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spectacles_and_books's Reviews (142)
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As much as I really enjoyed "A Fate Inked in Blood", the sequel left me a little underwhelmed.
What was lacking for me was the chemistry between Freya and Bjorn. Much of what I enjoyed about their relationship in book one didn't carry across here for me.
The expansion of the take on Norse mythology was engaging. It remains refreshing to read a Romantasy with a interesting and unique setting compared to what I usually read.
What was lacking for me was the chemistry between Freya and Bjorn. Much of what I enjoyed about their relationship in book one didn't carry across here for me.
The expansion of the take on Norse mythology was engaging. It remains refreshing to read a Romantasy with a interesting and unique setting compared to what I usually read.
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-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
What an apt title 🥰🦋 This was just a warm hug of a book. Finn was a wonderful green flag MMC. I mean hot, Italian, space nerd! Say less! I also loved Millie. The way that her past relationship and it's impact on her was dealt with such care. As was Finn's relationship with his parents. And if you love a single-Dad trope, put this on your list.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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
She is the master. Heartbroken and satisfied in equal measure. Tell me if I can skip the Rainwild Chronicles and go straight to Fitz and the Fool? 🥹
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-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
This one is for all the girls who spent their youth getting lost in good books only for it to be dismissed as "just a phase." Especially if you grew up a "Twi-hard." If you're still a chronic reader, who loves reading in all forms and is now a connoisseur of audiobooks, you'll enjoy a look behind the curtain as you meet Juniper and James who are recording an adaptation of a beloved paranormal romance series.
The premise:
Juniper met James in college when she unexpectedly stepped in to be his leading lady in a production of "Romeo and Juliet." Years later, James is a burgeoning movie star and Juniper has been pushed out of her successful podcast. They are both cast to narrate an anticipated adaptation of "The Meadow", a wildly popular paranormal romance from their youth. Will they find that the magic is still there?
My thoughts:
There were so many times where I felt close to Jupiner as a character. For those of us who spent their formative years engrossed in books only to come out the other side of adulthood getting a little lost, I'm sure you'll feel as I did in getting inside her headspace. I loved seeing the relationship between Juniper and James grow. The pay off at the end was so satisfying.
One small word on the concept of "magic" in this book. Don't expect magical realism, least you be set up with certain expectations. Magic is there, just not in that sense.
🧛🏼♂️✨ For the Twilight fans
🎙️ She's a former podcaster
🎬 He's an actor
❤️ Reunited after many years
🌶️🔥 Slow burn
Thanks to Netgalley and Del Rey for an ARC of this title
The premise:
Juniper met James in college when she unexpectedly stepped in to be his leading lady in a production of "Romeo and Juliet." Years later, James is a burgeoning movie star and Juniper has been pushed out of her successful podcast. They are both cast to narrate an anticipated adaptation of "The Meadow", a wildly popular paranormal romance from their youth. Will they find that the magic is still there?
My thoughts:
There were so many times where I felt close to Jupiner as a character. For those of us who spent their formative years engrossed in books only to come out the other side of adulthood getting a little lost, I'm sure you'll feel as I did in getting inside her headspace. I loved seeing the relationship between Juniper and James grow. The pay off at the end was so satisfying.
One small word on the concept of "magic" in this book. Don't expect magical realism, least you be set up with certain expectations. Magic is there, just not in that sense.
🧛🏼♂️✨ For the Twilight fans
🎙️ She's a former podcaster
🎬 He's an actor
❤️ Reunited after many years
🌶️🔥 Slow burn
Thanks to Netgalley and Del Rey for an ARC of this title
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Death of parent
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-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
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-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
Beloved 😭❤️
Half way through Realm of the Elderlings. But don't dare let anyone tell you that this is a filler book. It's perfect!
When the circle of time keeps rolling and we must repeat the past, trying what we can to make different choices. Robin Hobb is a genius.
Half way through Realm of the Elderlings. But don't dare let anyone tell you that this is a filler book. It's perfect!
