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tristatereader's Reviews (114)
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Ok so I finished Hot Earl Summer yesterday and haven’t been able to think of anything else.
This is the 5th book in The Wild Wynchesters series by Erica Ridley, but can absolutely be read as a standalone (as I did). This book is a regency historical romance (Bridgerton besties, assemble) and it focuses on Elizabeth Wynchester.
As part of an amazingly talented and selfless family, Elizabeth is tasked with a solo mission to help an older woman locate the last will and deed of her late sister and her castle. When Elizabeth arrives to the castle, she’s surprised to see that the Earl who is meant to be home has absconded and left his reclusive cousin, Stephen, in his place. Stephen is witty, inventive, and… sturdy 😉. He’s spent his whole life tinkering with inventions and being ostracized because of it. As a result, he’s put up metaphorical walls that he’s sure no one can break down. Until Elizabeth comes barreling into his life. She’s always up for a challenge and… seems to be happily wielding battle axes?
So right off the bat, Elizabeth is probably my favorite FMC of all time. She is such a badass and I want nothing more than to be her bestie. She has a disability (I’m thinking RA) and the rep is incredible. She doesn’t let her disability define her, but she also takes the time she needs to recover and frequently checks in with herself, which I loved seeing. Stephen is an absolute golden retriever. He wants nothing more than to make others happy. He’s caring, kind, and looks at Elizabeth as if she hung the moon and stars. Their dynamic is perfection; filled with humor, passion, and trust.
I have 38276419 more amazing things to say about this book, which includes some of the best highlights I’ve ever highlighted in the history of highlighting.
I laughed, I cried (happy tears), I immediately added the rest of the series to my tbr/wishlist.
Hot Early Summer is out August 6th and you definitely won’t want to miss this one!
💙 Thank you so much to Forever for the gifted copy
This is the 5th book in The Wild Wynchesters series by Erica Ridley, but can absolutely be read as a standalone (as I did). This book is a regency historical romance (Bridgerton besties, assemble) and it focuses on Elizabeth Wynchester.
As part of an amazingly talented and selfless family, Elizabeth is tasked with a solo mission to help an older woman locate the last will and deed of her late sister and her castle. When Elizabeth arrives to the castle, she’s surprised to see that the Earl who is meant to be home has absconded and left his reclusive cousin, Stephen, in his place. Stephen is witty, inventive, and… sturdy 😉. He’s spent his whole life tinkering with inventions and being ostracized because of it. As a result, he’s put up metaphorical walls that he’s sure no one can break down. Until Elizabeth comes barreling into his life. She’s always up for a challenge and… seems to be happily wielding battle axes?
So right off the bat, Elizabeth is probably my favorite FMC of all time. She is such a badass and I want nothing more than to be her bestie. She has a disability (I’m thinking RA) and the rep is incredible. She doesn’t let her disability define her, but she also takes the time she needs to recover and frequently checks in with herself, which I loved seeing. Stephen is an absolute golden retriever. He wants nothing more than to make others happy. He’s caring, kind, and looks at Elizabeth as if she hung the moon and stars. Their dynamic is perfection; filled with humor, passion, and trust.
I have 38276419 more amazing things to say about this book, which includes some of the best highlights I’ve ever highlighted in the history of highlighting.
I laughed, I cried (happy tears), I immediately added the rest of the series to my tbr/wishlist.
Hot Early Summer is out August 6th and you definitely won’t want to miss this one!
💙 Thank you so much to Forever for the gifted copy
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book was absolute perfection. 6/5 stars; no notes. Marian Hayes is a badass goddess. Rob deserves the whole entire world. I wept at how perfect the found family trope was executed. And in the least dramatic way possible, I would commit crimes so that these characters may never know a minute of sadness.
Read. This. Book.
You’re welcome in advance.
Read. This. Book.
You’re welcome in advance.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
My friends: Sara, will you ever get off your histrom reading binge?
