Asia

1.5/5

I disliked this book. It was boring, nothing interesting really happened, and the characters were dull. MMC was hung up on his crush and never saw FMC and only when she decided to move on he was suddenly in love with her? And when she explicitly told him she doesn't want to see him, he made their mutual friend to trick her into meeting him?: Fuck that shit.

And FMC caving in after he manipulated her was so stupid, I hated that behaviour. Just stand your ground and move on, girl!

The dialogue was cringe and unnatural and very very awkward throughout the book. The inner dialogue was too.

Thank you, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for providing me this ARC for an honest opinion.

CW/TW: SURPRISE PREGNANCY (ON PAGE), GROOMING AND A SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH A STEP-BROTHER (OFF-PAGE)

1.5/5

First of all, the cover is misleading. The main male character has a light BROWN skin and has dark, curly hair as we see in the second chapter. He's was born in the West Indies (Saint Kitts) and his mother was from Gambia. It's all revealed in chapter 8. And who does the cover present? A BLOND, WHITE guy. Blonde. White. All the things that Finn is not. It's explicitly said in the text that his half-brother, WHO DIED 10 MONTHS EARLIER, was a "blue-eyed golden-cherub, the counter to Finn.". Did the artist somehow confuse A DEAD MAN WITH A MAIN MALE CHARACTER?

The female character is from India, and somehow, whoever created the cover included that. But they completely ignored MC's race and looks and made him to look like a generic white guy. Are you serious? How come nobody caught that?

I was wondering why the author didn't catch it or demand the cover to be changed, but tbh I gave up on the idea. The way she wrote the books and characters was just strange, and she clearly didn't care enough.

Anyway, onto the plot. t's giving soap opera, not of a good kind. The sex scene was completely out of nowhere at 22% of the book, it was way too early with no build up whatsoever - which is basically a theme throughout the book. I get it, you almost died together, but you barely had a conversation TWICE, and MMC doesn't know that FMC is the reason everyone thinks he's the murderer! Come on, this is historical romance, I needed more buildup than that which was absolutely nothing.

FMC bemoaning that MMC hates her circular was so over the top and I didn't like that whining. 1) he didn't know you were behind it, and 2), YOU MADE PEOPLE THINK HE MURDERED HIS OWN BROTHER, what is wrong with you! FMC really annoyed me. She was constantly whining about Finn not having the freedom to love anyone (her) while SHE WAS THE REASON. If she hadn't published that article, nobody would think he was guilty!

And then she had a few opportunities to tell hi the truth, and all she said was that she only worked for Aurelius and that he's there and her friend. You are Aurelius you idiot! Just tell MMC that! But noooooo, why would she.

The accidental pregnancy happens at 60% of the book. There was nothing in the book desription, nothing at the beginning of the book, no warning whatsoever.

At 65% FMC is talking about pregnancy and her condition and her nausea and how her body will change constantly every 2-3 sentences and I am hating every single second of it. Nowhere in the description was there even a hint of a surprise pregnancy and I avoid those books. I hate being tricked like that by the author.

It got worse. Apparently, FMC had been groomed by and had a sexual relationship with her step-brother (half-brother?) when she was still living in her stepmother's house. Was this even hinted at before? No, we find out at 89%! 89! The book's almost done when the author decides to hit us in a head with trauma again! And then, because of course, FMC and MMC are almost killed! Again!

If I had known this would turn into a traumatic soap opera, I wouldn't have request it. Which is a shame because I enjoyed some parts of the book. But the author just dumps trauma for trauma's sake with no hints in the book description or at the beginning of the book at all and it's annoying. I hate it.

The female character was like a more miserable and unlikable version of Penelope Featherington, always bemoaming about her misfotune - which she brought onto herself. She whines about not having any relationship with her sisters, and she pushed them away and went no-contact for absolutely no reason. She complains about MMC not being able to be with her - but she was the reason he was a wanted man. And so on and so on.

And MMC? Well, he's either arrogantly cheeky or a coward. Axts like a rake and at the very sound of trouble abandons FMC. Ugh.

The other characters were all so over the top and were walking stereotypes. Most of them was suddenly gay for representation sake but they weren't even well-written, it was just bunch of stereotypes and tropes.

The male gay friend was just that: a male gay friend. A "dandy" as called in Regency: only caring about his looks and how fashionable he was, overly feminine for some reason, you know, the every gay best friend from a sitcom you can imagine.

The best friend was a bluestocking who only cared about the plants who suddenly realized she's gay and decided to move in with her new girlfriend after a month of meeting her. Aka every bookish lesbian from sitcoms.

The very feminine and badass lesbian who took no shit and always said what she wanted, aka every girlboss ever in existence.

The widow who was silly, liked parties and wanted a rich husband and a bunch of lovers. That was her whole personality.

I hated how they were written, it seemed like the author only included them for points, not because it made sense. They were all badly written with no personality.