When the circle of time keeps rolling and we must repeat the past, trying what we can to make different choices. Robin Hobb is a genius.
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
A wonderful end to the Rebel Blue Ranch series. Only Lyla Sage could make me fall in love with a fictional blonde man whose real name is Terrance
One small thing...the mild third act conflict of Dusty buying the house. It really annoyed me.
One small thing...
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
There's nothing quite like being back in your Cowboy Romance era and "Live, Ranch, Love" hit the spot.
Wellness influencer, Aurora is fresh off a bad breakup and has inherited her Great Aunt's ranch. Wyatt has been running Sunset Ranch and is not about to lose it to the sunshine British girl who plans to sell it.
The grumpy X sunshine pairing of Aurora and Wyatt worked really well. The initial comedy of Wyatt rolling his eyes at the concept of meditations, affirmations and vision boards turned into sweet and genuine character development. There was also a cast of side characters that I'm sure would make for a great interconnected series. The burn was slow, but when it did burn... 🔥
If you're looking for a Cowboy Romance hit, you're not going to go wrong with this one.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for an ARC of "Live, Ranch, Love."
Wellness influencer, Aurora is fresh off a bad breakup and has inherited her Great Aunt's ranch. Wyatt has been running Sunset Ranch and is not about to lose it to the sunshine British girl who plans to sell it.
The grumpy X sunshine pairing of Aurora and Wyatt worked really well. The initial comedy of Wyatt rolling his eyes at the concept of meditations, affirmations and vision boards turned into sweet and genuine character development. There was also a cast of side characters that I'm sure would make for a great interconnected series. The burn was slow, but when it did burn... 🔥
If you're looking for a Cowboy Romance hit, you're not going to go wrong with this one.
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for an ARC of "Live, Ranch, Love."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Firstly, I feel compelled to add my two-cents about some of the criticisms leveled at this book...
1) I'll concede that the ACOTAR references are a bit cringe. But as shorthand for "the hottest, broody man you've ever met" and only appearing a handful of times in the opening 10%, not a big enough deal for me to complain about it.
2) People being put off by the FMC's internet lingo. She's a social media marketer. It suits her character.
Now, onto what I really want to say...
I loved this. Abby Jimenez writes romance that's bigger than the two main characters. Not only is this a beautiful love story about Xavier and Samantha, but it's also about the people they love and the nature of memories and being a witness to the lives of those around you. As always, her green flag MMCs will get me every time and I found Samantha and her struggles so relatable. I thought the way in which caring for a person with Dementia was written was done so well.
I listened to the audiobook and the casting was perfect.
1) I'll concede that the ACOTAR references are a bit cringe. But as shorthand for "the hottest, broody man you've ever met" and only appearing a handful of times in the opening 10%, not a big enough deal for me to complain about it.
2) People being put off by the FMC's internet lingo. She's a social media marketer. It suits her character.
Now, onto what I really want to say...
I loved this. Abby Jimenez writes romance that's bigger than the two main characters. Not only is this a beautiful love story about Xavier and Samantha, but it's also about the people they love and the nature of memories and being a witness to the lives of those around you. As always, her green flag MMCs will get me every time and I found Samantha and her struggles so relatable. I thought the way in which caring for a person with Dementia was written was done so well.
I listened to the audiobook and the casting was perfect.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Child abuse
Minor: Animal death, Sexual content
emotional
hopeful
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
I've read the second book in this series, "The Boyfriend Boycott", so I was interested in going back to read the debut.
I really enjoyed this story on balance. There were a few things, like the earlier spicy moments that felt a bit out of place or forced into the narrative along with the boss/employee trope that's not my favourite. However, the heart of Ally and Mason; their individual flaws and developing relationship, was enjoyable to read.
I really enjoyed this story on balance. There were a few things, like the earlier spicy moments that felt a bit out of place or forced into the narrative along with the boss/employee trope that's not my favourite. However, the heart of Ally and Mason; their individual flaws and developing relationship, was enjoyable to read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Sexual content, Medical content, Death of parent