Me: No 🫶🏼
Y’all… I loved this book. You have to suspend a little belief for this one, but it was such a comfort read for me.
I absolutely loved Beth and Gwen; they honestly gave me Penelope and Eloise vibes with their little shenanigans. And their relationship progressed so naturally for me. I loved watching them figure out that their feelings toward one another weren’t strictly platonic. It was such an important journey for both of them and I thought the author did a fantastic job.
I also adored the side characters! Beth’s mom 10/10, Gwen’s dad 10/10, Albie and Meredith 100000/10. There was also queer rep within an older couple (who were fully supported by the family) and I adored seeing that as well.
I’m on the edge of my seat, so excited for book 2!
Me: No 🫶🏼
Y’all… I loved this book. You have to suspend a little belief for this one, but it was such a comfort read for me.
I absolutely loved Beth and Gwen; they honestly gave me Penelope and Eloise vibes with their little shenanigans. And their relationship progressed so naturally for me. I loved watching them figure out that their feelings toward one another weren’t strictly platonic. It was such an important journey for both of them and I thought the author did a fantastic job.
I also adored the side characters! Beth’s mom 10/10, Gwen’s dad 10/10, Albie and Meredith 100000/10. There was also queer rep within an older couple (who were fully supported by the family) and I adored seeing that as well.
I’m on the edge of my seat, so excited for book 2!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
I adored the character of Luke Doomsday in The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen, so when I realized book 2 was his story, I was so freaking excited. And KJ did not disappoint.
Luke’s story was beautifully chaotic. This is the story of a man who never quite felt like he fit in anywhere. Abandoned, abused, neglected, and then suddenly thrust into a loving home, he spent his entire adulthood guarding his heart and making decisions based on the fear of loss. But then he finds Rufus. Quick-tempered, no nonsense, heart-of-gold Rufus. And suddenly he finds his hardened heart softening.
I loved so many things about this book. The romance, the mystery, the character growth… all written so beautifully. And that twist in the epilogue?! Truly didn’t see that one coming! I’m keeping my fingers crossed for more Doomsday books in the future 🤞🏼
Luke’s story was beautifully chaotic. This is the story of a man who never quite felt like he fit in anywhere. Abandoned, abused, neglected, and then suddenly thrust into a loving home, he spent his entire adulthood guarding his heart and making decisions based on the fear of loss. But then he finds Rufus. Quick-tempered, no nonsense, heart-of-gold Rufus. And suddenly he finds his hardened heart softening.
I loved so many things about this book. The romance, the mystery, the character growth… all written so beautifully. And that twist in the epilogue?! Truly didn’t see that one coming! I’m keeping my fingers crossed for more Doomsday books in the future 🤞🏼
MY FIRST EMILY HENRY IS IN THE BAG BABYYYY!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! A true rom-com, this was sweet, spicy, and predictable (but not in the boring way). And if someone would have told me that Funny Story would be… funny… I would have rolled my eyes. But you guys… this book was HILARIOUS. I was cackling the entire time. I’ll definitely be reading more EH.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! A true rom-com, this was sweet, spicy, and predictable (but not in the boring way). And if someone would have told me that Funny Story would be… funny… I would have rolled my eyes. But you guys… this book was HILARIOUS. I was cackling the entire time. I’ll definitely be reading more EH.
Oh this was def my favorite of the Cabot series, which is saying a lot because I loved them all. But there’s something so special about Daniel and Alex’s story 🥹 I need a sequel where they’re old and gray and happy af
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Your girl’s fully immersed in her Bridgerton era so I’m reading any regency histrom I can get my hands on.
This was actually my first KJ Charles and it did not disappoint. Gareth and Joss quickly burrowed themselves in my heart and I think they might be one of my fav fictional couples of all time. They truly made each other better people and I love that in my romance. I also loved all of the side characters and their queer acceptance (despite it being 1810). And the found family trope was executed perfectly in this book. I was so happy that Gareth, the baby angel of my life, finally got the family he deserved 🥹
Starting book 2 ASAP!
