Book Review: Firelight by Kristen Callihan

I don’t read a lot of historical romance with fantastical elements. I picked this up because it’s a Beauty and the Beast retelling. I’m doing a project on that for my YouTube channel.

Generally I liked it-hence the 3-star rating-and I would read more in this series at some point. However, it was a little weak. Maybe this is because it’s a debut. I’ve read Ms. Callihan’s New Adult books and really enjoyed them.

My biggest issue is the level of withholding. There is a lot of not talking to each other. It was particularly annoying when Miranda and Archer would be mad at eachother for the lies. You’re both lying! Neither of you are the better person! What really bothered me was the lack of information provided to the reader. I still don’t fully understand what happened and how-especially since the reveals were right at the end. Maybe things make more sense as the series continues.

I did like the characters, but never fully connected to either of them. I also was often confused about the relationships with all the side characters. There was just a lot of confusion with this one.

The romance was pretty average. There is chemistry between Miranda and Archer, but it isn’t very steamy. It’s kind of a slow burn because Archer doesn’t want to give in and, of course, he has to protect her (from himself!).

I did think this was a fairly good Beauty and the Beast retelling. You could see the inspiration, but Ms. Callihan made it her own.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: The Wrong Mr. Darcy by Evelyn Lozada & Holly Lorincz

Initially, I gave this two stars, but after thinking about it more, I have to give it one. I’ve never done that before. I just can’t find something redeemable. I kind of liked Naomi, but that was it. Oh, I do like that they gave Hara glasses on the cover-you don’t see that very often.

Is this supposed to be a Pride & Prejudice retelling? I can’t figure it out. THere are similar character names and Hara (Lizzie) is prejudiced and stubborn. Derek (Darcy) is wealthy and prideful. But that’s really it. If it’s supposed to be a retelling, it’s a very bad one. 

Hara and Derek seem to just act in whatever way the plot needed them to. And there was absolutely no chemistry.

The whole thing was very jumpy. The pacing was all over the place. I don’t normally say this, but how did this make it through editing? The POV was odd, too. It was mostly a limited 3rd person, but then randomly it would switch to more omniscient. Maybe this is because there are two writers. But, again, this is what editing is for. 

I want more diversity in books-especially romance. What I don’t want is stereotypes. One of the authors is/was a basketball wife, so maybe this is accurate, but it feels like a lot of stereotypes of so many different people. I do not recommend it for anyone. Sorry.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: The Scoundrel in Her Bed by Lorraine Heath

This definitely felt like a return to the Lorraine Heath magic after the 2nd book. The first one is still my favorite in the series though.

I figured I would like this because it has a lot of my catnip. There are class differences (pretty standard for Heath) and a second chance romance. There are also a decent amount of secrets. Again, I think this is something Ms. Heath does a lot. They were pretty guessable secrets-she tends to keep them a mystery from the reader, too. Sometimes I find this is redundant but she doesn’t draw things out until the last 5 pages like a lot of other authors.

Ms. Heath blended the past and present fairly well. The past was given enough time to build a foundation for Finn and Lavinia’s romance, but didn’t overwhelm the present. You could feel their attraction, but it wasn’t as strong as it could’ve been for me. 

Lavinia was more developed than Finn. A lot of his character seemed to be based on his relationship with her. I would’ve just preferred more of him. Finn seems like a really nice guy and I love a nice hero.

The ending did feel a bit rushed. Lavinia especially went on an emotional journey very fast. It felt forced because the book needed to wrap-up. Overall, I did really enjoy this though.

Thanks for reading!
Holly 

Book Review: Rage & Ruin by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I read the majority of this is in one day. Then, I got scared for the characters and put it down for a few days. It’s crazy how invested I’ve become in these characters. Especially Zayne who I could not stand in the Dark Elements series.

Maybe I wasn’t observant, but I didn’t see most of this coming. So many reveals shocked me-like jaw-on-the-floor shock.

I really enjoyed the development: both the romance and larger plot. It was paced well and the different plot lines blended well. I saw some people complaining about Trinity’s treatment of Stacey. Specifically they say Trinity’s behavior is annoying. Did we read the same book? First of all, it was such a minor part of this 600 page book. Second, I think Trinity’s behavior/thoughts made sense. Similarly, Stacey’s reactions were reasonable.

That ending! I now understand what people mean. It isn’t quite a cliffhanger, but it is a shock and makes you want the next book. I don’t want to wait a year!

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: No Offense by Meg Cabot

I have really loved Meg Cabot in the past-both YA and adult. But the last few I’ve read have been disappointing. I think I should just give up.