The writing was horrible too. I'm not sure if the author ever learned about pronunciations or synonyms or SUBTLETY because there were none. The author doesn't use the words like "him/her/his etc, she mostly uses full names every single time. She is constantly repetitive, using the same phrases or descriptiosn every time. She lacks subtlety - when FMC started duspecting she might be pregnant, she brought it up in every other sentence. About the fact that she was pregnant. About "growing a new life". About changes in her body. About being pregnant. About the baby in her making her tired all the time. About being nauseous. Did I mention she was pregnant yet?

And the ending was so abrupt I wondered if I got the whole book - but yeah, the acknowledgments were on the next page. It felt like it was not just an open ending, but a sudden one too. She was almost killed again, reunited with him and they both almost died again, were saved by one of their captors and confessed their love - all in last chapter. And that's it.

What about all the things that were supposed to happen in this book, like, you know, the main point of the book which was proving MMC's innocence? Was the circular published? What was the reaction? Did the Bow Runner drop the case? What about the Antigua case? Or the triplets? WE GOT NO RESOLUTION WHATSOEVER.

I was surprised that FMC told MMC about her pregnancy tbh.

This was the first and last book I have and will ever read from this author. It was so convoluted and badly written with a trauma dump after trauma dump for just trauma's and drama's sake. Nothing was resolved, nothing was fixed, everything was just there, mostly hanging there by a thread and nothing was really resolved.

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for sending me this ARC.

When you look at the book for the first time, you think to yoursel "it's a prequel and many details were already shared in Catching Fire. It will be fine. Can't be worse than the actual trilogy right?"

But you know nothing, Jon Snow. (and how ironic the last name is).

The book is beautiful, devastating, heartbreaking, hopeful, a horror and love story tangled all in one. It's something you can never predict and nothing you can forget. It's seared into our minds and hearts and there's nothing you can do to stop it.

This book is not only an important book in the series, it's also consistent. All those details from the trilogy we thought were irrelevant? They get a whole other meaning after reading this book. Nothing is accidental, everything has its purpose. All those important things from the trilogy and The Ballad? They're not only kept, but also expanded upon. Suzanne Collins knows her world in and out, there are no plot holes, no mistakes, nothing. Her writing is consistent, heartbreaking, beautiful, thought-provoking, coherent and fantastic. She never misses.

Rereading the scene from Mockingjay where Snow chokes to death on his own blood will be so satisfying - although I still wish he got a more painfull death. It's not enough, nothing will ever be enough, my only consolation is that he's dead.

And Haymitch will meet Lenore Dove once again in the afterlife and they will be together forevermore.

1/5

This definitely wasn't my favourite book. I actually didn't like it, and I had to force myself to finish it in the first place.

First, the writing. I was annoyed with some of the phrases and the overall tone and style. In the first few chapters the author was hell-bent on saying how "remote" and "rular" the village was (as if that made it worse than a city), thatt the main character "can be locked in the basement" because apparently that's what happens in every countryside, but what really annoyed me was the description "suprisingly modern bathroom". Seriously?

What, just because it's a countryside it means they don't have a bathroom, only a privy instead? Seriously that's how the writing comes across. Idk if the author has ever been in the countryside or if she only saw pictures but it smells of prejudice. It was immediatelly off-putting to me.

Then, the style. The author was all "tell, don't show," and we had several instances of this: we're told that Charlotte was hired to archive the files from the observatory, but in the whole book, we only see her do it on page once. And only at 43% of the book. She had been hired to do it off-page at the beginning of the book (the first chapter has her packing and driving to the "rural" village), and yet, for the first 40+%, we don't see her do the job she was actually hired to do. We then have this happen at the end, where the characters get back together after the third act breakup. Except they don't even talk. Instead, MMC reads the letter FMC has written him (off page), and the they suddenly start making out and dating. There was no resolution! No explanation! And we don't even get to see the damn letter once. That was too frustrating.

The characters were bland. I wan't invested in the story or the relationships and it wasn't believable to me that they were in love. The were no sparks , nothing. I was more interested in the discovery MMC's parents made decades ago than the love story between MCs. Although I hated that FMC called her ex for the advice instead of her professor tbh. And both main characters were weird.

Charlotte seems dumb and naive. We get everything spelled out and she makes connections pages later and is always so shocked when it was made so clear to everyone. She was told that the owners made a stipulation for her to do her job, and when Lorelai revealed it was her, Clarlotte still hadn't realized Lorelai was the owner until it was spelled it out to her.

Tristan is a bit of an enigma. Grumpy and bothered, very angry with Charlotte the first 2 times he met her, on the third meeting he was suddenly all smiles and humour? Wha's that guy?

Charlotte was also super indecisive. When Tristan's sister interfered, Charlotte got rightfully angry and called her out, but as soon as the sister said, "you're here now, you should talk," she suddenly changed her mind. After calling her out like that and her not only reluctance but anger when she realised she's been manipulated, she just took it? I applauded her for standing up for herself as soon as she figured out what happened. But 2 seconds later, she changed her mind and let herself be manipulated, and it was just so stupid. I didn't care about them getting back together by that point, but I would if she decided to go back home back then and try and talk things through some other time, when they were both ready for it. Instead, the author rushed the happy ending with no character arc, and it was just so badly done.

