Scan barcode
spectacles_and_books's reviews
30 reviews
Only and Forever by Chloe Liese
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
5.0
The perfect ending to what is undoubtedly my favourite Romance series ever ❤️
Viggo and Tallulah's story was worth the wait. There's nothing better than wanting to voraciously tear through a novel, yet wanting to savour it at the same time. It was so bittersweet to know that this was the last hoorah with the Bergmans. But I'm officially petitioning Chloe Liese to write a prequel for Dr Bergman and Ellin.
All of the stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Viggo and Tallulah's story was worth the wait. There's nothing better than wanting to voraciously tear through a novel, yet wanting to savour it at the same time. It was so bittersweet to know that this was the last hoorah with the Bergmans. But I'm officially petitioning Chloe Liese to write a prequel for Dr Bergman and Ellin.
All of the stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
A Fate Inked In Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was everything I could have hoped for. After devouring the first of the Bridge Kingdom duology, this was a return for me to what I originally loved about Danielle L Jensen's writing.
Freya was such an interesting character, dealing with finding her own sense of self amongst the men who would seek to use her for their own gain.
The Nordic influence of the setting and mythology was so engaging and handled in what I felt to be a really respectful way. The choice of narrator (Nina Yndis) was a perfect choice and it was excellent to hear the pronunciations from an actress with Norwegian heritage.
I can't wait to see the rest of Freya's journey!
Freya was such an interesting character, dealing with finding her own sense of self amongst the men who would seek to use her for their own gain.
The Nordic influence of the setting and mythology was so engaging and handled in what I felt to be a really respectful way. The choice of narrator (Nina Yndis) was a perfect choice and it was excellent to hear the pronunciations from an actress with Norwegian heritage.
I can't wait to see the rest of Freya's journey!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Sexual content
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
The Love Hack by Sophie Ranald
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Lucy is forced to change jobs and ends up facing a tempting office romance. But she's been burnt before. Posing as a male 'agony uncle' for a Men's magazine, can Lucy figure out how to understand the enigma that is the male mind?
I would categorise "The Love Hack" as Women's Fic, rather than a Rom-Com or a Romance novel. Once I stopped expecting the latter, I really enjoyed the story for what it was. Lucy was an interesting character, who was often in her own head. I appreciated that Ross wasn't your stereotypical "perfect" MMC and I hazard that that was actually the whole point. At the heart of this story, for me, was the idea people are complex and deserve to be judged on their own merits. Lucy's journey to understand the male mind was at times funny, sad, frustrating but ultimately enjoyable to read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for they opportunity to read this ARC.
I would categorise "The Love Hack" as Women's Fic, rather than a Rom-Com or a Romance novel. Once I stopped expecting the latter, I really enjoyed the story for what it was. Lucy was an interesting character, who was often in her own head. I appreciated that Ross wasn't your stereotypical "perfect" MMC and I hazard that that was actually the whole point. At the heart of this story, for me, was the idea people are complex and deserve to be judged on their own merits. Lucy's journey to understand the male mind was at times funny, sad, frustrating but ultimately enjoyable to read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for they opportunity to read this ARC.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content
Off the Map by Trish Doller
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Just like a quote from this book, it was here for "a good time, not a long time."
This was an enjoyable, quick read. Sometimes the decisions of the MFC and MMC took me out of a story a bit. They were both a little selfish, but I understand how it made sense for both of the emotional journey. I just would be so mad if the maid-of-honour and best man kept delaying getting to wedding destination until the last possible minute 😂
This was an enjoyable, quick read. Sometimes the decisions of the MFC and MMC took me out of a story a bit. They were both a little selfish, but I understand how it made sense for both of the emotional journey. I just would be so mad if the maid-of-honour and best man kept delaying getting to wedding destination until the last possible minute 😂
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent and Dementia
Match Point by Katherine Reilly
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
4.5
Love all. Not much to fault with this ace of book.
Enough with the tennis puns! I really enjoyed this Romance. Flora hasn't been having a good run when she decides to rent her flat in Wimbledon during the tennis championships. It's rented by tennis bad-boy Kieran and when Flora's alternative accommodation falls through, they are forced to share the one bedroom flat.
The set up was classic Rom-Com material, but I really appreciated the depth to Katherine Reilly's character work. Flora and Kieran, both share heartache and hang-ups from their family situations and past relationships. They work through these things and grow together in very tender way. They're was a good amount of tension and considerable chemistry and spice between them.
Thanks to Netgalley and Aria & Aries for the opportunity to read this ARC
Enough with the tennis puns! I really enjoyed this Romance. Flora hasn't been having a good run when she decides to rent her flat in Wimbledon during the tennis championships. It's rented by tennis bad-boy Kieran and when Flora's alternative accommodation falls through, they are forced to share the one bedroom flat.
The set up was classic Rom-Com material, but I really appreciated the depth to Katherine Reilly's character work. Flora and Kieran, both share heartache and hang-ups from their family situations and past relationships. They work through these things and grow together in very tender way. They're was a good amount of tension and considerable chemistry and spice between them.
Thanks to Netgalley and Aria & Aries for the opportunity to read this ARC
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Abandonment, Death, and Gaslighting
Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey
Tessa Bailey at her best. Only she could make golf compelling. The dynamic between Wells and Josephine was sweet, fiery, healing and as always a little (ok, maybe a bit more than a little) 🌶️
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
5.0
I just... have this pretty intense need to make sure everyone knows you're veryfucking important. Okay? Could you kindly just go along with it?
Tessa Bailey at her best. Only she could make golf compelling. The dynamic between Wells and Josephine was sweet, fiery, healing and as always a little (ok, maybe a bit more than a little) 🌶️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Chronic illness and Medical content
The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
The Handmaid's Tale meets Lord of the Flies.
I feel torn between loving this and wishing that the story went in the direction I was hoping for. The premise really got me hooked and the ending was intriguing. Some of the pacing was a little slow. Overall, I would recommend this if you're wanting a good dystopian read with feminine rage.
I feel torn between loving this and wishing that the story went in the direction I was hoping for. The premise really got me hooked and the ending was intriguing. Some of the pacing was a little slow. Overall, I would recommend this if you're wanting a good dystopian read with feminine rage.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Death
Moderate: Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Misogyny, and Violence
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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
5.0
"There is no happy ending, there's just... happy living. As best you can. Or whatever. Metaphor-metaphor-simile shit"
A beautifully written story about ghosts, love, grief and hope. This is the second Ashley Poston novel I've read this year and she'll now be an auto-read author for me. I loved this... ardently.
A beautifully written story about ghosts, love, grief and hope. This is the second Ashley Poston novel I've read this year and she'll now be an auto-read author for me. I loved this... ardently.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Car accident
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This broke me, in the best way. And I will never watch an adaptation, because this was perfect.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Infertility, Sexual content, Alcoholism, Blood, Death of parent, Cancer, Car accident, and Drug use
Minor: Sexual assault
Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley
emotional
hopeful
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
4.5
I picked this up for the kilt wearing, Jamie Fraser coded, Scottish tour guide... And I was not disappointed!
Addie unknowingly searches for a place to belong, whilst Logan lives to be counted on. Kiley writes her characters with such care and you can see how this novel is her love letter to Scotland so clearly. One day I'll have to listen to this on audio so I can experience the accents for real life (not just the poor imitations in my head)
Addie unknowingly searches for a place to belong, whilst Logan lives to be counted on. Kiley writes her characters with such care and you can see how this novel is her love letter to Scotland so clearly. One day I'll have to listen to this on audio so I can experience the accents for real life (not just the poor imitations in my head)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent