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stephstbr's reviews
253 reviews
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Yours Truly is an emotional, heartwarming, and hilarious novel from one of the most dependable authors out there: Abby Jimenez! Go pre-order your copy if you haven’t already done so.
Tropes:
-Meet-Fail
-Workplace romance
-Friends-to-Lovers
-Fake relationship
-Cinnamon roll hero
Content Warnings:
-Miscarriage (off-page)-Briana suffered a miscarriage in her first marriage. Her husband was cheating on her at the time, so she had to go through it by herself. This experience weighs on Brianna and makes her surprise pregnancy with Jacob that much scarier because she doesn’t want to lose another child.
-Divorce (cheating spouse)
-Sibling with chronic kidney disease
-Depression
-Clinical anxiety
Plot at a glance: To say Dr. Briana Ortiz’s life has hit a rough patch would be an understatement. 1) She’s this close to finalizing her divorce from her cheating ex – the divorce was necessary but she’s dreading wading back into the godawful dating pool – 2) time is almost up for her brother to find a kidney donor, and 3) it looks like her boss is going to give the promotion she desperately wants to the new male doctor whose already earned the nickname “Dr. Death” from the nurses and seriously pissed her off for invading a private moment with her brother. Briana was ready to write Jacob off for good, but then he sends her an incredible letter that kicks off an unexpected friendship that could turn into something more.
Review: Briana completely stole my heart in Part of Your World, so I was thrilled when Abby Jimenez announced she was getting her own book. She hasn’t had an easy life, but she’s incredibly resilient and an absolute firecracker. She’s also exactly what cinnamon roll Jacob needs because she’s just as nurturing as she is bold. The way Briana and Jacob take care of each other is inspiring.
I loved getting to see Alexis and Daniel again! The time Briana and Jacob spend with them is absolutely precious. I also enjoyed getting to know Jacob's wildly entertaining family.
As with all Abby Jimenez books, tough subjects are expertly handled. Careful plotting and moments of levity help balance the darkness, so readers never feel overwhelmed. My only tip is to make sure you have a full box of tissues before you read Jacob’s last letter to Briana!
Overall, Yours Truly is a must-read for fans of Abby Jimenez, Emily Henry and Christina Lauren.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the chance to read this digital ARC.
Series side note: Yours Truly is a standalone romance, but Briana is first introduced in Part of Your World. I highly recommend reading Part of Your World because 1) it’s incredible and 2) Briana is a spotlight stealer and absolute joy to read in that novel.
Tropes:
-Meet-Fail
-Workplace romance
-Friends-to-Lovers
-Fake relationship
-Cinnamon roll hero
Content Warnings:
-Miscarriage (off-page)
-Divorce (cheating spouse)
-Sibling with chronic kidney disease
-Depression
-Clinical anxiety
Plot at a glance: To say Dr. Briana Ortiz’s life has hit a rough patch would be an understatement. 1) She’s this close to finalizing her divorce from her cheating ex – the divorce was necessary but she’s dreading wading back into the godawful dating pool – 2) time is almost up for her brother to find a kidney donor, and 3) it looks like her boss is going to give the promotion she desperately wants to the new male doctor whose already earned the nickname “Dr. Death” from the nurses and seriously pissed her off for invading a private moment with her brother. Briana was ready to write Jacob off for good, but then he sends her an incredible letter that kicks off an unexpected friendship that could turn into something more.
Review: Briana completely stole my heart in Part of Your World, so I was thrilled when Abby Jimenez announced she was getting her own book. She hasn’t had an easy life, but she’s incredibly resilient and an absolute firecracker. She’s also exactly what cinnamon roll Jacob needs because she’s just as nurturing as she is bold. The way Briana and Jacob take care of each other is inspiring.
I loved getting to see Alexis and Daniel again! The time Briana and Jacob spend with them is absolutely precious. I also enjoyed getting to know Jacob's wildly entertaining family.
As with all Abby Jimenez books, tough subjects are expertly handled. Careful plotting and moments of levity help balance the darkness, so readers never feel overwhelmed. My only tip is to make sure you have a full box of tissues before you read Jacob’s last letter to Briana!
Overall, Yours Truly is a must-read for fans of Abby Jimenez, Emily Henry and Christina Lauren.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the chance to read this digital ARC.
Series side note: Yours Truly is a standalone romance, but Briana is first introduced in Part of Your World. I highly recommend reading Part of Your World because 1) it’s incredible and 2) Briana is a spotlight stealer and absolute joy to read in that novel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Miscarriage, Infidelity, Chronic illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Begin Again by Emma Lord
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Begin Again is another immensely enjoyable YA romance from Emma Lord.
