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shelbybooked's reviews
153 reviews
Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti
5.0
Earl Crush starts three years after Ne'er Duke Well and follows Selina's best friend Lydia Hope-Wallace as she runs off to Scotland to propose a marriage of Convenience to a struggling Earl Strathronnach she's been exchanging letters with for years. However, the Earl whom answers the door has no bloody idea who Lydia is and what letters she's talking about. What follows this misunderstanding is joyful and steamy and a ton of hijinks as Lydia and Arthur try to figure out why Arthur's brother lied to Lydia and used her via letters.
I'm not sure I have the words to adequately explain how Earl Crush is one of the most romantic books I've ever read but this isn't an exaggeration. Truly, simply put, this is one of the best love stories I've had the pleasure of reading.
There's something special about Alexandra's writing. From the first word to the last, I was fully immersed and came out at the end of it just so satisfied and happy and wishing I could re-read this again for the first time.
The epigraphs. Some of the most romantic declarations of love I've ever seen on paper. Some of the funniest, too (Selina and condoms, I chortled). The epilogue had me weeping in its simple depiction of how much they love each other.
This story of full of small moments that breathe life into the ways loving someone quietly and loudly and softly can mean everything. It showcases vulnerability in our fears and how deeply we can be affected by them without even realizing it. How when someone sees you and lifts you up and takes the time to combat your fears, you can do anything. Arthur and Lydia love each other so much. Her bravery and his immediate recognition of it, when everyone else sees only her shyness. His steadfast loyalty and kind heart when everyone else sees a brute. The ways they helped and healed each other.
I loved this book. Thank you SMP and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not sure I have the words to adequately explain how Earl Crush is one of the most romantic books I've ever read but this isn't an exaggeration. Truly, simply put, this is one of the best love stories I've had the pleasure of reading.
There's something special about Alexandra's writing. From the first word to the last, I was fully immersed and came out at the end of it just so satisfied and happy and wishing I could re-read this again for the first time.
The epigraphs. Some of the most romantic declarations of love I've ever seen on paper. Some of the funniest, too (Selina and condoms, I chortled). The epilogue had me weeping in its simple depiction of how much they love each other.
This story of full of small moments that breathe life into the ways loving someone quietly and loudly and softly can mean everything. It showcases vulnerability in our fears and how deeply we can be affected by them without even realizing it. How when someone sees you and lifts you up and takes the time to combat your fears, you can do anything. Arthur and Lydia love each other so much. Her bravery and his immediate recognition of it, when everyone else sees only her shyness. His steadfast loyalty and kind heart when everyone else sees a brute. The ways they helped and healed each other.
I loved this book. Thank you SMP and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
In a Jam by Kate Canterbary
4.0
A lovely story about heartbreak, feeling lost and finding yourself in expected places with unexpected people, and delicious jam recipes.
I enjoyed this one a lot. Shay unable to trust her own instincts. Noah hurt and drowning trying to be everything to everyone. Finding solace in each other, relearning how to be friends while married and falling in love.
I wish to be Gennie when I grow up. I wish to give Gennie the biggest hug ever, even if I'd be competing with Noah and my hug would be awful in comparison.
I enjoyed this one a lot. Shay unable to trust her own instincts. Noah hurt and drowning trying to be everything to everyone. Finding solace in each other, relearning how to be friends while married and falling in love.
I wish to be Gennie when I grow up. I wish to give Gennie the biggest hug ever, even if I'd be competing with Noah and my hug would be awful in comparison.
The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce
5.0
i'll be back to write a more comprehensive review but in the meantime i just need everyone to know that this book is why second chance romance and found family tropes are mmy favorite tropes i'm so ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
4.75
Blue Sisters is the devastating and gritty story of three sisters - Avery, Bonnie, and Lucky - a year after losing their sister, Nicky. When their mom emails them on the anniversary of her death stating her intention to sell their childhood home, the sisters are confronted with their grief in an entirely new way.
