Book Review: Bad Bachelor by Stefanie London

I ended up really liking this. It ended up giving me Lauren Layne vibes. I definitely need to check out more Stefanie London’s books.

There were some serious parts, but overall I found the tone to be light. It had some romantic comedy feels. Darcy was fun and likable. And I really liked reading about her relationship with her sister and mom. Reed was a fairly standard romance hero, but I liked it. His emotional walls made tons of sense. His journey was interesting to read about.

The romance was well-paced. Darcy and Reed have that bickering sexual tension which I love. They have very good chemistry. They kind of become friends before becoming lovers. This is becoming one of my favorite romance arcs to read. The ending was a little rushed, but I see that a lot in romance. I just want a little more resolution. Le me enjoy happiness with a couple I’ve come to care about.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: A Court of Mist & Fury by Sarah J. Maas

The whole time I read this, I wanted to do a review. Now, that I’m done I don’t know what to say. This is probably going to be real rambly.

First, I felt this was a little long. Thinks kind of dragged. Although I did appreciate that it wasn’t all action all the time. Maybe multiple POVs would’ve helped. I just like my fantasy to have multiple POVs.

I wasn’t particularly on board with the romance changes. I am warming up to it. I don’t really want to go into spoilers, but I actually like the evolution of the Tamlin relationship.

Feyre wasn’t as annoying as some other characters I’ve read. And I respect the PTSD and dealing with trauma. But the side characters are more compelling. There’s even new characters that I’m way more invested in.

I do think I will continue reading this series, but it’s probably never going to be a favorite.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: Ice Planet Honeymoon: Raahosh & Liz by Ruby Dixon

Just like the other honeymoon story, this was a nice companion to Raahosh and Liz’s story. There’s continued character development. I really liked when Raahosh told her he wanted to talk and get to know each other-not just bang. He’s so sweet. I continue to be on board with this couple.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: Wild Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor

I don’t know what to say.

I like the idea of this story and these characters. but it all fell flat. I also didn’t buy a lot of things. I kept feeling like I skipped pages somehow because character behavior just didn’t make sense. Like Avalon and Devan don’t get along. But why? And he starts to like her. But why?

The Thane/Devan relationship was good, but wasn’t as well developed as it could’ve been. Thane’s whole developed as it could’ve been. Thane’s whole character and existence was a little plot moppety. And that’s one of the reasons I typically avoid kids in books.

In the end, I was just disappointed by this. I’m sure some people would like this, but not me.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: Ice Planet Honeymoon- Georgie & Vektal by Ruby Dixon

I am obsessed. I got Kindle Unlimited just so I could read this. I’m listening to the others through Audible Escape.

This actually really helped with the character development. It could’ve easily been a big bang fest. Instead Georgie deals with some mental shit from her abduction. I’m glad that happened. It helped me believe the emotional connection between Georgie and Vektal.

Even with all the seriousness, there is still tons of over the top interactions and humor. Onto the next one.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: Barbarian Alien by Ruby Dixon

I’m still obsessed with this series. I thought this might be redundant, but it wasn’t. And I really liked Raahosh and Liz. His story with his parents broke my heart. It was nice to learn more about his people’s culture through his experiences. Liz doesn’t really stop talking. I was fine with this, because I can related. She also was willing to stand up for herself and Raahosh. It was still pretty funny and crazy banana pants.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon

What is this bundle of crazy? And who do I like it so much? I am totally on board with reading all of these.

The character development and world building is lacking. But I don’t care. I am invested in Georgie’s story and the other ladies she is stranded with. The book is shorter which contributes to the lack of development, but I think the shortness makes the ridiculousness more bearable. It’s so over the top and hilarious. Basically, this story doesn’t take itself to serious.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: Sinful Like Us by Krista & Becca Ritchie

I put off reading this because I knew there would be a lot of emotion and drama.

I wasn’t wrong. These books are like a soap opera-drama after drama. I really like Krista and Becca’s writing so it works for me, but sometimes I want more downtime to recover from the drama.

Thatcher and Jane have really good chemistry. I liked reading about how they depend their relationship. Jane especially had to go on a journey to allow herself to had to go on a journey to allow herself to love him. That’s a beautiful story to read. I do wish they had sex less. It’s pretty steamy which is great. But sometimes it felt like they were using sex as a comfort and avoidance tool.

Banks getting some POV chapters was great. I find him interesting and can’t wait to get more time with him. Connor being a dad was also great. I would’ve preferred more of him with Thatcher.

Potential spoiler:

The Wednesday Night dinner. I was so excited for Thatcher to be at a Cobalt dinner. The Cobalts are practically the definition of “extra” and while it can overwhelm me sometimes, I like them in these scenes. I just wish it had been longer and allowed for more character exploration.

Also there was a huge lack of Walrus. Where is my boy Walrus? He is the star of the whole series!