The rescue was so dramatic, I didn't like that very much. I much preferred when MMC was a damsel in distress, and to suddenly have a role reversal and FMC was the one in trouble was jarring and unnecessary. I'd rather she save him from the panic attack than him coming to himself and having to save her.

All in all, the book wasn't for me. I didn't connect with the characters, and I honestly didn't care whether they got together or not. The backstory about MMC's parents was way more interesting for me. The writing was not my cup of tea, I definitely prefer books that show me what happens instead of having it all play out off-page. Even the ex had been more interesting than the main couple!

Thak you, NetGalley and Boldwood books for providing me with the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.25/5

I loved it, it's one of my favourite books I've read this year. I love all things mythical, and while I'm not the most knowledgeable about Scottish folklore (even if I know of Nessie), I find it magical and inviting.

All characters were well-written and I loved them. Especially Lachlan - a sassy man in a kilt and a divine accent? Yes, please And he's a monster too? That just makes it better!. And Key was a great character too, I loved how she grew into herself and her magic and I love that she saved the day at the end.

I loved all the relationships. It was as much as a romantic love story, as a platonic one. Key reconciling with the family she didn't know about was amazing and heartwarming and heartbreaking and warm and I loved it. Finlay, who loved her immediately and was excited to get to know her, Rhona who was very cold but she wasn't a villain which I found refreshing, Brodie who kept to himself but accepted her too - utill the end where he completely lost it. Lachlan and the twins, who had always accepted him for who he was and who were always there for him, even when, or maybe especially when they made jokes to make him feel better. And then we have Lachlan vs McKays, with Lachlan finally accepting all of them.

And of course, the love story between Key and Lachlan. They had so much in common and so many differences and they learned to work together. I loved their bickering and their chemistry, and how they couldn't help but be drawn to each other.

I loved the paranormal side of things too, Nessie, and kelpies, and curses and how it all came together at the end.

The book wasn't perfect; I predicted some things and while it's not bad, I have to say I'm disappointed in Brodie. I was hoping that he was a red herring and he only wanted to help. I didn't think the book needed a villain - the curse was bad enough as it was.

And speaking of curse, I didn't really feel like Lachlan was in any danger of never turning back into a human? I don't know, I wasn't exactly on the edge at the end, wondering how they're going to save him. It didn't feel like it was something so urgent, maybe because Lachlan's father was the only person they knew that it happened to? I'm not sure if it was the way it was written, or something else, but I didn't really feel that suspense and anxiety at the end that Key and Lachlan did. Also, what happened with the bridle was anticlimactic and I didn't feel like the tension about whether or not they found it.

Also, the way Key broke the curse felt really weak for me. So she had to forgive him that he lied to her? I thought she'd have to forgive his ancestor for the way he abused and treated her ancestor. That she'd have to use the bridle in a ritual to reverse the curse. idk, something about it felt anticlimactic and weak to me.

But the last few chapters were a tearjerker for me. I got emotional about reading how everything ended and overall, I loved it.

I loved the epilogue too. With all the elements from the book making an appearance (all important characters, even the windows from the castle, and their daughter's name).

And, can I just say, now that I read this book, I love what it looks like. The cover (although part of me wishes they kept the original where his shadow in the water is Nessie), him wearing a kilt and her in her pink wellies (although I wish THAT was a scene in the book, come on, Lana, so close), and the violet lettering and graphic. I LOVE it. And the hardcover as Tavis's journal was just brilliant.

And I love the drawings inside the book, they're so pretty and show those scenes really well!

my favourite quote is still definitely:

"Yeah, but I just thought you were being a dick."

"No, I was trying to tell you that Nessie has a dick."

1.75/5

The chapter titles, Taylor easter eggs and dedication were the only good things about this book.

I HATED Zander. Hated him. Ffs, this man can't take a "no" as an answer, can he.

Zoe could not even SAY A WORD because he was either talking over her or he was kissing her to shut her up. And he was so demanding an d controlling h my god, I wanted to punch him. He's supposed to be a feminist? In what world?

Zoe couldn't doa bloody thing without Zander criticising her every move and decision. He took her phone away, car keys so she couldn't even escape if she wanted to, forced her to share a bed with him for an entire week, and then he had problems when she asked him for space? Are you kidding me? Fuck this shit, I'm out.

I was already thinking this book was 2 starts, and ONLY because of Taylor Swift references, nothing else. THEN, Zander did the only good thing in the book and yell at Zoe's dad which put the book up to 3 stars for me.

