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theladysparks's reviews
49 reviews
The Friendship Study by Ruby Barrett
"I belong to you, if you want me."
I've been wanting to pick up this book for a long time but anytime there is Alzheimer's or Dementia in a book, I am always hesitant because it never fails to hit close to home. But I decided to pick this one up and I am so glad that I did because it's one of the most beautiful romance books I've ever had the privilege of reading.
Our two main characters, Jesse and Lulu, first meet because they're set up on a date by a mutual friend. Things get hot and heavy but Jesse pulls away and Lulu takes it in strides and continues on with things as normal. The two of them both struggle to make friends and when the university that Lulu works at starts up a Friendship Study on Millenials, the two end up signing up without knowing they'd each be part of it. Forced proximity brings them close together but the lines blur between friends and something more so they opt for a friends with benefits situation, but keep it secret because it's against the study's rules. Things get messy and complicated and it honestly just felt like such a realistic story about two friends that become so much more.
Jesse is exactly the kind of male main character that I find myself drawn to, quiet but with big feelings that he struggles to vocalize. Lulu was the kind of character that I felt seen in with her struggles of feeling like she's too much but also not enough. And I think having both of these characters be vulnerable in what they're both experiencing through their POV's was just an absolutely beautiful way to tell this story that feels so real. The ease that these to move around each other and the way that friendship turned to love was beautiful and profound.
A lot of people have described this book to me as emotional and horny / spicy and I could not agree more. I rated this one a five star because Goodreads doesn't allow for half-stars, my rating is 4.5! I really enjoyed this one and definitely recommend.
- queer romance
- grumpy/sunshine
- opposites attract
- friends to lovers
- hurt / comfort
- slow burn
- chronic pain rep
- friends with benefits
- emotional and horny
- dual pov
4.5
Jesse Logan doesn’t want a fresh start. He wants his old life back—before an injury made his career as a firefighter impossible, before his grandfather’s Alzheimer’s got so bad he doesn’t recognize Jesse anymore. When a friend tells him about a paid psychological study, Jesse sees it as a chance to get back to the man he was while making a little extra cash.
All Lulu Banks is asking for is a fresh start. Back home after a devastating breakup, she’s struggling to find her place. She’s always been a lot—too loud, too eager, too obvious about her feelings. The friendship study seems like a great idea…until she’s paired with Jesse Logan, who recently ghosted her after a blind date that led to a steamy make-out session.
Now that old familiar tension is back. Despite the program’s strict “no romance” rule, Jesse and Lulu are quick to find a work-around that allows them to explore their tenuous connection. And soon they’re on their way to total self-improvement…
As long as they don’t get caught.
"I belong to you, if you want me."
I've been wanting to pick up this book for a long time but anytime there is Alzheimer's or Dementia in a book, I am always hesitant because it never fails to hit close to home. But I decided to pick this one up and I am so glad that I did because it's one of the most beautiful romance books I've ever had the privilege of reading.
Our two main characters, Jesse and Lulu, first meet because they're set up on a date by a mutual friend. Things get hot and heavy but Jesse pulls away and Lulu takes it in strides and continues on with things as normal. The two of them both struggle to make friends and when the university that Lulu works at starts up a Friendship Study on Millenials, the two end up signing up without knowing they'd each be part of it. Forced proximity brings them close together but the lines blur between friends and something more so they opt for a friends with benefits situation, but keep it secret because it's against the study's rules. Things get messy and complicated and it honestly just felt like such a realistic story about two friends that become so much more.
Jesse is exactly the kind of male main character that I find myself drawn to, quiet but with big feelings that he struggles to vocalize. Lulu was the kind of character that I felt seen in with her struggles of feeling like she's too much but also not enough. And I think having both of these characters be vulnerable in what they're both experiencing through their POV's was just an absolutely beautiful way to tell this story that feels so real. The ease that these to move around each other and the way that friendship turned to love was beautiful and profound.
A lot of people have described this book to me as emotional and horny / spicy and I could not agree more. I rated this one a five star because Goodreads doesn't allow for half-stars, my rating is 4.5! I really enjoyed this one and definitely recommend.
- queer romance
- grumpy/sunshine
- opposites attract
- friends to lovers
- hurt / comfort
- slow burn
- chronic pain rep
- friends with benefits
- emotional and horny
- dual pov
Truly, Madly, Deeply by Alexandria Bellefleur
"Come on, wreck me. I dare you."
Am I kicking myself over the fact that I waited until just now to pick up this book and read it? Yes. Because I honestly was deprived of Colin McCrory and it was all my own doing. Truly, Madly, Deeply has pushed its way into the list of my top favorite reads and I literally cannot and will not stop thinking about this book. I think it's changed my chemical makeup, and only partially because this man has taken up permanent residence in my frontal lobe.
The way that this book is marketed is really great, it isn't something I usually mention in my reviews but I think it's worth noting. I mean, setting up the vibes with a divorce lawyer and a woman who writes about love for a living? A match made in heaven if you're asking me. And I just think it's a really great way to get people really interested because once they pick it up and experience Truly St. James and Colin McCrory, it'll be impossible for them to put it down.