Tropes:
-Friends-to-Lovers
-Opposites-Attract
-Found Family
-Fresh Start
CW: Andie’s mom’s passing is mentioned in the book description but it’s worth noting that a lot of her personal journey is tied up in how she has/hasn’t grieved that loss.
Plot at a glance: Andie Rose has her heart set on becoming a beloved self-help figure. The first big step toward making that happen is transferring from community college to highly competitive Blue Ridge State. This should help revive her long-distance relationship with her boyfriend, but he ended up transferring to the community college to be closer to her. Unable to find a quick fix for her boyfriend, Andie tries to channel her problem-solving nature into helping her roommate Shay and their R.A. Milo with their respective problems. But spending more time with Milo stirs up all kinds of feelings Andie isn’t ready to deal with yet.
Review: Once again Emma Lord crafts relatable and endearing characters. I found myself wishing I could be part of Andie’s newfound friend group. I loved Milo – the grumpy, over-caffeinated cynic with a big heart – and adored Andie’s grandmothers.
Emma Lord also did an incredible job capturing the jitters of starting over, the struggles of letting go of the past, and the uncertainty of finding your place in the world. There were so many moments where my heart ached for Andie. I also loved the exploration of relationships. Through Andie and her friends, readers experience the many ups and downs of friendly, romantic and familial relationships.
Overall, I highly recommend Begin Again for anyone seeking YA romances featuring thoughtful personal journeys for the MCs.
Do yourself a favor and add Emma Lord to your list of auto-buy authors, you won’t be disappointed!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press (Wednesday Books) for the chance to read this digital ARC.
Tropes:
-Friends-to-Lovers
-Opposites-Attract
-Found Family
-Fresh Start
CW: Andie’s mom’s passing is mentioned in the book description but it’s worth noting that a lot of her personal journey is tied up in how she has/hasn’t grieved that loss.
Plot at a glance: Andie Rose has her heart set on becoming a beloved self-help figure. The first big step toward making that happen is transferring from community college to highly competitive Blue Ridge State. This should help revive her long-distance relationship with her boyfriend, but he ended up transferring to the community college to be closer to her. Unable to find a quick fix for her boyfriend, Andie tries to channel her problem-solving nature into helping her roommate Shay and their R.A. Milo with their respective problems. But spending more time with Milo stirs up all kinds of feelings Andie isn’t ready to deal with yet.
Review: Once again Emma Lord crafts relatable and endearing characters. I found myself wishing I could be part of Andie’s newfound friend group. I loved Milo – the grumpy, over-caffeinated cynic with a big heart – and adored Andie’s grandmothers.
Emma Lord also did an incredible job capturing the jitters of starting over, the struggles of letting go of the past, and the uncertainty of finding your place in the world. There were so many moments where my heart ached for Andie. I also loved the exploration of relationships. Through Andie and her friends, readers experience the many ups and downs of friendly, romantic and familial relationships.
Overall, I highly recommend Begin Again for anyone seeking YA romances featuring thoughtful personal journeys for the MCs.
Do yourself a favor and add Emma Lord to your list of auto-buy authors, you won’t be disappointed!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press (Wednesday Books) for the chance to read this digital ARC.
The Hookup Plan by Farrah Rochon
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
5.0
The Hookup Plan is an incredible conclusion to The Boyfriend Project series from the talented Farrah Rochon. A must-read for all rom-com fans!
Tropes: Enemies-to-Lovers, Frenemies-with-Benefits, Workplace, Millionaire Hero, Secret Crush/Pining
Plot at a glance: Rockstar pediatric surgeon London Kelley is less than thrilled to run into her high school archnemesis Drew Sullivan at their 15-year reunion until she remembers her best friends' advice to de-stress with a no-strings-attached hookup. Drew makes the perfect target for her hookup plan since she knows and trusts him but won't have to see him again... until she goes into work Monday morning. London is shocked to discover the man behind her mind-blowing orgasms this weekend now holds the fate of her hospital in his hands. She's determined to stay away from him, but Drew has other plans. He's had a crush on her since high school, and now that he's had a taste of how good being with London really is, he's not ready to let her go without a fight.
Review: I didn't want The Hookup Plan to end! I adored London and Drew and was happily rooting for them from their first banter-filled encounter at the high school reunion.
I appreciated how Farrah Rochon expertly balanced London's and Drew's personal, professional and familial journeys with their shared romantic journey. Experiencing the different journeys alongside these endearing characters made for a very entertaining read.