Thanks for reading!
Holly

January Wrap-Up (2020)

I’m not the only one that feels this way, but January was one long-ass month. It felt like it dragged. It probably doesn’t help that I got sick right at the end of December. Apparently that was a virus going around that knocked you out for 3-4 weeks. It sucked.

But I was able to read quite a few books. I even read a new favorite so that was exciting. Bring on February.

Here are the books I read, grouped by rating:

December/January Book Haul

I tried to cut back on my book buying in December because of the holidays. But I did also get a couple books from my book boxes. Then, I bought books in January. I have no regrets.

I also was blessed with a physical ARC of Whatever it Takes by Krista and Becca Ritchie. I am so so so grateful for that.

Here are the books I bought or got in boxes (which I also bought).

Book Review: One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

This is why I love this series. Re-reading the first books as good, but didn’t get the feeling I remember from the series. This book gave me those feelings.

This book takes place several years after the first one. I’m living for that choice. Cat feels more mature which I like. I also like seeing her as a leader. Bones was great as usual. I think the audio book narrator changed her Bones voice-or I’m now used to it.

Generally, I liked the pacing for the romance. It feels more real and organic than the first book. Especially on Cat’s side of things.

A lot happened/was revealed in this book. What the hell also happens in the series? Apparently I remember nothing!!! Also, apparently I’ve been saying Mancheres wrong in my head this whole time. I am excited to see Ian’s journey again.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book review: Scot Under the Covers by Suzanne Enoch

I’m so glad I gave this series another try. I enjoyed reading this and wanted to pick it up again whenever I had to put it down.

Aden and Miranda had great chemistry. They had fun banter which was one of my favorite things to read. When done well it sets up great sexual tension. And the overall pacing of their relationship was great. Miranda’s evolution from dislike to friendship to love was particularly good. It felt very natural.

There was a villain character who was blackmailing Miranda. This is what pushes Miranda and Aden together. And I hate him. In the way you’re supposed to. He made my skin crawl. I was very anxious about how it could possible be resolved.

I will say, I was confused a few too many times for my liking. I kept re-reading pages, but that didn’t help.

After the first book I was up in the air about reading more, but now I will definitely read the third book. I really want a fourth book/novella about the parents. I need resolution-especially for the mom, Francesca.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: The Last Real Cowboy by Caitlin Crews

Before I go into my complaints, I want to be clear: this book is full of tropes I don’t like. I’m sure there are people who will like it…or love it.

So, the tropes. Amanda ends up in a relationship with her brother’s best friend. What happened here is exactly why I don’t like it. Her brothers (there are four) are incredibly overprotective. They treat her like a child and are demeaning. She’s an adult and can do whatever she wants-even if it is a mistake. Brady also treats her like a child. Spare me from men who think they know better. There’s also unrequited love, but that’s the thing that bothered me the least.

The romance wasn’t my favorite, but aside from my previous issues I don’t have any big complaints. It was pretty decently paced.

Brady’s family drama was interesting, but too repetitive. He and his brother, Gray, have the same argument over and over again. It got real annoying. I remember the previous book in this series being the same way.

At the end of the day, I think Caitlin Crews just isn’t for me. But you may love her books.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: Jewels of the Sun by Nora Roberts

This was my first romance novel. I read it when I was fifteen and I guess my life was forever changed. This was my first time re-reading it and I was kind of worried. I shouldn’t have been. Sorry, for doubting you, Nora.

Yes, there were some dated things-like tapes-but I’m not bothered by that. I was more worried the relationship would be dated, but it wasn’t. Aidan got a little physical with Jude at one point. It rubbed me a little wrong, but Jude held her own and stood up for herself.

Jude was great. So much of this story is her figuring out who she is and I loved that. It was so well-paced and organic. I can identify with some of her neurosis, so I’m sure that helps.

I didn’t remember the fairy aspects being so prominent. And I loved it. It contributed to Jude’s growth and the overall atmosphere. I loved the whole Irish feel. It has a lot of the same feelings I get from a small-town romance with the added magic of Ireland. I have no idea if this is a realistic depiction of Ireland, but I like it.

The romance was well-developed. Aidan and Jude are immediately attracted to each other, but didn’t fall in love instantly. Aidan flirted a lot, but wasn’t pushy or inappropriate. Their interactions were cute. The sex scenes were much more abbreviated than I’m used to. I don’t know if that’s because of when it was written or because it’s a Nora-I’ve only read a couple books by her so I don’t have a big point of reference.

I want to re-read the 2nd book now, too. That was my favorite when I was a teenager.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: Whatever it Takes by Krista & Becca Ritchie

Willow and Garrison just touch my heart. They are 2nd favorite Ritchie couple.

The story goes between the past and present. The past is when they are 17 and when they first met. That is also what was in the original Wattpad story. My heart just melts when they are interacting. I just love the Tumblr questionnaires. The present takes place 3 years later when Willow goes to college in London. So, they are facing a long-distance relationship. The conflicts surrounding that are fairly predictable, but I’m still invested in their story.