AND THEN <spoiler> A PROPOSAL AFTER A WEEK (A WEEK!!!) of PRETEND DATING TOOK IT DOWN TO 1 STAR. THE ONLY REASON I'M GIVING IT 2 STARS IS BECAUSE OF THE DEDICATION.

for fuck's SAKE THEY WEREN'R EVEN DATING! He was telling her the whole week "It's pretend, it's pretend, don't worry, you can pretend as long as you like" only to flip it around and mid-sex during the last night forced her to realize that "This isn't pretended, Zo, you can't pretend anymore.", like fuck you. God, I HATE this man with such passion you have no idea. Holy shit. And while she's confused because she doesn't think he loves her and thought it was only a bit of fun for him (they never used boyfriend/girlfriend labels) this shit proposes to her? Are you fucking kidding me? After a week of PRETEND? And she said yes? And her parents were watching? I'm having "she likes pina coladas" deja-vous. </spoiler>

If I ever read anything by that author, it won't be any book from that series. Hopefully, the ending and male character will be better...

4.5/5

This was one of the best fake dating books I've ever read. It was very well written, the characters were amazing and realistic and I loved it.I love the boy obsessed trope and boy, Reese delivered. he was so down for Callie, it was insane. He started off as wanting to get back with his ex but he abandoned this idea pretty quickly. He was so into Callie, it was almost obscene and I LOVED it.HE STARTED READING ROMANCE NOVELS BECAUSE SHE LOVED THEM AND ANNOTATED THEM. AND HE TABBED THE ROMANTIC THINGS OR THINGS REMINDING HIM OF CALLIE. HE WAS BUYING HER BOOKS FROM HER TBR LIST, OH MY GOD, THE ULTIMATE BOOK BOYFRIEND.LISTEN. LISTEN. He moved her into his place and then SWITCHED ROOMS WITH HER SO SHE COULD HAVE A BETTER LIGHTNING FOR HER ART. He PUNCHED HER EX-BOYFRIEND WHEN HE ACCOSTED HER IN PUBLIC. HE GOT HIS EX FIRED FOR GOING TO THE MEDIA AND EXPOSING CALLIE LIKE THAT. HE CONFESSED HIS FEELINGS FOR CALLIE ON THE NATIONAL TELEVISION AND GREEN WAS HIS LUCKY COLOR BECAUSE OF HER EYES. OH. MY. GOD.And then. And THEN HE MADE HER AN ART STUDIO IN HIS PLACE AND PROMISED TO MAKE HER A LIBRARY TOO. HOLY SHIT. And throughout all that he loved Callie and complimented her and told her repeatedly how beautiful and sexy she was. And I loved how often and with excitement he'd picked her up and just carry her. I loved that.The spicy scenes were spicing. i LOVED them. The cinema? The restaurant? The face sitting, AND THE FIRST SCENE WITH THE TOY OH YES I LOVED THAT. The scenes were so good and well-written and just awesome.The ex was so annoying by the end but Karma is real and I loved that too haha.I will definitely read the previous book in the series and the next book (whenever it comes out). My only problem with this book was way too long - some scenes were dragged out or unnecessary. And there's no way that Reese is blonde. His rizz proves that he's tall, dark, and handsome lmaooo.

That was... Interesting.

It was the first BDSM book I've ever read so i have no idea how accurate the depiction was. Though I liked how Noel took care of Holly after each scene and act. How he washed her hair and her body, fed her, praised her, and cared for her. It was sweet.

There was one scene that made me extremely uncomfortable but I guess it was good for the character as she needed it?? I guess?? It was hard for me to read though lol.

The wax scene was hot, I loved that.

I wasn't a fan of the dialogue and dirty talk during sex scenes though. Idk, I found it all basic and lacking something. There were too many screams and exclamations, but not enough description of how it made them feel except for "the orgasms tore through her/him" or that her mind was empty , or how wet she was. That was too little for me. I wanted to read about heart thumping in their chest, how they were short of breath, how their skin was on fire from touch, the awareness of the other person's proximity etc. So I found the writing mostly disappointing.

Also, what the heck was that ending? So they have kinky sex for 5 days and they're suddenly in love and want to get married?? After 5 days??? Are you kidding me?? At the beginning, Noel was still grieving his wife and wasn't ready to commit. And now, 5 days later he suddenly wants to marry Holly?? Come on. Like, seriously. Be real with me for a second. He grieves his wife. She gets dumped by her long time boyfriend (of 3 years!!) via text and then, 5 days later, they're suddenly so in love and ready for marriage???? No. Absolutely not. It took me out of the story and immediately lost another point.

And then the epilogue dragged, it was so long and yet nothing happened. This epilogue was only there to set up the next book in the series but I didn't like it lol. Could have been done over the phone.

Also, I was convinced that it would be Theo who'd get the next book, seeing as his adventures were mentioned throughout the book, and Evan's troubles in the epilogue came out of nowhere. I much preferred Theo being set up as the next protagonist.

That being said, I won't be reading anymore books in the series, the writing is not for me. And seriously, a proposal after 5 DAYS????

2,5/5

It wasn't horrible but it was boring and felt unfinished, good thing it was so short.