To start from the very beginning, because I would be doing the world an injustice if I didn't mention it, this book has one of the best opening scenes and paragraphs that I've ever read. I highlighted and tabbed it because it was just so good.
I think the exploration of Truly's idea about love and the journey that she takes from start to finish was really refreshing. I grew up in the south and I feel like this whole wanting to hurry up and get married because of the idea of love and marriage is prevalent where I'm from and it was the first time I'd read it in a way that put the realization of it all on display in a non-mocking sort of way. I love the fact that Truly had some sharp edges but also had softness to her, especially when it came to her parents and her whole idea of love.
And then there is Colin, who I've already stated multiple times is the love of my life, who really stole the show for me. Between the two of them, the banter and chemistry was absolutely magical. But Colin on his own will make you fall in love with this book. Particularly the scene where he is talking to Truly in the coffee shop (I won't spoil anything but it was exactly what I needed to read so thanks so much for that). I loveeeeeeeed the fact that he was very vocal about healthy communication and I really loved how he just really understood Truly, even from the beginning I think. Plus who doesn't love a man that is down bad???
I literally loved this book so much and definitely recommend if you're looking for a romance book to become your new favorite. This one features two main characters that are both bi and I think showcases a really healthy relationship with struggles. I'm going to be picking up the rest of this author's books!
- bi main characters
- she's a romance author and he's a divorce lawyer
- forced proximity
- meet cute (they're on a podcast together)
- antagonists to lovers
- delicious banter and tension
- he falls first and hard
5.0
As a bestselling romance novelist, everyone thinks Truly Livingston is an expert on happily-ever-afters. She’s even signed on to record a podcast sharing relationship advice. Little do they know she feels like an imposter—her parents just announced they’re separating, she caught her fiancé cheating, and her entire view on love has been shaken to the core. Truly hopes the podcast will distract her... until she meets her cohost.
Her first impression of Colin McCory is...hot. But then he opens his extremely kissable mouth. Colin’s view on love just pisses Truly off, even if he does have an annoyingly attractive face. Bickering with a cynical divorce lawyer is the last thing she needs—so she walks out, with no plans to return.
A few days later, Truly is surprised when Colin tracks her down, asking for a fresh start. Truly can’t deny the little thrill she gets from Colin begging, so she reluctantly agrees. As they go from enemies to friends to something else entirely, Truly discovers they have more in common than she ever imagined, including their shared queerness. He’s a genuinely good guy—charming, sweet, and equally as unlucky in love as herself—and there’s something about Colin that drives Truly a little wild. When their attraction reaches a fever pitch, Truly is happy for the first time in years. Yet she can’t help but wonder... is Colin truly, madly, deeply in love with her? Or is it all too good to be true?
"Come on, wreck me. I dare you."
Am I kicking myself over the fact that I waited until just now to pick up this book and read it? Yes. Because I honestly was deprived of Colin McCrory and it was all my own doing. Truly, Madly, Deeply has pushed its way into the list of my top favorite reads and I literally cannot and will not stop thinking about this book. I think it's changed my chemical makeup, and only partially because this man has taken up permanent residence in my frontal lobe.
The way that this book is marketed is really great, it isn't something I usually mention in my reviews but I think it's worth noting. I mean, setting up the vibes with a divorce lawyer and a woman who writes about love for a living? A match made in heaven if you're asking me. And I just think it's a really great way to get people really interested because once they pick it up and experience Truly St. James and Colin McCrory, it'll be impossible for them to put it down.
To start from the very beginning, because I would be doing the world an injustice if I didn't mention it, this book has one of the best opening scenes and paragraphs that I've ever read. I highlighted and tabbed it because it was just so good.
I think the exploration of Truly's idea about love and the journey that she takes from start to finish was really refreshing. I grew up in the south and I feel like this whole wanting to hurry up and get married because of the idea of love and marriage is prevalent where I'm from and it was the first time I'd read it in a way that put the realization of it all on display in a non-mocking sort of way. I love the fact that Truly had some sharp edges but also had softness to her, especially when it came to her parents and her whole idea of love.
And then there is Colin, who I've already stated multiple times is the love of my life, who really stole the show for me. Between the two of them, the banter and chemistry was absolutely magical. But Colin on his own will make you fall in love with this book. Particularly the scene where he is talking to Truly in the coffee shop (I won't spoil anything but it was exactly what I needed to read so thanks so much for that). I loveeeeeeeed the fact that he was very vocal about healthy communication and I really loved how he just really understood Truly, even from the beginning I think. Plus who doesn't love a man that is down bad???
I literally loved this book so much and definitely recommend if you're looking for a romance book to become your new favorite. This one features two main characters that are both bi and I think showcases a really healthy relationship with struggles. I'm going to be picking up the rest of this author's books!
- bi main characters
- she's a romance author and he's a divorce lawyer
- forced proximity
- meet cute (they're on a podcast together)
- antagonists to lovers
- delicious banter and tension
- he falls first and hard