communities? Count me in. I really enjoyed reading Misery and Lowe’s story and seeing their relationship evolve. We got a little taste of his POV at the beginning of the chapter but I could’ve used some more pining. Honorables mention to Ana who was the cutest. This book had a good mix of compelling plot and romance. I recommend this if you are looking for a good time.

Content Warnings

This Could Be Us

Kennedy Ryan

4.25

emotional slow-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

Kennedy Ryan can do no wrong! If you are looking for a complex, emotional, sexy romance then she is the author for you. This Could Be Us delivers exactly that. I loved being able to Soledad find herself and rebuild a life on her own terms. Her dynamic with Yasmen and Hendrix is such a beautiful display of supportive female friendship. Now for Judah- get you a man who is an excellent father and will support you even if it puts his desires on hold. Judah has is bad for Soledad from the start, it was great seeing them get to know another and have their relationship evolve. My only gripe is that this book is a big of slow start for the romantic plot. We do not see them together for a good portion of the book. I wish it was paced up a little so we could sit in their beautiful little love bubble. Aside from that I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I am very excited for Hendrix’s story next year.

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

Content Warnings

Drive Me Crazy

Carly Robyn

4.0

emotional 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

What better way to honor the first race week of the F1 season than to read an F1 romance? I enjoyed this book. A romance between an athlete and their biographer was a nice twist on the forced proximity. I liked Ella and Blake. As they got to know each other and open up, you could see how they fit together and supported each other. I feel that both characters traumas and struggles were handled well. I recommend this for the F1 girlies looking for a solid romance to read. I am ready for a Theo and Josie book!

Content Warnings

Fangirl Down

Tessa Bailey

3.75

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

This book is wacky but I can’t say I didn’t enjoy reading it. Josephine is a hardcore fan of professional golfer Wells who eventually becomes his caddie for his comeback tour. Wells is a certified obsessed MMC. He has it down bad for Joey, his pining/internal monologue is unreal. I found the pacing for this book to be odd. It has a slowish start then hits the gas hard. He’s in love despite never paying her mind for years. The pacing and absurdity that runs through prevents me from rating it higher. That being said I did enjoy reading this book, I couldn’t put it down. I recommend this for anyone looking for a fun cotton candy read.

Content Warnings

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde

Tia Williams

4.0

emotional mysterious 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: Complicated

I quickly found myself immersed in this book so curious of how the story would unfold. I liked Ricki (side note she deserved so much better than her family). The push and pull between her and Ezra was palpable. I found the interwoven perspectives and timelines to enhance the story. I really enjoyed this one and would recommend!

Content Warnings

The Devil in Blue Jeans

Stacey Kennedy

4.0

emotional 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

So glad I ended up buying that blind date with a book! I really enjoyed this book, it was a quick and easy read. I am a sucker for a cowboy romance and this one delivered some fun banter. I liked Charly and Jaxon for each other. While Jaxon is not very swoony he does have a certain charm and shows up for Charly when she needed him. I do feel like Charly’s emotional baggage preventing her from wanting to commit was realistic. I was surprised that it was resolved so quickly but traumatic life events can speed up when we reevaluate our lives. I am definitely interested to see where things go in book 2 of the series. I recommend this for the cowboy romance girlies and anyone who likes a let’s make a deal trope.

Content Warnings

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