Liam's bet was supposed to be important but I didn't feel any urgency from his to win it. Also we don't know how the bet came to be: were they all drunk or something? He threw the deeds for his favourite place of Earth and yet still he was just fine losing it? His brothers apparently sabotaged his efforts but we're never met them so idk if they dicks just because or was there something more sinister going on.

I hated that Holly never told Liam about her being a leprechaun. He deserved to know, damnit. He deserved to know what she was, what her magic was, even if she was going to lose it, he deserved to know. I hated that she lied to him and didn't seem to care whether or not he should know. Even when she said she accepted their bond he still asked what did she meant and she just brushed him off.

You don't do that. Tell him, damnit.

The whole book felt rushed and unfinished. The story was cute but was expecting more - I didn't really care about the characters because the whole book felt incomplete. I couldn't connect with Holly being afraid of te bond - why would she? She hated that magic, It felt more like a curse and when she suddenly got an option to accept a soulmate bond to get rid of the magic she ran??? Make it make sense.

It didn't feel like there were any stakes. It's was just rushed and the plot and characters were very superficial. We don't know anything about Liam's brothers or what Holly's father did that he was considered the worst?? I've no idea. It was all empty underneath. All surface, no filling.

Thank you, NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

4,25/5

This was adorable. I really enjoyed this book. It might have been slightly too long in same places but I loved it.

I'm not a fan of public love confessions or anything like that so reading about Lucie telling everyone her dreams on a radio show as weird for me, I was waiting for the to hang up. But that's what I would have done. And later when Aiden and Lucie finally talked at the very end - I wouldn't have come to the radio station in the first place, but it felt very in character for both Lucie and Aiden.

I loved them. Both characters were amazing. Maya was a little mastermind. My favourite moment was when she said she hadn't found anyone who would compare to Aragorn. Same, kiddo. Absolutely same here.

I like how observant Aiden was and THE NOTE IN HIS GLOVE COMPARTMENT! The picnic! I loved that so much!

I'm glad that Lucie found him and they both finally accepted what was happening. It took Aidan longer (I hate third act breakups, why did it have to be here too) but they got there in the end.

Thank you, NetGalley and Pan MacMillan for providing me the ARC for my honest opinion.

2/5

I was honestly expecting him to know who she was. The entire thing about FMC being related to someone famous was unnecessary for me because I was waiting for the other shoe to drop the entire time. The smut was dry lol.

ALSO, nobody proofread this book, I'm sure, because at the beginning her sister was called Serena a pop star, and by the end, her name changed to Sabrina. Just... it's 24 pages of mediocre smut. The least the author could do is keep the damn name.

4.5/5

That was delightful. I LOVED this story and the schemes Violet and James were up to to vex their spouse. I felt for Violet, poor thing TAKING ALL THIS WAY to Kent only to see James alive and annoyed that she learned about his accident? I'm petty and I'd probably take revenge too.

Now, hiring an actor might be a bit much, but it was hilarious. I loved James's reaction to learning his wife was sick, when he thought it to be genuine - and then his realization and reaction when he learned it was all a ruse. Amazing.

I wouldn't have Violet's grace when James flirted with Sophie in front of her - I would hysterically cry instead, but I LOVED how calm Violet was and her lecture the next morning. And when Sophie started making James uncomfortable? Hysterical. I loved it.

The only critique I have is this: we didn't learn what the argument was about until 60% of the book. Around 45% we only learn that Violet has allegedly betrayed James, with no details whatsoever - and only at 60% we learn the whole story. I was annoyed a bit by that, I was hoping for a quicker reveal. It was too dragged out, especially, since their closest friends never learned at this point - no, that was revealed to a stranger. Come on.

Also, Jeremy's role in this whole thing and James's reaction. He needed the barest excuse not to trust Violet and he destroyed the marriage. But he learned how Jeremy was involved and... Nothing? Not even an argument? Not a raised voice? Seriously? He treated Violet like shit for the past 4 years when Jeremy was more responsible than Violet ever was? Come on! I get that people changed and they both matured, but seriously, at least give me one argument between them. So what Violet was though could be at least a little justifiable.

That's the only reason it's not 5 stars for me. The book was great, the story amazing, and I loved James's grovel and action to fix his mistakes. And I loved that despite everything, he was still in love with his wife, to the point where he always came home and hated sleeping in the countryside when she wasn't there with him! It was sweet!

3.75/5

That was cute! I enjoyed their banter even if i'm not a fan of insta-love.

I really liked it. I love enemies to lovers and while exes to lovers or second chance romance is not my cup of tea, I enjoyed this book. I KNEW, I knew that the Bailey drama was not as simple as it seemed to be, but I'm disappointed with the execution of it. I dislike that the author waited until the last moments to reveal the truth, and only to Gavin.
Vi deserved a chance to hear it and react to it. I hate that she learned about it “off-screen”, while that was the reason she hated Gavin for so long, and avoided the jocks for so long. She should have been told right then and there (or eavesdropped even). She deserved to have a chance to rage against Bailey and come to terms with that in the novel. I hate that we'll never know how she reacted or what she felt while learning the truth, that all of her hate and mistrust towards Gavin was unfounded for so long. Violet deserved to have a chance to come to terms with - now it feels like she never got that closure, even if we, as an audience, can figure she was told “off-screen”.