I think what I love most about Farrah Rochon’s writing is how she delivers happily-ever-afters that feel very true to real life. She doesn’t rush to force resolutions just to tie everything up loose ends in a perfect bow. Life is messy and she beautifully captures that messiness in her characters’ lives, which makes her happily-ever-afters all the more fulfilling.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the chance to read this digital ARC.
Tropes: Enemies-to-Lovers, Frenemies-with-Benefits, Workplace, Millionaire Hero, Secret Crush/Pining
Plot at a glance: Rockstar pediatric surgeon London Kelley is less than thrilled to run into her high school archnemesis Drew Sullivan at their 15-year reunion until she remembers her best friends' advice to de-stress with a no-strings-attached hookup. Drew makes the perfect target for her hookup plan since she knows and trusts him but won't have to see him again... until she goes into work Monday morning. London is shocked to discover the man behind her mind-blowing orgasms this weekend now holds the fate of her hospital in his hands. She's determined to stay away from him, but Drew has other plans. He's had a crush on her since high school, and now that he's had a taste of how good being with London really is, he's not ready to let her go without a fight.
Review: I didn't want The Hookup Plan to end! I adored London and Drew and was happily rooting for them from their first banter-filled encounter at the high school reunion.
I appreciated how Farrah Rochon expertly balanced London's and Drew's personal, professional and familial journeys with their shared romantic journey. Experiencing the different journeys alongside these endearing characters made for a very entertaining read.
I think what I love most about Farrah Rochon’s writing is how she delivers happily-ever-afters that feel very true to real life. She doesn’t rush to force resolutions just to tie everything up loose ends in a perfect bow. Life is messy and she beautifully captures that messiness in her characters’ lives, which makes her happily-ever-afters all the more fulfilling.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the chance to read this digital ARC.
This May End Badly by Samantha Markum
There is a storyline involving a long-rumoured predatory teacher sexually harassing a freshman student. Readers should approach the last 25% of the novel with care as these scenes can be triggering to some.
funny
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Samantha Markum delivers a fun fake dating YA romance in This May End Badly.
Tropes: Fake Dating, Rivalry, Working Together
Plot at a glance: With a merger between the all-girls Weston School and all-boys Winfield Academy on the horizon, Doe rallies her best friends to take their pranking to the next level and win the century-long war against the all-boys school once and for all. She decides there’s no better way to knock her rival Three off his pranking game than by fake dating his cousin Wells. It’s all fun and games until Doe starts developing real feelings for her fake boyfriend. Soon her lies get out of hand and an incident with a long-rumoured predatory teacher comes to light, making Doe question whether there’s a greater cause she could be fighting for than the prank war.
Review: Samantha Markum perfectly captured the intense emotions and complexity of growing up in This May End Badly. Doe navigates rocky relationships with her friends, parents, first love and even faulty members with rash decision making and a quick-changing spectrum of emotions. Kudos to Samantha Markum for instilling her heroine with such authenticity. Doe is a bit prickly and immature, but she has a good heart that ultimately makes you root for her.
I really liked the colourful cast of characters. Doe’s friends are the kind of ride-or-die friends you instantly admire. The Wellborn boys, especially Wells and Three, seem one -dimensional at first but are slowly revealed to be quite multi-faceted. Wells is a hero after my own heart – voracious reader, intelligent, sarcastic, and protective of the ones he loves. Even Three won me over by the end of the novel.
Your mileage may vary with the predatory teacher storyline. It was handled fairly well but may be triggering for some readers.
Overall, This May End Badly is a YA romance that will keep you turning the pages.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books for the chance to read this digital ARC.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? No
5.0
<b>God I loved Part of Your World! Abby Jimenez delivers another tender, emotional, funny love story that belongs on every romance reader’s keeper shelf.</b>
<b>Tropes:</b> Opposites-Attract, Age Gap (10 years), One Night Stand, Secret Relationship, Small Town, Found Family, Cinnamon Roll Hero
<b>Plot at a glance:</b>ER doctor Alexis Montgomery’s world is turned upside down after spending an unforgettable night with carpenter Daniel Grant. Their chemistry is undeniable, but do their differences (age, class, finances) and the pressure of Alexis’s family legacy make this relationship doomed from the start?
<b>Review:</b> <i>Part of Your World</i> is incredible. It captured my attention from the very first page. I didn’t want to put this book down!
I loved everything about Alexis and Daniel’s relationship. From their adorable meet cute to the way they challenged and helped each other grow. Both characters are fascinating in their own rights, but pure magic when they’re together.
