smiley_kylie's reviews
311 reviews

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh

5.0

"Normally this would be terrifying...but it's not so much. 
Normally I would never be in this situation...but here I am."

This is SUCH a great story. Kelsey is a hard working junior editor who finds herself sharing a hospital room with none other than Georgina Tate, an insanely successful older business woman who is the girl boss to rule all girl bosses. The two have something in common: they both chronically reject any experiences or people in their lives that don't directly impact the success of their careers. Thus the Summer of YES is born.

The story moves a little slowly at the start, but once the adventure begins, I could not put it down!

Kelsey is so relatable. Her worries about being invited to dinner with Ravi's big family is SO ME. Who's going to be there? Tell me everything I need to know about each of them. What's the parking situation? Will there be enough chairs? Should I eat beforehand? SO. ME. Georgina is borderline unlikable for a while. I would totally fear and respect her in real life...but would I like her? Probably not. By the end of the book, though, she had me changing my tune!

There is some romance in the story, which is a total delight, but the real front runner is the numerous life lessons that can be taken away. You guys...the number of screenshots I have on my phone now from quotes I loved or scenes I wanted to remember is a little insane. 

I loved seeing how both Kelsey and Georgina grow throughout the story. Their approaches and journeys differ, but they learn a similar lesson: "...that life...is good. And wonderful. And horrible, and beautiful, and messy, and everything all at once. And that's the beauty of it. It's overwhelming, but it's never boring. And it should be lived to the fullest."

I'm so glad I read this book - saying "yes" to more things that I might normally shy away from out of fear is something I've been working on lately, so this reminder came at a perfect time! I could keep going, but this review would get so long that you might as well just go read the book for yourself! 😉 Which you really should do, by the way. Say YES to reading The Summer of Yes!

I received an electronic ARC of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams

5.0

Well, absolutely devoured this book! It is the cute, fluffy, HEA romcom I needed! 

Annie is a sweet small town flower shop owner who longs to finally settle down into a cookie cutter life with a loving husband and family. Unfortunately, her confidence in the dating department is minimal at best. 

Will is the no-nonsense bodyguard (I mean, "Executive Protection Agent") of a celebrity and soon-to-be-sister-in-law of Annie. He has sworn off long relationships but has lots of dating experience, so he agrees to be Annie's dating coach. 

Both Will and Annie have big things they have to work through, and it is great seeing them transform individually and together. I think what I love the most is how they let themselves be totally honest with each other and communicate how they're feeling throughout the story. It is so refreshing that they just tell it like it is! 

"Do you have feelings for me, Will?"

"Annie, you can't just ask a person that! That's against the rules!"

"Why?"

"Because, we're supposed to keep everything hidden and angsty. Keep each other guessing and miserable." 😏

I was a gooey puddle on the floor by the end of the book. I was cheesing so hard and even had some lol moments (the first date...IYKYK). 

Read this if you like... 

🌺 dating practice

🌼 "good" girl x "bad" boy vibes

🌸 tattooed bodyguard MMC

🌺 meddlesome small town shenanigans

🌼 MCs who actually communicate!

🌸 tender hugs in book form

Some other quotes I loved:

"It's like she has the subtitles turned on for my brain..."

"Apparently, I'm sweating out of my eyes."

"It seems to me, Annie, that you are just waiting for someone to give you permission to be yourself out loud "

Content: language, innuendo, fade to black

A Lady's Guide to Scandal by Sophie Irwin

3.5

A compliant and demure young Eliza married for duty, despite loving another. Ten years later, her husband passes away, leaving Eliza an opportunity to reclaim her life and take control of her future. After strictly adhering to the societal rules and expectations for so long, Eliza dares to slowly (and then later all at once) push the boundaries to enjoy some freedom.

I like that Eliza is able to gain confidence and find her voice throughout the course of the book, though it feels like it ebbs and flows in the middle. There is a second chance romance turned engaging love triangle. I enjoyed reading about them, but I just can't seem to decide whether or not I truly like either/both of the love interests. Ultimately, I think she ends up with the right person for her. 

This might not be a favorite for me, but it kept my attention and I was certainly entertained!

Content: kissing only; mention of affairs; same sex attraction of side characters

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton

4.0

This book is a hoot! The ladies of the Wisteria Society might appear prim and proper, but don't let their fashionable hoop skirts and frequent breaks for a nice tea fool you. These ladies are actually magical pirates with a penchant for violence and thievery...I mean, attaining through discretion. 

I found myself laughing out loud throughout the story at the hilariously unapologetic tone and flippant attitude toward the various crimes...that is, justices, that are committed throughout. The chaotic and quite murderous plot is such a contrast to the Victorian era setting that it makes for a very fun, unique, and entertaining read! 

There is also a fun romance with witty banter that runs parallel with the plot. Cecelia could be a little dense at times, but her dialogue was so funny. I still don't fully understand exactly what Ned does, but he's the perfect, charming, and slightly rakish but also very upbeat character to complement Cecelia. They have an instant attraction that I thought could have been developed a little more up front, but it certainly did not detract from the entertainment value of this book! 

It's outrageous and totally silly, and it definitely won't be for everyone, but it's a fun option if you're looking for a light read and a few laughs!

Content: occasional language; vague innuendo; one minimally descriptive open intimate scene

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

5.0

"There's a war on."