Generally, I found this boring and forgettable. I actually would forget what happened every time I put it down. I didn’t hate the characters, but they weren’t particularly likeable. Molly and John didn’t have chemistry. I wanted to like Molly-she’s a librarian-and single dad John, but I never connected to either of them. Elijah was probably my favorite character. 

Then, there’s the non-romance plot. THere’s kind of a mystery investigation element. I’ve never read one, but this is a little like what I imagine a cozy mystery being. And I am no medical or police expert, but there were lots of inaccuracies here. Yes, it’s fiction, but violating HIPAA and someone’s rights to a lawyer matters-even fictionally. I just found that really annoying.

There was a lot of diversity in Little Bridge which is nice to see. There are also a lot of small-town feels so if you love that you might like this. But it just didn’t work for me. 

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas

Reading this was part of my on-going journey to push myself in the type of romance I read. I knew going in I would be a little uncomfortable but I tried to be as open-minded as possible.

This was pretty steamy. Pike and Jordan had chemistry from the first time they met. During the first 50%-60% I liked the development of their relationship. I felt like they were connecting on an emotional and mental level. I was still uneasy about the fact that he was her boyfriend’s dad, but I was able to overlook it. Then, they had sex and it felt like everything became physcial. It was all about Jordan’s body especially.

Oh, and a small thing, but it happened a lot and got on my nerves. There were several continuity and character inconsistencies. Maybe I’m too picky, but it’s annoying.

I’m still not sure I buy this relationship. Maybe if Jordan was just a couple years older I would be more comfortable. And yes, I’m fully aware this is a very personal preference. Should I read more Penelope Douglas or am I too much of a prude for her stuff?

Thanks for reading!
Holly

July Wrap-Up (2020)

Like many of the last few months this month was a weird time. I think everyone is feeling like that right now. I’m happy with the number of books I read. Generally, I’m happy with the quality. I did have my first 1 star rating for this month so that’s exciting. I also didn’t have any new favorites. I think the 5 stars were re-reads, too.

Here are the books I read and their ratings.

Book Review: Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Can I do a non-biased review of this? Probably not. But does it really matter? 

Becky is one of my favorite people. I know she is flawed and has a spending problem. I can see why people would dislike her. I am a big daydreamer so I understand her thought process. And while she may have an addiction she should seek help for, she is a good person. Specifically, the check scene with TArquin is very revealing. She’s also freaking hilarious.

I forgot how much I loved Luke. I can’t wait to continue on with this re-read just for more Luke. He appreciates Becky and her random thoughts. I need a Luke in my life.

If this was my first reading, this would get four stars, but I’m going to let my 5 star rating stand. I will rarely lower a rating upon a re-read.

For this re-read, I listened to the audiobook. I liked the narrator. She did great voices and really embodied Becky. Her tone was great. If I can I’ll probably stick to the audiobooks for the rest of my re-reads.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: To Catch an Earl by Kate Bateman

For some reason I thought I wasn’t going to like this. Why? No idea. But I ended up enjoying myself and read this pretty fast.

I was a little hesitant about the thief aspect. I tend to have issues with characters who break the law, but sometimes I’m not bothered. I still haven’t figured out what makes the difference. Emmy ended up not being an issue for me. 

Emmy and Alex have good chemistry, but their relationship isn’t particularly developed. I prefer more depth to my romance, but this version is valid and lots of people like it.

Emmy’s family was cute-I include Sally in that. They are very loyal and supportive of each other. Again, it wasn’t as developed as it could’ve been. That’s why this gets three and not four stars.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: Sure Shot by Sarina Bowen

Sarina Bowen’s writing works for me, so it’s no surprise I liked this. However, it is probably my least favorite in the Brooklyn series. 

Bess is a strong, independent, and competent woman. I love competent characters! I like how passionately she feels about being a mom. I think it would be easier to make her hate or at least not want kids. There’s nothing wrong with wanting or not wanting kids, but people are complex and Bess is that. 

This book does deal with infertility which I think is a complicated issue to navigate. Without going into spoilers, I think Ms. Bowen did a fairly good job, but I would’ve preferred a different ending. What I did really appreciate was that Tank is really the one with the emotional struggle. There are men who want kids and are hurt by infertility-it’s not just women. His emotion and pain felt very real and raw.

The romance was second-chance which I love. Bess and Tank had a fling like 10 years earlier. They still have great chemistry, but there is more to building a relationship than good sex. I like that Ms. Bowen looks at this in all her books. Their relationship doesn’t develop the way I’m used to, but I liked it. I would’ve liked more of their first meeting, but she did write a little freebie for this which I plan on reading soon.

Tank was just traded to Brooklyn which I actually liked. The team is kind of a fun family and it was interesting to see them from an outside perspective. And it is really hard to be traded-your whole life is uprooted and you have no say. It’s pretty sad when you think about it. 