This is a story about grief, addiction, sisterhood, and family. What it means to be your own family and how to build it back up after tragedy, and if that's even possible.
I was first intrigued by this book because of the cover. But when I read that it's about four sisters and addiction, I knew I had to read it. I'm the youngest of four sisters. I watched my beloved sister struggle with addiction for years. I knew it would be a tough read for me but I am so happy I was able to get through it. I am so happy my sister is 12 years clean and thriving.
Avery, Bonnie, and Lucky each dealt(or not dealt) with their grief in different ways. All of them infuriating and all of them heartbreaking. I was rooting so hard for these girls. The ending was a bit rushed and I think I hated the way the epilogue ended but I really just love these sisters SO MUCH that I can forgive it.
Thank you Penguin Random house for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
This is a story about grief, addiction, sisterhood, and family. What it means to be your own family and how to build it back up after tragedy, and if that's even possible.
I was first intrigued by this book because of the cover. But when I read that it's about four sisters and addiction, I knew I had to read it. I'm the youngest of four sisters. I watched my beloved sister struggle with addiction for years. I knew it would be a tough read for me but I am so happy I was able to get through it. I am so happy my sister is 12 years clean and thriving.
Avery, Bonnie, and Lucky each dealt(or not dealt) with their grief in different ways. All of them infuriating and all of them heartbreaking. I was rooting so hard for these girls. The ending was a bit rushed and I think I hated the way the epilogue ended but I really just love these sisters SO MUCH that I can forgive it.
Thank you Penguin Random house for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn
5.0
DEC 2023 REREAD:
I cannot express in words just how much I love this book. It's cozy, it's messy, it's full of hope and kindness. It's soft and lovely.
I cannot express in words just how much I love this book. It's cozy, it's messy, it's full of hope and kindness. It's soft and lovely.
Georgie is full of love and heartfelt rants and protective loyalty to those she loves. She's quick to make friends in a way I could never be but would love to emulate. Loud and expansive, I simply adore her.
Levi is one of my favorite MMCs of all time. Sad and lonely, too harsh on his past younger self. He's kind and a total softie for his goofy dog. He's sturdy, good at fixing, terrible at getting it right the first time. But when he finally gets it right? Levi, my beloved.
This is a story with great character development. Letting someone open up your world, even if it's terrifying. Learning to laugh freely. Jumping into the river on a whim with a sharpie and a wish. Finding yourself and forgiving yourself. You aren't just the sum of your mistakes. You aren't just your job. You can be lost and still heal someone just by cooking them a pasta dish with green beans. Or by buying someone a few cans of spray paint.
All of this to say: this is one of my favorite books of all time.
Thank you,@kateclayborn.author. It healed me a little bit. The cover is also one of the prettiest pieces of art on my shelf.
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oh HELL I LOVED THIS!!!!
oh HELL I LOVED THIS!!!!
Best of Luck by Kate Clayborn
5.0
there aren't enough words in the english language to describe the feelings this book gave me.
holy shit.
beautiful, achingly soft, a wonderful dive into what your upbringing can mean for you when you're older.
kate clayborn has a way with her storytelling that i've never encountered with another author and i think we're the luckiest humans in the works that we get to read her stories.
wow.
holy shit.
beautiful, achingly soft, a wonderful dive into what your upbringing can mean for you when you're older.
kate clayborn has a way with her storytelling that i've never encountered with another author and i think we're the luckiest humans in the works that we get to read her stories.
wow.
The Girl in Question by Tess Sharpe
4.0
okay but did he come home and forgive them someone pls tell me i need that book i need wes in europe please
also "which cheerleader likes girls" hAD ME WHEEZING dude queer people are so funny we're literally about to die but someone could be gay and we gotta know EVERYTHING
also "which cheerleader likes girls" hAD ME WHEEZING dude queer people are so funny we're literally about to die but someone could be gay and we gotta know EVERYTHING