The epilogue was cute and I LOVE that they named their child Austen!! I love that! Though I have to agree with Daisy - The Keira Knightley version of Pride and Prejudice is far more superior.

When he takes care of her when she is sick is so >>>>>>
I LOVE that!
4/5. Could be 4.75/5 if there was a resolution for Violet, Gavin and Bailey, but since Violet never got the chance to learn the news - not that we saw that -the rating is lower.

4.75/5

HEY WERE MARRIED THIS WHOLE TIME?

When I tell you my jaw dropped Oh my god I had to take a walk after that revelation. I love it.

Okay, first things first. this is the FIRST EVER book with demisexual representation I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT AND I NEED MORE BOOKS WITH THAT SEXUALITY, THANKS.

Second, Levi “my wife” Matthews was DELIGHTFUL. I love him. Cass treated him horribly and my poor guy suffered because of it. I want to hug him and let him know everything will be better soon. HE IS PRECIOUS OH MY GOD. THE WAY HE LOVED HANNAH WAS SO BEAUTIFUL AND TRAGIC AND HOPEFUL AND OH MY GOD HE'S SO OBSESSED WITH HER STILL I LOVED IT.

Hannah was amazing too. I loved her character development and that she gave them a chance even while preparing for the worst.

While sometimes I have issues with second-chance romance, this one felt real. The pain? The growth? The distrust, hurt, and resentment, turning into trust, joy and love? The hope that they both had? Oh my god, I'm emotional. it was so beautiful and raw I will definitely think about this book for a long time.

The writing of this book was so much better than the previous one. I loved it. The author definitely grew into writing and became more comfortable with it and you can feel how much she loves her characters. I loved this book so much.

Levi and Hannah's relationship was beautiful and I'm still crying. I loved it and I hope they will be very happy together and have many kids which they both clearly want. The only thing I'm slightly disappointed by was the lack of Levi talking to his younger sister. I hoped we'd get this scene but we didn't. It doesn't affect this book in any any, I just wish it was slightly longer.

3.75/5

I usually like the modern marriage of convenience, though this book was kind of boring. Nothing interesting happened until 60% of the book, no real conflict or anything like that and I lacked the feelings. This author likes to tell, not show, which is not my favourite. It's hard to judge the passage of time in the story until it's explicitly written - like the fact that at the beginning it was said that the elections would happen in 2 months' time in November since Leonne and Trev's wedding. But all of that happened in the meantime, the campaign and everything between Leone and Trev looked like it happened in a matter of days at most before the election day arrived.

And here was almost no mention of feelings; no fluttering hearts or quickened breath or nerves while looking at the person, or the happiness at the sight of them - nothing internal. it was all “she/he smiled, she/he took the other person's hand” and until it was spelled out that they were in love with each other, the reader could barely tell that there were any feelings involved. And I personally don't like that. I like to feel the internal conflict and the subtle hints of catching feelings like flushed cheeks or heart pounding or the inability to think about anything else but that other person, but there was nothing here.

What I liked about this book though is the fact that even with the glamour, Trevor still saw the real Leonne and not the spell she showed the world. The crystal that she gave to protect him. The friendship within the coven (and Hazel!), as well as the friendship between Trevor and Titus, and Trevor and Dante. And the fact that Trevor found out that Leonne was a witch. I freaking loved that the most.The thing about the first book that bugged me the most was that witches couldn't tell their nonmagical partners the truth and that Danica wouldn't be able to share this with Titus either. The "ask me no questions" policy was really bothersome and I love that now they're allowed to! Trevor and Titus know the truth about the magic and the coven and they're not being lied to anymore.

All in all, it wasn't a bad book but I expected more, especially after the last one. Especially the “18 months later” excerpt that talked about Leonne and Trev as being almost separated - it was only one argument and they both apologized literally the next day. It was nothing as dramatic as what the previous book suggested which disappointed me.

But I'm glad that Trevors knows now and that Leonen doesn't have to hide her magical talent - hers or Melanie's from him.

I hope the next book in the series (not “The Only Purple House in Town” as is listed on goodreads though, which seems like a random addition) is about Dante and Margie. I'd love to read their story and I'm a sucker for a single dad romance. And I hope we get to to learn more about Vanessa and Ethel too!

3.75/5

I knew it. But I didn't know who Marianne was in addition to being the sister! That was a plot twist I should have seen coming though.

I enjoyed it but not as much as the previous two books. It was missing something.

I liked Bell and Marianne, though the love confession was a little over the top for me. But I liked it. I was hoping for more secondary characters (Frances and Kendall and Worth and Julianna) and I'm sad we didn't get more of them and more of their friendship. And it felt like Clayton was barely there as a friend either, which is a shame cause I love him too.

It was a nice story and I'm glad everything ended happily.