I love being back in Brooklyn. And now I want to re-read all the books.

Thanks for reading!
Holly 

Book Review: A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

I figured I would like this, but I didn’t expect to be as intrigued as I was. I read it in a couple sessions. It probably would’ve been only one, but I had to go to sleep eventually. If I still gave out half stars this would be 4.5.

So normally, I’m not a big fan of portal fantasy. It’s because I don’t like how people seem to just forget their previous life. Ms. Kemmerer specifically goes against that. And I got the most emotional when Harper was sad about her mom and brother. Plus, there were stakes there: should she stay or return home, etc.?

Harper, Rhen, and Grey were all great characters. Harper has CP, but it doesn’t define her. And she really comes into her own in Emberfell. She learns how to be a strong independent person. Rhen is damaged, but really cares about his people. Grey was equally developed even though he doesn’t have a POV. His character was explored well through his actions and interactions with Rhen and Harper.

While I like all the characters, there wasn’t a particularly distinctive voice for Rhen and Harper. If you’re writing in a POV it should be unique-alternatively you could write in 3rd person.

The romance was well-done. It was paced perfectly-not too drawn out or too slow. And it was only one aspect of this story.

I ended falling in love with this world and the characters. I’m definitely eager to read more and I need to know what happens to Emberfell.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: When You Wish Upon a Rogue by Anna Bennett

This was a perfectly good book. It wasn’t anything groundbreaking, but it was an enjoyable read.

A lot of this is very surface level. There’s a lack of development to the characters and romance. That’s not necessarily bad. And it’s nice to have a book that doesn’t require a lot of thought. It did stop me from getting particularly emotionally invested in the characters though.

I think that’s all I have to say, sorry.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: Beach Read by Emily Henry

I think I would’ve enjoyed this more if people didn’t keep talking about this as groundbreaking. I did like it, but it was pretty standard and a predictable contemporary romance.

Emily Henry is a good writer and I would read another romance by her. She created interesting characters in January and Gus, but they probably could’ve been pushed a little further. Also, I would’ve liked either two POVs or 3rd person. This is a common complaint I have for romances written in 1st person.

I have come to learn I’m not a big fan of writers as main characters. There’s nothing wrong with it, but it isn’t for me. Since this is merely personal preference, I didn’t let it impact my rating. Especially since I came to this realization while reading this book.

This feels like a negative review, but I did like this. It has some sweet and funny moments. And I bought the romance between January and Gus which is probably the most important thing. I just wanted more in terms of development.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev

Is it a surprise I loved this? I’m sure I can find some weaknesses and I will try to put them here, but I definitely stand by my rating.

I am a huge fan of second chance romance so this was set to be a good story for me. Rico and Ashna’s story was definitely an emotional one. And I thought it was well-earned.

Ashna’s relationship with her mom was a pleasant surprise. I definitely liked how important it was to the plot. And I felt that was where a lot of the emotion came from. However, I would’ve preferred a more drawn out conclusion-the ending felt a little rushed.

Speaking of emotion: this was super emotional and made me cry several times. Ms. Dev deals with some complicated issues like suicide, marital rape, and anxiety. I find she’s very good at navigating these while having some levity and not overwhelming you.

I do hope Ms. Dev is able to continue to write in this world. I want to spend more time with the Rajes and I have so many questions I need answered.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: Tears of the Moon by Nora Roberts

This was the book that made me fall in love with romance. I read this book countless times in high school. Honestly, I was scared to re-read it. But I still really liked it. And there’s so much here that I still love in my romance. It’s interesting how some things don’t change. 

Shawn and Brenna have a bickering relationship, but it’s never very harsh. I would say their story is also friends-to-lovers. Only recently have I discovered this is a trope I like. I guess 14-year-old me was smarter than 31-year-old me. 

Nora Roberts has built such a lush world in Ardmore. I’ve never been to Ireland but I love this town and can easily picture it. I want to visit this town and spend an evening at Gallaghers.

I liked the pacing, but it is on the slower side. It also isn’t very steamy or graphic. That’s really interesting because I definitely thought it was as a teenager. 14-year-old Holly would probably blush like crazy at the stuff I’ve read recently.

Brenna and Shawn do get a little physical with each other. So do some of the other characters. Some may see this as problematic, but I don’t. It’s just a part of their personalities-especially Brenna. And it doesn’t happen constantly. I wouldn't say it’s violent or dangerous.

If I read this for the first time now, this would probably get 4 stars, but I’m letting the 5 star rating stand.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata

This was a book. 

I really wanted to like it. I want a quality figure skating romance, but this wasn’t it. Don’t get me wrong, this wasn’t a horrible book, but it wasn’t anything special.