I absolutely adored Daniel – I think he might be my new favourite Abby Jimenez hero, but I also say that with every book. :P He has a heart of gold and would do anything for the people (and community) he loves.
I really admired Alexis and how she worked through her personal matters to make a future with Daniel possible. Her journey wasn’t an easy one, but that only made the end result all the sweeter.
The hint of magic surrounding the small town community was well done. It was the perfect amount to help create this modern day fairy tale.
Abby Jimenez handled the novel’s tough subject matter(emotional and physical abuse at the hands of a romantic partner, parent with addiction problems) with immense care. Each storyline involving these tough subjects helped move the novel forward and added additional layers of depth to an already nuanced love story.
Overall, I cannot recommend <i>Part of Your World</I> enough. I’m incredibly excited to see what Abby Jimenez comes up with for her next book.
<i>Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the chance to read this digital ARC.</i>
<b>Tropes:</b> Opposites-Attract, Age Gap (10 years), One Night Stand, Secret Relationship, Small Town, Found Family, Cinnamon Roll Hero
<b>Plot at a glance:</b>ER doctor Alexis Montgomery’s world is turned upside down after spending an unforgettable night with carpenter Daniel Grant. Their chemistry is undeniable, but do their differences (age, class, finances) and the pressure of Alexis’s family legacy make this relationship doomed from the start?
<b>Review:</b> <i>Part of Your World</i> is incredible. It captured my attention from the very first page. I didn’t want to put this book down!
I loved everything about Alexis and Daniel’s relationship. From their adorable meet cute to the way they challenged and helped each other grow. Both characters are fascinating in their own rights, but pure magic when they’re together.
I absolutely adored Daniel – I think he might be my new favourite Abby Jimenez hero, but I also say that with every book. :P He has a heart of gold and would do anything for the people (and community) he loves.
I really admired Alexis and how she worked through her personal matters to make a future with Daniel possible. Her journey wasn’t an easy one, but that only made the end result all the sweeter.
The hint of magic surrounding the small town community was well done. It was the perfect amount to help create this modern day fairy tale.
Abby Jimenez handled the novel’s tough subject matter
Overall, I cannot recommend <i>Part of Your World</I> enough. I’m incredibly excited to see what Abby Jimenez comes up with for her next book.
<i>Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the chance to read this digital ARC.</i>
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Physical abuse
Minor: Addiction
In a New York Minute by Kate Spencer
I also think part of the problem (at least for me) was that Hayes was dating another woman (Serena) until about the 60% mark. I think it’s in poor taste to continue dating (even casually) when your heart is very clearly pulling you elsewhere – it made Hayes come off as a bit wishy-washy. This plotline also resulted in many unnecessary moments where both Franny and Hayes compared her to Serena. Franny’s moments of comparison explored her insecurities which got a bit repetitive, but my real problem was how these comparison points showed what a breath of fresh air Franny was at the expense of Serena (her interests and behavior was often belittled by Hayes).
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
<b>3.5 stars! Kate Spencer’s <i>In A New York Minute</i> delivers enviable friendships and a sweet romance perfect read for fans of made-for-TV romantic comedies.</b>
<b>Tropes:</b> Opposites-Attract, SLOW BURN, Forced Proximity/Working Together, Friends-to-Lovers
<b>Plot at a glance:</b> The set up is priceless! Having just been let go from her job, Franny rushes to make a subway and unfortunately gets her dress stuck in the doors. It rips down the back as soon as she tries to free herself and she completely (rightfully) breaks down. Luckily for Franny, a very handsome stranger (Hayes) takes off his suit jacket and gives it to her. They both think they’ll never see each other again, but a fellow passenger recorded the entire interaction and documented it as a love story for their followers using the tag Subway QTs. Of course, it goes viral and results in the first of many run-ins for Franny and Hayes.
<b>Review:</b> I came for the disastrous meet cute, but I stayed for the incredible friendships! Kate Spencer excels at writing strong and believable friendships. I loved every scene with Franny, Lola and Cleo as well as all the scenes with Hayes and Eleanor. There’s magic when you find friends who love and support you unconditionally, and Kate Spencer perfectly captured that magic in these friendships.
Fair warning, this is a serious SLOW BURN! Franny and Hayes don’t get together until about the 70% mark and then the black moment separates them at about the 80/85% mark… While this gave lots of time for Franny’s and Hayes’s respective crushes and their eventual friendship to blossom, it ultimately made it harder for me to believe in their romance because they spent so little time together romantically.