4/5

I really enjoyed this book. It was good and fun!

I liked the main couple, although FMC pissed me off at the beginning. She was a pushover; letting her boss and sister treat her like that, never standing her own ground. It was annoying. But I liked that she learned to fight for herself and became more open.

I wish we had MMC's point of view but we didn't need it to see how much he loved her. Though I'd love to know his backstory from his pov and how that shaped him, other than what he told Henley.

Her boss was a whiny bitch and I'm glad he faced consequences of his actions. The bickering between Henley and Greame was fun (but why did they need to have such strange names??) and interesting. I'm glad they finally met and she gave them a chance. Even if the third act breakup was annoying.

2.75/5

It's not a terrible book, but it's not my favourite one either.

The first scene of Quinn meeting Noah was already a terrible one and it only went downhill from there. He was dragged by his friend Ivy to Noah's panel, and then, she poured her drink on his trousers so it looked like Quinn wet himself. And THEN everyone (including Noah) saw his wet pants and came to the same conclusion. But did Ivy apologize or say it was her doing? No, not until Quinn left, humiliated. And even then people thought that Quinn had an accident.

And it only went downhill from there. Quinn was so shy and anxious he could barely speak to other people and it was annoying how Ivy didn't respect his boundaries and forced him to do things he didn't want to. Eventually Quinn realized that he had to do them by himself (fear of eviction etc), but being in his head was annoying. I was waiting for Noah's point of view and was disappointed that we never got any.

The book was cheesy and predictable. The writing wasn't the best and the author threw random words like “werk” which seemed really out of place and we're jarring. The small town setting was cute and Christmas books are always fun, but this one wasn't for me. But perhaps other people like it more!

Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for giving me access to this ARC.

4.25/5

For a book that's marketed as that “a witch breaks a hex and gains magic”, I'm disappointed that there was no breaking hex until 48% of the book, and gaining magic until 60% of the book. I mean seriously, half of the book was mostly just exposition. I was expecting something else whatsoever, but tbh, I liked this book anyway.

It was cute and nice and I vibed with it. It's a cozy read for Halloween and I recommend this book.

Delia was quirky and fun, and Max was broody and stoic - until he wasn't. I loved how much he liked Delia from the start, despite the fact that he shouldn't, but when he accepted it, he didn't let anything stand in their way. I understand Delia's freak out about accidentally bewitching him, and I'm somehow glad that she wasn't angry about the role he played in everything since the beginning.

The background characters were fun too. I love how Luc embraced life in the village, and how Amy wanted more, and the Merryweather witches who were so excited to find out the truth. But my favourite one was Nikki. He was amazing, fun, well-written, mysterious and just great. I loved him.

The ending was a surprise but an interesting one! It kept me on my toes and I did shed a tear. The book was great and I thoroughly enjoyed it. hope that the author will continue to write books in this universe - I would love to read stories about Amy, Luc, and Nikki. And to revisit Delia and Max, of course.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the digital ARC of this book in exchange fir my honest opinion.

That was bad. It started cute with her quitting, but where was the promised groveling? Because he apologized, made a deal with her, and that was it until the very end. Are you kidding me? If you promise a grovel, I expect a grovel during the entire book, not during the maybe 3 chapters in the entire book. A grovel is a grovel and it takes time.

Also, the book was badly written. What the hell does the sentence “Lucy narrows her eyes and her pupils grow wide” even mean? You do realize it's physically impossible, right? And it wasn't the only time I was shaking my head at the stupidity I read.

The entire love confession at the end was making me cringe because all throughout the scene all I could think of was: They are live on Instagram. It's not cute or whimsy or nice. It's awkward and humiliating, honestly. Just full stop. And the poor guy standing next to them - just no.

And WHAT THE FUCK WAS WITH THAT PROPOSAL AT THE END? Really? He proposes via COMPUTER?? The dude literally said he couldn't log in and when she clicked recover password the marriage proposal was there?? And when she types yes that was the answer?? Are you kidding me?? Who finds that cute or romantic?? Absolutely not.

The ONLY good thing about this book and the only reason I even gave it 2 stars instead of 1 is the loveliest description of brown eyes I've ever seen. THAT was hot. THAT was romantic. THAT was wholesome. Not cringy hashtags Lucy used to describe herself or the way she got sick and he rubbed her back because what was even the point? It didn't lead anywhere, it didn't give him the realization that he wanted to take care of her for the rest of his life, or that he would choose to be there with her even while she was sick. There was none of that. And it was only one scene that didn't really move the plot forward.

Honestly, the only good thing was this:

“I'm not finished.” I press a finger to her lips. I won't sit here and listen to her talk about herself in such disparaging terms. Not when I see her so completely. This trip has been a pain in the ass in more ways than I can count, but it's opened my eyes to the incredible woman before me. “Your eyes are brown but not the same rich espresso shade as your hair. They're a deep umber that grows darker, almost black, when you're angry, and when they catch the light, they soften, revealing a warmth few possess.” Her breath hitches, but she remains silent. “The most fascinating thing I've noticed is that when you're excited or making a snarky comeback to put me in my place, your eyes sparkle, lighting up your entire face. Like they're doing at this very moment.”