Jaz isn’t my favorite heroine, but she’s fine (this is a trend with this book). I’m not sure I’d want to be her friend, but I understand her. She did feel a little abrasive just to be abrasive. I also would’ve liked her to say bitch a few less times. Jasmine, please broaden your vulgarity-it just got redundant. Lukov was sort of interesting. I feel like I could’ve fallen in love with him if this was in dual POV or 3rd person. I’m not sure if I was reading clues to his feelings correctly or if I re-wrote stuff in my head to make things make sense. Does that make sense? 

Now, let’s talk romance. Again, it was fine. My issue was this ultimately felt more like a friendship than a romance. It can go to friends-to-lovers, but I just don’t buy it. Personally, this could’ve been mitigated by Lukov having a POV. At first, I thought it was a slow burn, but really there was a lack of romantic chemistry.

I’m starting to think Mariana Zapata may not be the author for me. She’s not bad or anything-just not for me. I will give her one more chance. If you have a recommendation let me know. Also, I still need a quality figure skating romance.

Thanks for reading!
Holly 

Book Review: Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

This was very cute and I read it in almost one sitting. It isn’t a new favorite, but I would read it again and plan on reading Emma Lord’s next book.

Pepper and Jack were both great characters. They were well-developed and likable, but flawed. And I definitely connected with Pepper. This took me back to the stress of high school. They both had complexity and felt like real teenagers.

Honestly, before I read this, I was very unsure of the reality of two teens running a company Twitter accounts. But Ms. Lord did a good job making me believe how this happened. And I think it is important to remember there are real human beings behind the handle.

Beyond the tweets, there were a lot of textual conversations. That is one of my favorite things to read in a book. And these were incredibly adorable. They made me smile and were some of my favorite parts to read.

The romance was cute and well-developed. I liked that Pepper and Jack really were becoming friends before becoming a couple. And I thought the conflicts/issues would go a certain way, but they didn’t. I liked being kept on my toes. It also felt organic and like a healthy relationship.

There were other relationships, too. Some were more developed than others, but I appreciate the layers. The changing relationship between Pepper and Pooja was beautiful. We stan solid female friendships in this house.

Speaking of little things: the LGBT+ rep. I loved it! Yes, it’s side characters, but that’s fine. I loved how much of a non-issue it was. Yes, there are still bigots in the world, but I’m team be the change you wish to see in the world. So, I like a book where characters are just living their lives and no one (adult or teen) cares. That’s the world I want to live in. 

Ok, this review has gone on longer than I expected. Tweet Cute was such a fun and (fairly) light read. Ms. Lord addressed some serious issues teens face, but it never felt too dramatic. My already anxious mind really appreciated that tone choice. And I’m definitely excited to read another Emma Lord book. 

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: Barbarian’s Beloved by Ruby Dixon

I’m kind of biased, because I love anxiety books, but I really liked this one. It had the magic from the earlier books in the series. I’m so glad Ms. Dixon gave Ariana a story.

Ariana is judged by the others (especially the other humans). I never was bothered by her in earlier books or this one. But I also understood Asha as a character more than the others perceived her. Ariana’s reaction is very natural to me. Now, I do have anxiety, so maybe I’m blinded by empathy, but I got her. And I’m so glad Ms. Dixon addressed medication and that anxiety is a constant struggle. 

Zolaya may be a new favorite. He is just so nice and understanding. We stan a supportive partner in this household. 

Normally, I’m not a huge fan of flashback stories, but this one worked. Maybe that’s because Ms. Dixon wrote a decent amount in the present day. I especially liked their son. He was adorable. I loved his interactions with Ariana. And now I require books about the kids. That better happen.

Thanks for watching!
Holly 

June Wrap-Up (2020)

June was such a fast month. Like was this actually 30 days because it didn’t feel like it. I did get a good amount of books read this month which made me really happy.

Here are the books I read along with my ratings and some short thoughts.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Book Review: Gone with the Rogue by Amelia Grey

I really wanted to like this. I was trying to convince myself that I was into it, but it just wasn’t working.

So, I had a few main issues. First, the romance. We were told these people (Garrett & Julia) were falling in love, but I didn’t see it. And why are they falling in love? They seem like nice people, but do they have any real conversations? There was a lot of telling and not showing. I always hear about that and rarely see it in a book-at least where I’m bothered.

In general, I felt like pages were missing. Scenes didn’t flow as well as they could have. Especially for plot points-things would just happen. Like why? There were some super obvious continuity errors, too. I read an ARC so maybe that will change.

I gave Amelia Grey another chance. I’m sure some people love her. I’m happy for them, but she isn’t the author for me.

Thanks for reading!
Holly