This was actually my first KJ Charles and it did not disappoint. Gareth and Joss quickly burrowed themselves in my heart and I think they might be one of my fav fictional couples of all time. They truly made each other better people and I love that in my romance. I also loved all of the side characters and their queer acceptance (despite it being 1810). And the found family trope was executed perfectly in this book. I was so happy that Gareth, the baby angel of my life, finally got the family he deserved 🥹
Starting book 2 ASAP!
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
You Had Me at Happy Hour is Timothy Janovsky’s sophomore adult romance and what a freaking gift to this genre!
Julien Boire is a sommelier who works at his aunt and uncle’s restaurant, Martin’s Place. His aunt and uncle raised him after his biological parents were deemed unfit and the three of them have such a great relationship. Julien is smart, hard-working, and precise. His OCD diagnosis allows for little to no leeway when it comes to making mistakes. And while he adores his aunt and uncle and the family business, he dreams of becoming a master sommelier and leaving their small town.
Greg is a mixologist who hit TikTok stardom while living the elite life in NYC. But Greg’s expensive lifestyle and less than stellar social circle lead him down a path of mental and financial instability. He decides to leave NYC and move in with his cousin in rural Pennsylvania while he focuses on himself. When he lands a mixologist job at Martin’s Place, he thinks it will be the perfect way to get back on his feet.
But Julien finds Greg cocky and distracting and has no problem letting Greg know. When the restaurant starts to suffer as a result of their tension, Julien’s aunt and uncle decide the two must team up and host happy hours. Shenanigans ensue and the outcome is absolute perfection.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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:
Complicated
The Falcon and the Foe by A.J. Truman was everything I never knew I needed in my life. For enthusiasts of enemies to lovers, the most caring, single dads, and the ultimate found family, this one is for you. I read this book in two days because I did not want to put it down. I absolutely adored this story and watching our MCs Cal and Russ build something beautiful.
Cal is an actual golden retriever who would stop an oncoming train for his son, Josh. He proudly works two jobs (one at a grocery store), which is mocked by all the uppity parents at his son’s affluent school. Cal and Josh have a close relationship, but due to Cal’s hectic work schedules, he’s unable to provide the 1:1 attention Josh needs to thrive with his academics.
Russ, a widower, seems to be the golden parent at school. He proudly wears his PTA hat and relishes being a scout leader of the Falcons. But his relationship with his son Quentin is rocky due to his overbearing tendencies.
Oh… and Cal and Russ hate each other.
Ever since Russ cut Cal from the PTA carnival, there’s been nothing but tension between the two. And then Cal decides to volunteer as a co-leader for the Falcons in order to be more present for Josh. The outcome of this partnership will definitely be smooth sailing, right?
Low angst, truly the best found family, no third act breakup!!! (everyone cheered), and two amazing adults / parents finding their way to love and happiness. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in this series 😍
For a boost of serotonin, pick this one up asap!
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Grief. Grief is a bastard. It can truly destroy a person. And grief was eating my girl Helen aliveee. She was smack dab in the middle of struggle city with no way out. Her poor heart was so closed up… seemingly non-functional as a result of generational trauma, the traumatic loss of her younger sister, and intentional isolation.
And then Grant fucking Shepard waltzes back into her life. Handsome, popular, former high school homecoming king, and the person behind the wheel when Helen’s sister tragically died by suicide. The last thing Helen wants is to work side by side with this man. And even less of an interest is how kind, considerate, and “human” he is. And she certainly could never fall for this man, right?
This was an impressive debut, writing wise. I really enjoyed the writing style and the epistolary parts. I liked Helen and Grant, but didn’t love them. And I didn’t really connect with any of the side characters. All in all, I think there was just too much going on in this book. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for the author’s next release though.