Lets romanticize brown eyes!

3.25/5

TW: slut-shaming, discussions of SA of a background character

So. I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I kind of enjoyed the story between Jake and Ella. The push and pull, bickering, banter and chemistry. It was all there. Plus all the Taylor Swift references (that were WAY more subtle than the description would have you believe, I promise - like the fact that Jake, the football player, wears number 87). But, the heavy topics this book tried to tackle blindsided me. I wasn't ready for any of it.

The main character is slut-shamed throughout the entirety of the book, either because someone learns about her mother (more of that later), or because people from her past judge her. Her mother was a hooker and everyone assumed that Ella was the same. So they slut-shamed her, called her names, turned her life into hell, even now, 19 years after graduating high school. They all judged her. All except the MMC, of course.

And then there was a minor character (MMC's best friend) being almost raped by her then-boyfriend when they were younger. Again, there was no trigger/content warnings, nothing. It was all out of left field, for the shock value I guess? To make the stakes even higher? I'm not sure. And I'm not sure if the blade attitude of this girl “what happened, happened I put it in the past now and I don't care if the media goes after my daughter if i reveal it” was the way to go.

Aaaand Ella's mother. She's dead now, but the way they handled that... I guess the author tried to be woke and show that sex workers are just people blah blah blah but they way she did that was just inconsiderate imo. Because that character left a letter to her daughter. In which she told her that she was good at what she did and that she enjoyed it. Because that's what her daughter wanted to hear, right? But that's not all. That character tried to justify it that she only spread live and what can be more pure than that?

You, lady, (the character and the author I guess for trying to justify it in that way), are delusional. You weren't “spreading love”. You had sex with both married men AND school boys for money. There was nothing noble about this. Stop trying to turn it into something it wasn't. You. Had. Sex. For. Money. With. Married. Men. And. School. Boys. Your. Daughter's. Classmates. For. Money. You didn't “spread love”. You spread something, but it sure as hell wasn't love. And you didn't care that your children were judged and BULLIED by the entire town for your actions! You admitted you liked pretty things and having sex. That was enough. The whole “spreading love” was bullshit and you know it.

Aaaand now I'm angry.

The ending was rushed. The author tried to wrap it all up in a neat little bow but it felt forced and rushed. I'm glad that the characters ended up together but for a romance there was too much horniness and less... Well, romance. Sure, they were attracted to one another. But in love? I don't buy it.

Also, the book made it seem like the MCs were strangers who only met 2 years prior, spent the night together, and now we're thrown together by life. That's not true. They both grew up in the same small town, went to the same school (he was 2 years older than her), somehow he ended up at her prom and they kissed, and two years prior they simply slept together. After knowing each other since they were kids. So it wasn't really strangers to lovers the book description tried to sell.

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood books for the copy of the book. This is my honest review.

4.5/5

That was an excellent read, one I thoroughly enjoyed.

Dorian was a great main hero, grumpy but not really, powerful and charismatic. Caro was sassy, strong, independent, but also lovely. She wasn't a damsel in distress but she also wasn't nagging about not needing a man which was refreshing. I also LOVE that she was 30. There aren't enough romance novels (especially Regency ones) with heroines that age. Also, she was working class! I loved it!

There were so many plotlines, all interconnected and well done: the cheating of his late wife, lover investigation, secret identity... I loved how the plot intertwined. I was interested all the way through.

I loved Dorian and Caro's relationship, although I kinda wish that her father got his due. And that we saw on screen how his mother finally accepted her.

Now, this book is the first in the series. And the series is called Bluestocking Booksellers which means the next books will be about her cousins and while I'm excited, I can't help but also be disappointed. I know Oliver will probably end up with Constance, based on their meeting in this book, although I would LOVE to read about Oliver and Althea instead. Something about the man being in an arranged betrothal with a woman who became his friend, and when she eloped, being forced into a betrothal with her sister fascinates me. And it also sounds as though she lowkey hates him? I need to read their book now. Something about enemies to loves in an arranged betrothal/marriage, while he was supposed to marry her sister (but isn't in love with his former fiance) scratches my brain the right way. I'm fascinated. I need their book now!

I really enjoyed it by the end. And I'm really happy that Alex made her dreams come true and became an astronomer! But must the woman always get pregnant at the end as a happy ending?

0/5

DNFed after the second chapter

the writing is cringy and awful. I get that MFC is “not like other girls” but it just sounds so embarrassing. She's what, 19-20? And talks like a 15-year-old girl who has no experience talking to people. Her ex-boyfriend (and her friends) is an immediate red flag - he grabbed her and carter her off to his house while she yelled at hm to put her down and her best friends - who at the time already knew she didn't want to sleep with him - stood there and watched and only came to help her minutes later AFTER she saved herself? And she calls him harmless? Nope, I'm out of here