Regina
4.5/5
What starts as a lighthearted approach to the familiar “desperately need a date to my high school reunion” trope develops into so much more.
While I'd still count it as a romantic comedy, it also tackles some more serious topics and weaves them seamlessly into the story.
All in all, I enjoyed getting to know (and falling in love) with Haleigh and Ian and their Amarillo Sour posse, their story truly warmed my nerdy little heart.
I can't wait for the next book in the series - helloooooo, professor! :)
This was a fun, quick read - although I have to say, as a standalone, it feels like something's missing.
I would have loved more pirates, more airships, more shenaningans. As it is, the story feels like a prequel or first-in-series, and to be honest, I am a bit bummed that there is no follow-up.
3.5/5
The Last is the third - and final - book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone.
I have read other books by Tawna Fenske (including the first in this series, The List), and The Last showcases all the things I love about her writing:
Her characters feel real, not only Sarah and Ian, but also their friends and family. Speaking of which: Junie is probably one of my favorite characters in the series! <3
And besides Tawna Fenske's unique sense of humor, the story also has quite a lot of heat - and an equal amount of heart.
I had all the feels, from snickering to laughing out loud to swooning to crying (that epilogue... gah!).
Disclaimer: ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher - this is my voluntary and honest review.
Even though it's been a while cough since I've seen my teen years, I always enjoy reading Maggie Dallen's YA stories. Love at First Fight is no exception, and it's a little special to me, because... geeks. :)
This time, we're following band geek Margo and star quarterback Jason in a former-friends-now-sort-of-frenemies to lovers story on their way to their Happy End. As always, I can relate to the characters Maggie has created - though, TBH, I'm rooting a little more for the geeks than for the popular crowd (although I absolutely get Jason's eagerness to play nice with everybody).
What feels a bit different compared to the other YA books by Maggie Dallen I've read so far, is that it's not quite so focused on the main characters, but also on the whole group dynamic at school. (Cyber-)bullying plays a prominent part in the story, and the “us vs. them” adds another, external, conflict on top of the usual teenage angst and overcoming of internal stumbling blocks and misconceptions.
Despite the serious topic, it's still a fun read.
And I'm honestly looking forward to reading Suzie and Luke's story!
This conclusion to the EoC trilogy felt somewhat slower than the first two books.
I was a bit frustrated at times, especially with Kaitlin, because a lot of the drama could have been avoided (okay, so the book might have ended up as a novella? As long as they get their HFN/HEA, I'm good... ;) ).
But I did like the introduction of Abram as a potential love interest (not necessarily for Kaitlyn, more as in the setup for his own story).
The second part in the series picks right up where the first book left off.
Tatiana continues to adjust to her new life in Gallyr, dealing with snobbish nobility, political unrest and the Gallyrian version of “fake news”. Not to mention the princes who at times seem to do their darnedest to make life even more confusing and complicated for her.
I'm curious to find out what's in store for Tati in the next book!
Merged review:
The second part in the series picks right up where the first book left off.
Tatiana continues to adjust to her new life in Gallyr, dealing with snobbish nobility, political unrest and the Gallyrian version of “fake news”. Not to mention the princes who at times seem to do their darnedest to make life even more confusing and complicated for her.
I'm curious to find out what's in store for Tati in the next book!
All. The. Swoons.
Once more I found myself falling in love with Kait Nolan's characters, (metaphorical) warts and all - not only Athena and Logan, but also Ari and the rest of the Reynolds clan.
(And that Ponderosa Resort crossover... I may have squealed like the fangirl I am. <3)
This story can absolutely be read as a standalone (it's the first book in the series I've read).
Color me surprised!
I'm usually not a big fan of jerk-y heroes, so my expectations for a book with this very honest series title were admittedly low.
That I found Sebastian - although absolutely eye-roll-worthy - a likeable hero despite his obvious occasional douchebaggery was unexpected.
I liked that James always gave as good as she got, and that she proved time and again that you really shouldn't judge a girl by her... cardigan.
Yes, it seems like about 90% of the book is about sex - someone thinking about it, talking about it, “making” it (SCNR) - but the story in between, of James and Sebastian's growing friendship (and the dreaded l-word) was truly enjoyable.
I liked Riley and Liam, they complement each other well, and they both had a lot of baggage to unpack before they could find their HEA.
But, as per default in Wishful, they have the help of their more or less meddling friends and families - I love the Wishfulites, in general, and I absolutely adored Liam's mom in this story!
It's probably a good thing I read these books out of proper order, because I'm not sure I still would have wanted to read Chris's story after reading this one.
Don't get me wrong, I loved both stories - I just didn't like all the characters all that much.
Once again, Bria Quinlan manages to break my heart into tiny little pieces - but since she's also amazing at putting it back together again, AND make me laugh and swoon at the same time, I'll keep reading her books as long as she's willing to write.
I liked Ash in Adorkable, and I'm happy he got his own story. :) He and Snow are a good match, and it's fun to have Sally and Becks make an appearance, too, among the supporting cast.
I particularly enjoyed the role reversal in the usual bodyguard trope with Snow kicking a** (no, not Ash, even if she is occasionally so inclined) and taking names.
Maybe the villains were not all that mysterious, and I might have wished for a bit more drama with the Buchanan brood, but all in all I had a lot of fun with these characters and their story.
Bonus points for big, bad Bae Bae and fanboi Koi. :)
Henri is not your typical demure damsel (but then, Maggie Dallen's heroines never are), and the somewhat bland and boring-seeming Lord Colefax harbors more than one scandalous secret.
Add to that a solid plot with some mystery and intrigue and a dash of humor, and you get an entertaining, quick read.
All in all, this was another enjoyable foray into the Regency era for me.
Once more Tawna Fenske delivers her trademark blend of swoon-worthy, yet less-than-perfect characters with real-world problems, a heart-warming (and occasionally steamy) story laced with witty banter, snort-inducing hilarity and a wonderful supporting cast.
I can't (okay: don't want to) wait for the next book in the series!
Solid first-in-series for this Heartstrikers spin-off with more magic and cyberpunk and less dragon drama (at times, the story had a decidedly Shadowrun-y feel).
Opal and Nik make a good team, solving the mystery around a mage's death, while both racing against the clock and on the run from hired thugs. It was especially great to see the Spirit of the Forgotten Dead play a small but important part in this story.
Another bonus point for Nik's old-fashioned sports car (not only completely autopilot-free, but also a stick shift, to boot) and Opal's initial... ahem... skepticism towards it. :)
Like the Heartstriker series before it, this series will be likely be a no-questions-asked-shut-up-and-take-my-money autobuy for me.
Cute “opposites attract” YA romance
I've been waiting for this story ever since I “met” Maddie and Ox in The Perfect Catch.
And while these two are probably my favorite couple in the series (though it's a close call), and I am - of course, duh! - happy to see them getting their happy end, the story was not my favorite of the three.
Though I really can't put my finger on why, since all the ingredients I like about Maggie Dallen's YA romances are definitely there.
Still, I'm a bit sad that this is the final book in the series and the stories of this particular group of friends have now all been told.
Wow! Not quite as light and “fluffy” as I expected, but I really should know by now that Kathryn R. Biel never makes it easy for her characters.
So we get to witness the nitty-gritty, all the blood, sweat and tears - right alongside the humor and friendship - it takes to make the reunion of the Sassy Cats happen.
Once again I am blown away by the author's skill to create so realistic and relatable* characters, and I thoroughly enjoyed tagging along through all the ups and downs to a very satisfying ending.
* except for Callie - I still think she's sort-of horrible... Sorry! :-s