Shawna

A reverse grumpy sunshine, which I enjoy. And even though the MMC is “alot”, he is sweet.

The ex-con thing was something I didn't expect from a Christmas book, but I thought it was handled well, except the past life drama I thought was a little draggy.

I really enjoyed the epilogue. Aiden showed how sweet he can be.

Also, as guaranteed with Tessa, there was some very nice spice.

This was my second billionaire romance and I found it much better than the first.

I liked both MCs, flaws and all.

There is mention of depression, attempted suicide and emotional abuse, so beware of that if those are triggers. They are present throughout the story, but they aren't overly detailed.

I like that we have a will and to earn the inheritance, each of the 3 brothers needs to complete a task. I think it's a great way to be able to have a multi book family series and be invested in it.

The spunk and chutzpah of the FMC was great. And how she chose to view the world a certain way was nice to read, instead of her being extra closed off and cold.

A good level of banter and spice for me as well.

I wanted more from this book. I can't really put a finger on what I didn't like, but something felt off to me.

It's my favorite trope however, I can't tell if I was too slow, or the personalities weren't quite where I wanted it to be.

3.75 rounded up

I found this novel very atmospheric. I felt like I was in the town, in the house. It did a great job setting a whole vibe, that was creepy yet inviting.

It was the first time where I've read a book that described main characters as ugly, but I didn't hate that.

The theme of found family was strong, and although the chapters weren't all likeable, you wanted to know their story and see them succeed.

3.5 rounded down.

I feel like this book almost tried to do too much. Like we brainstormed what could happen, but didn't edit it down and tried to include it all.

That said, it was still an enjoyable read. I liked the characters even if they were surrounded by a little more chaos then they maybe needed it be.

This is a 2.5 star book at best for me.

I didn't love it. I don't know what was missing but something was.

Nice easy beach read.

Not as good as “love and other words” but much better than “every summer after”.

Best friends, young love, second chance romance.

Not my favorite Thistle Grove book. I thought it had potential, but for some reason, it didn't read as easily for me as the others.

3.5 rounded up.

I enjoyed this much more than the first one. The main character was much more likable.

I feel that there should be more time placed in the conflict and less in the lead up.

Spice is only implied and it was sort of cringe. I am a fan of spice or no spice. But this sort of in the middle part takes me out of the book. I want these characters together, but when they do, it makes me cringe. So write it pg or write it R, but write something to hold on to.

2.75 rounded up.

This is the hardest Dark Olympus book to get into for me. I didn't love any of the characters like I have in previous books.

I wanted more from the book that featured Aphrodite.

The plot didn't intrigue me as much as the previous books. The spice was good, not great, and polyamorous tropes aren't really my thing.

I'm not sad I read it, but I won't reread it at any point.

3.5 rounded down.

This book was a fine little rom com, but something about it just didn't sit right with me. I can't quite put my finger on what it was.

I feel like Angel Annie was portrayed just a little too... soft, or lifeless at the start. I thought she could still be the town sweetheart without being totally agreeably and they town almost made her sound pathetic.

Will and Annie made a good match in my opinion. He really pushed her to be herself, which was something that she needed.

I feel like Will and Annie would have had a stronger relationship if Will started to open up earlier, it doesn't feel right to want Annie to be so vulnerable without giving the same in return.

Overall, cute story, decent character and Rome is still very much a hugely meddlesome town.

3.5 Rounded Down.

I liked the 3 timelines in the book, and I liked that we have a right place, wrong time, where no one cheated, but they held out hope for a potential to meet again.

I hated all the dirty dancing references

I also didn't love all the drama between the two MCs. I feel like we could have gotten the same vibes with less deceit and secrets.

3.75 rounded up.

I found this book interesting. The network that they built to help advance society and support a more fair and integrated society was inspiring and heartbreaking.

The selfishness of the acts to advance the greater good was noble.

I did not enjoy the ending. For all the build up, I found the ending sort of, flat.

3.5 Rounded down.
This book was better the the last few from the series. You can tell the whole series is coming to an end, so this was a good set up for the last book

3.5 rounded down.

I didn't mind the characters and the story was a typical sport college story, but it was a lot longer than it needed to be, with a lot of repetitive plots

I DNF'd this book.

I read the first three in this series, and although I didn't love them, I was able to get through them all and enjoy them. But this reimagining of Aladdin was not for me.

There was a lot about this book I enjoyed, however, it was way to long, and if you are looking for a fluffy light Christmas read this is not it.

Most of the characters are kind of unlikeable, but the main love story is sweet. There are some dark themes, so not great for everyone.

I didn't mind this book, however, there were no real twist for me. I had all the pieces put together fairly early.

That said, it was still an enjoyable read with a more original than some.

I avoided this book on my book shelf because it isn't my typical genre, and I thought it was just overhyped and I would be disappointed.

I was not. I devoured this book in 24 hours, and when I was reading, I was thinking about it.

To say it exceeded my expectations would be putting it mildly.

I love the main characters, the side characters and Xaden is a book boyfriend for the ages. I would follow him into battle without question.

The slow burn, enemies to lovers, the action, it was all top notch for me. Before the store closed today I took a break from reading to go buy books 2 and 3.

3.5 rounded down.

I thought this would be a 5 star read for me. I wanted it to be a 5 star read, but something didn't click for me.

It felt unnecessary long. It had good characters and some things I really enjoyed and ended strong. The last chapter was great. But the parts I didn't enjoy lead to a rating of 3.5

The book does do good job with mental health issues, especially anxiety, in my opinion.

I found this book a hard read. It was a DNF for me at 35%

I think it was the writing style mostly, but it has that awkward vibe, like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, which was also a DNF for me.

Loved this one too, even though it combines two of my least favorite tropes. Which means it had to be good.

I think what I really appreciate in Elsie Silver's books is the slow burn, yearning, and banter. She writes women that are strong and funny, not damsels in distress. And her men, are men and when they fall, they fall hard.

2.5 rounded down


I think the cover made me want one type of book, but it isn't that. Also, i think it was overhyped on social media.

There was some psychological tones here, but it wasn't the creepy cabin in the woods vibe I wanted.

I also didn't love the characters. Which took me even further out of the story

I had high hopes for this one but was left wanting more.

It was long, people weren't really likeable. The plot had the bones of a great story, but it never developed in a way to fully draw me in.

I don't always enjoy historical fiction and with this one set after WWI, it wasn't something I thought truly added to the plot.

I am not sad I read this book, however as someone into contemporary romance, witchy fiction and thrillers, it was lacking something for me.

I didn't have any expectations for this book that I got on a Stuff Your Kindle day, but I enjoyed it very much.

The banter was good, the spice was great and it was fake dating done right.