I did appreciate the ample time devoted to exploring Franny’s personal journeys, which involved searching for answers about her birth father and rebuilding her career. Both journeys were fulfilling and definitely gave me Hallmark movie vibes in the very best way.
I also appreciated that Hayes was socially awkward. It was refreshing to read a hero who wasn’t smooth or totally confident!
Overall, I would recommend <i>In A New York Minute</I> to readers who enjoy made-for-TV romantic comedies and romances grounded in strong friendships.
<i>Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the chance to read this digital ARC.</i>
Dark Horse by Gregg Hurwitz
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Dark Horse is another solid entry in the fantastic Orphan X series from Gregg Hurwitz.
Plot at a glance: The seventh novel in the series sees Evan Smoak infiltrating a dangerous Mexican cartel to save the eighteen-year-old daughter of the complicated man behind a large-scale drug-dealing operation in Texas. Like The Nowhere Man himself, Aragon Urrea often does bad things for good reasons – he protects those who cannot protect themselves, he takes care of the town and gives second chances to those who show potential. But for all the good he does; his business is one Evan cannot condone which leads Evan to ask Aragon how much his daughter is truly worth before he officially takes on this mission. Bolstered by Aragon’s answer, Evan turns to former Orphan Joey for recon on the cartel and gets to work on his master plan to save Aragon’s daughter. In between his time in Texas and eventually Mexico, Evan grapples with his ever-growing feelings for Mia and her nine-year-old son Peter as well as his uncle/niece relationship with Joey.
Review: Gregg Hurwitz’s meticulous attention to detail always makes readers feel like they’re right beside Evan during the action-packed missions, and Dark Horse was no exception. I loved the juxtaposition between Aragon’s home and the cartel leader’s house as well as their crews. Those details really made this rescue mission come alive.
Seven books in and Gregg Hurwitz is still surprising readers with near-impossible missions, twists you can’t see coming and a fascinating character exploration. As much as I love the detailed fight scenes and masterfully crafted missions, it’s witnessing Evan’s personal growth that sets this thriller series apart from the rest.
As always, Gregg Hurwitz delivers an epilogue that leaves the reader eagerly anticipating the next Orphan X novel.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books for the chance to read this digital ARC.
Plot at a glance: The seventh novel in the series sees Evan Smoak infiltrating a dangerous Mexican cartel to save the eighteen-year-old daughter of the complicated man behind a large-scale drug-dealing operation in Texas. Like The Nowhere Man himself, Aragon Urrea often does bad things for good reasons – he protects those who cannot protect themselves, he takes care of the town and gives second chances to those who show potential. But for all the good he does; his business is one Evan cannot condone which leads Evan to ask Aragon how much his daughter is truly worth before he officially takes on this mission. Bolstered by Aragon’s answer, Evan turns to former Orphan Joey for recon on the cartel and gets to work on his master plan to save Aragon’s daughter. In between his time in Texas and eventually Mexico, Evan grapples with his ever-growing feelings for Mia and her nine-year-old son Peter as well as his uncle/niece relationship with Joey.
Review: Gregg Hurwitz’s meticulous attention to detail always makes readers feel like they’re right beside Evan during the action-packed missions, and Dark Horse was no exception. I loved the juxtaposition between Aragon’s home and the cartel leader’s house as well as their crews. Those details really made this rescue mission come alive.
Seven books in and Gregg Hurwitz is still surprising readers with near-impossible missions, twists you can’t see coming and a fascinating character exploration. As much as I love the detailed fight scenes and masterfully crafted missions, it’s witnessing Evan’s personal growth that sets this thriller series apart from the rest.
As always, Gregg Hurwitz delivers an epilogue that leaves the reader eagerly anticipating the next Orphan X novel.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books for the chance to read this digital ARC.
Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
First 5 star read of 2022! Rave review to come shortly.
Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli
5.0
Leah was such a great character in Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda and I'm so happy Becky Albertalli wrote a novel from Leah's perspective. I loved this book and Becky Albertalli did a great job of allowing the reader to go beyond Leah's tough exterior get inside her head. I didn't want this book to end.
I'll Have What She's Having: How Nora Ephron's Three Iconic Films Saved the Romantic Comedy by Erin Carlson
4.0
If you love Nora Ephron's movies you need to read this book. Erin Carlson does a great job giving readers the behind the scenes look at their favourite movies.
I was happily surprised to read so many personal details about Nora Ephron's life. I thought the book would just be about her movies, but it was so much more than that.
I was happily surprised to read so many personal details about Nora Ephron's life. I thought the book would just be about her movies, but it was so much more than that.