Bletchley Park code breakers during World War 2!

The characters in this story are all amazingly written, so unique, and come alive off the page. All coming from different walks of life, Osla, Mab, and Beth are recruited to assist in the top secret code breaking war effort at Bletchley Park (BP). Osla has to be my favorite character. She is often written off as a ditsy debutante, despite her quick wit and intellect and determination to be of service. Mab is tall, beautiful, and confident and goes after what she wants without hesitation. Beth is quiet and awkward, but has an amazing mind and a knack for solving difficult puzzles. 

The timeline jumps between the early and late 1940s. In the earlier years, we learn more about the jobs that were performed at BP, the secrets that had to be kept, and events that brought the women together and tore them apart. In the later years, the women must overcome betrayals and use their skills once again to root out a traitor.

I love the way the story is woven and ultimately comes together in the end. I have a greater appreciation now for the thankless work that was done behind the scenes during the war. I also enjoyed the cameo from Ian Graham! Totally recommend to fans of WW2 historical fiction!

Content: occasional/light language, multiple brief/vague descriptions of intimacy, wartime death

The Huntress by Kate Quinn

4.0

In the years after World War 2 in Europe, Nazi hunters search for a vicious foe known as The Huntress. In America, an imaginative teen has wild theories about her new suspicious step mother. 

I love the way Kate Quinn takes pieces of history and spins them into engaging and digestible stories of struggle and bravery. All the characters have great depth and work well together to form a fascinating and compelling story. 

It did take me a few chapters to get my bearings with the various characters and timelines, and I thought it felt a bit long in parts. This may not be my favorite of Kate Quinn's books, but it is still most definitely a worthwhile read for fans of historical fiction in the WW2 era!

You might enjoy these themes...
🛩️ Female bomber regiment: The Night Witches
🛩️ Girls doing amazing things as #1, romance as #2
🛩️ Teamwork makes the dream work
🛩️ Found family

Content: language, fade to black/vague descriptions of intimacy, same sex relationship, non-graphic wartime death and violence.

Pursuit of Perfection by Miranda D. Nelson

4.5

4.5❤️

Another sweet regency romance!

Francine (Fanny) is the well-meaning daughter of a respected earl who always seems to fall short of her family's expectations. Despite her kind heart and optimism, she lacks the grace and poise typically found in someone of her station. Nicholas Thynne is a prestigious duke seeking a respectable young lady worthy of filling the role of duchess.

I did not want to put this book down any time I picked it up. Fanny grows so much throughout the story, and I found myself loving her character more and more. She has such determination to succeed, despite all she goes through. My heart truly went out to her. And let's talk about Nicholas! The man is dashing, caring, chivalrous, and HE LIKES BOOKS! I love his willingness to come to Fanny's rescue: "I have you."

The forbidden romance is a slow and gradual burn that allows for a greater depth to the relationship. And I love the friendships that were made and developed throughout the story. 

If you're looking for a sweet and inspiring regency love story, look no further!

The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon

5.0

I got chills at the end of this book. Highly recommend to those who are fascinated by true crime, especially cases like that of Ted Bundy. 

Aiden is a well-liked family man and a staple of the small community. But he has a secret. And he has kept her hidden in his cellar for years. 

While tastefully written, the story covers tough topics like kidnapping, murder, rape, and more (so, reader beware). There are multiple POVs in the story, including Emily (owner of a local restaurant), Cecelia (Aiden's daughter), Rachel (the woman being held captive), and the various other victims. I think what made this story so gripping is the changing use of tense between the various POVs. Rachel's chapters, especially, have a necessary detached tone that still manage to put readers in her place to feel everything she is feeling. 

I won't say any more to avoid spoilers. But oh boy, this was good! 

Forgotten Friend by Miranda D. Nelson

5.0

My heart is so full after reading this incredibly sweet story! Coralyn and Christopher were the best of friends as children and always looked forward to seeing each other on their annual trips to Roselund Heights. When Coralyn's status-seeking parents decide to cease these trips in favor of bringing Coralyn up as a proper lady, the two friends don't see each other again for years. Finally, on a condition-heavy trip back to Roselund Heights, Coralyn and Christopher are reunited, but they are no longer the carefree children they once were. Now they have adult responsibilities, and Coralyn a loathsome suitor to avoid.

I absolutely loved the characters in this book. Coralyn is fun and playful under her "proper lady" exterior, and she is so easy to root for! Christopher had me swooning with his care and his appreciation for the precious moments in life. All the side characters are also so well written (even the bad ones..) to perfectly round out the story.

I did not want to put this one down! It was the happily ever after story I needed. Give this one a try if you need a quick regency-era friends to lovers fix!

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

5.0

This was a winner for me! Evie has an unusual job - she gets her mark from her mysterious boss, assumes a new identity, and carries out the various vague instructions she is given until the job is done. She's a con artist at the top of her game until someone strolls into her life under another assumed identity - Evie's own true identity. Now she has to figure out who is out there trying to destroy her.

It's twisty and so entertaining! The story jumps to different periods of the timeline frequently under her different aliases, but I did not have a hard time following. I will note that I listened to the audiobook in two days - it might have been harder to follow if I put the book down more frequently. This is a book you need to binge! Not hard to do 😉.

I can't say much more without spoilers, but I like the way things come together in the end! Definitely recommend to fans of con artist thrillers!