Of course, I love the romance between Willow and Garrison. But I have always loved the friendship between Lo and Garrison. I’m a huge sucker for Lo, but his desire to help Garrison not be him is beautiful I hope there is more of this friendship in the next book. I also want more of the growing friendship between Willow and Daisy.

It is really hard to read about Garrison’s family. Let’s be honest, his brothers are physically abusive. IT is so disturbing, because there are really shitty people in the world. I hope he is able to escape this and enjoy a happy life he truly deserves. I guess I’ll find out in a couple weeks.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

I freaking loved this! I’ve read some reviews and their complaints are things I don’t see. I know everyone is different, but did we read the same book? People compared this to ACOTAR (I’ve only read book 1), but I don’t like just comparing all fae books. Sara J. Maas didn’t invent them.

Anyways…

I liked the characters. Isobel was great. She was so strong, but not unrealistically bad-ass. That’s a common complaint I have. And the side characters were well-developed especially since this is in first person.

I really liked the pacing. It isn’t a particularly long book, but I was satisfied. There wasn’t constant action (another issue I have with modern YA fantasy). Instead there is downtime where people can talk. I’m starting to think this is what people mean by slow. If that’s the case, I guess I like slow books.

Objectively, I can see people viewing the romance as insta-love. But I respectively disagree. Isobel “falls in love” very fast, but she questions her feelings. Personally, I think that is a natural reaction for a seventeen year old who is dealing with love/lust/attraction for the first time. And I appreciate the self-reflection she goes through. I guess I think people throw the insta-love complaint around a little too freely.

I would love to read more in this world. It doesn’t have to follow the same characters. The world is interesting and I like Ms. Rogerson’s writing. Whimsy is an interesting place and Craft is something I want to know more about. I’m also sad because I have no more Margaret Rogerson books to read :(

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

I was all over the place while reading this. It was really weird, because the book I read right before this was also about a husband and wife trying to fix their marriage. It was really hard to not compare them.

Gavin was great. You can tell how much he wants to repair his relationship and how much he loves Thea. His issues were very real and I found his internal dialogue was funny. Thea got on my nerves most of the book. I’m trying to empathize with her and how her past has made her closed off. But really she would just miss me off in how she treated Gavin. And don’t get me started on her sister. I’m actually apprehensive to read the next book, because Liv left such a bad taste in my mouth.

I do like a second chance romance which this story is I like that Gavin has friends who want to help him. The use of romance novels as a road map for fixing a relationship was interesting, but a tad heavy-handed.

Normally, I’m not a big fan of kids in books, but Ava and Amelia worked for me. Am I changing or were they just very well done? Who knows. They felt real along with furthering their parents’ stories and characters. Mack was an interesting side character and is the reason I would pick up the next book if I do.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: Love Her or Lose Her by Tessa Bailey

I’m so glad I gave Tessa Bailey another chance. I was almost immediately sucked into Rosie and Dominic’s story. I love a second chance romance and this is exactly why.

Rose and Dominic are working to fix their marriage. They both learn that this involves both of them. I’m glad it wasn’t just one person’s “fault”. And their flaws felt real and organic-especially Dominic. They still have great sexual chemistry, but are struggling with emotional intimacy. Again, that’s a very real problem people face everyday in relationships.

The friendships were also great. Both Rosie and Dominic have great friend groups to support them. I’m also here for the sequel bait that was put out there.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: Extra Credit by Sarina Bowen

This was a great collection of novellas. I mean, I love Sarina Bowen so is that a surprise? I wrote my thoughts for each story as I finished them.

Blonde Date
This was so cute. Andy is just the sweetest guy. Be Andy. I want an Andy. Katie was also great. She’s kind of like Bella in that she is 100% herself. Then, she starts to question herself because of a shitty thing that happened to her. Speaking off, I actually really liked the epilogue. I liked how it was written and that Ms. Bowen shows complexity in characters-even in a novella. I can’t believe I waited so long to read this.

Studly Period
I first read this when it was released as a weekly serial last year. It was just as precious as I remember. It’s such a cute romance. I love everything with the thesaurus. I would like more because I like these characters, but I don’t need more. That’s good for a novella.

Yesterday
This was a sadder story which isn’t my favorite for a novella, but it is realistic. I did like reading about Rikker’s relationship with his dad. Some may think his dad’s an ass, but I think he’s doing the best he can. As is normal for Ms. Bowen, she handles difficult subjects with honesty and beautifully. This isn’t my favorite novella, but it was a good read.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

December Wrap-Up (2019)

This was a month.

There were ups & downs. I’m going to try and ignore the bad. Is that healthy? Probably not. But right now that’s what I need to do for my mental health.

I did go to Disney World at the beginning of the month with my dad. That was an amazing trip. I’m so happy to have that opportunity. I didn’t want to leave. It did cut into my reading a little. I did expect that though.

Here are the books I read, grouped by rating: