mommasaystoread's review
4.0
There's a good lesson to be learned from Reagan's story - take some risks, they can be so worth it. I think we could all do with a "risk list" from time to time, I know I certainly could. In this case, Reagan has a journey to figuring out who she is and learning to trust, and Darby Baham takes us along. There are, of course, ups and downs, and some romance, but the overall vibe is upbeat. The story moves at a good pace and is easily read in an afternoon, so it's great for a lazy day read, and it'll leave you with a smile.
annarella's review
5.0
I think that romance novels are a good way to understand how the world changed and what is going on.
This is a riveting and entertaining story, a story about black women who have to fight and the love for shoes.
To be honest I've got some shoe fetish and couldn't help loving the shoe description and how the heroine love them.
It's a multilayered story: you can read it as a romance (root for the characters and blah blah) or as a description of what a black professional woman has to face.
I loved both the aspects, rooted for the characters, and had fun.
An excellent story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Harlequin Special Edition and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This is a riveting and entertaining story, a story about black women who have to fight and the love for shoes.
To be honest I've got some shoe fetish and couldn't help loving the shoe description and how the heroine love them.
It's a multilayered story: you can read it as a romance (root for the characters and blah blah) or as a description of what a black professional woman has to face.
I loved both the aspects, rooted for the characters, and had fun.
An excellent story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Harlequin Special Edition and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
robinlovesreading's review
4.0
The Friendship Chronicle series begins with Reagan's story. For every event, there is a shoe that fits the bill. While I don't have a thing for shoes, I have a thing for romance novels, and The Shoe Diaries hits the mark straight on. A second chance romance is rekindled when Rae and Jake meet again at a wedding. Sparks may have been flying, but not in a good way. What would it take for Rae and Jake to find out if things could turn around for them?
While I enjoyed the romance developing for Rae and Jake, the whole vibe of the story was great - and relatable. Rae was an influencer and that fits with today's world. Their obstacles were intense but the hope of a HEA was never too far away.
Considering this book is also the story of good friends, it was hard not to think of it as a black Sex and the City. I loved how the girls were always there for each other, even to the point of gifting a longed for pair of shoes when the chips were down. Ultimately, Rae and Jake found their way to one another, thus wrapping up this story and setting the groundwork for the next book in the series.
Many thanks to Harlequin Special Edition and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
While I enjoyed the romance developing for Rae and Jake, the whole vibe of the story was great - and relatable. Rae was an influencer and that fits with today's world. Their obstacles were intense but the hope of a HEA was never too far away.
Considering this book is also the story of good friends, it was hard not to think of it as a black Sex and the City. I loved how the girls were always there for each other, even to the point of gifting a longed for pair of shoes when the chips were down. Ultimately, Rae and Jake found their way to one another, thus wrapping up this story and setting the groundwork for the next book in the series.
Many thanks to Harlequin Special Edition and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
andies_bookish_corner's review
5.0
4.5
"Stop living cautiously".
The friendships in this story are so honest and heartwarming. Reagan was a super relatable character, I adored the DC setting, and thought the "risk list" storyline was really fun! Although this read a bit more like chick-lit than a romance, it really worked for me. I was definitely emotionally invested in these characters from start to finish and will absolutely be reading more from Darby Baham!!
"Stop living cautiously".
The friendships in this story are so honest and heartwarming. Reagan was a super relatable character, I adored the DC setting, and thought the "risk list" storyline was really fun! Although this read a bit more like chick-lit than a romance, it really worked for me. I was definitely emotionally invested in these characters from start to finish and will absolutely be reading more from Darby Baham!!
bookanonjeff's review
5.0
Essentially A Black Sex And The City. This story is essentially Sex And The City, but replacing the mostly white cast with a mostly black one and replacing the "city" in question with DC. Same shoe fetish (though possibly amplified here?), used remarkably well as a plot device in this particular case. Same big oops moment with a former flame early on, only for the book to ultimately become a second chance romance later - with an interesting interlude in between. Minor discussions of the HBCU life and the central character wanting to be much more radical as a professional journalist than the "stodgy old white men" are allowing her to be, but at least here said "old white dudes" aren't thinly veiled racist caricatures, as so many similar novels from less talented authors have done. (The desire to be more radical is more central than the HBCU mentions, to be clear.) Overall a strong tale that will clearly play well with a couple of demographics in particular, but may not be something that will play as well in a more general audience. Still, excellent book and very much recommended.
bridgets_books's review
4.0
Looking for a fun ChickLit series featuring successful friends looking to make the most of the life they have made? Then the Shoe Diaries by Darby Baham is what you need.
For me, the romance takes a backseat to the female friendships featured in the book. There is something special about girlfriends that are there for each other through thick and thin, good and bad times, men that come and go, sickness and health, and last but not least, the shoes!
Reagan has a wake-up call after one of her best friends is laid low by illness. She's tired of living a safe life. It's time to create a risk list to start living her best life. It's time to take chances on romance, go for the brass ring at work, quit making lists, and take charge of her happiness.
This book is a quick, entertaining read that will make you think about your own choices in life... or maybe just the shoes. The shoes are a character in their own right in this one.
I received a copy of the book for a Goddess Fish Virtual Book Tour. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
For me, the romance takes a backseat to the female friendships featured in the book. There is something special about girlfriends that are there for each other through thick and thin, good and bad times, men that come and go, sickness and health, and last but not least, the shoes!
Reagan has a wake-up call after one of her best friends is laid low by illness. She's tired of living a safe life. It's time to create a risk list to start living her best life. It's time to take chances on romance, go for the brass ring at work, quit making lists, and take charge of her happiness.
This book is a quick, entertaining read that will make you think about your own choices in life... or maybe just the shoes. The shoes are a character in their own right in this one.
I received a copy of the book for a Goddess Fish Virtual Book Tour. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
jessa120's review
4.0
Female friendship and shoes take center stage in this book. While that might be unusual for a romance, it feels poignant during a time when so many of us are reconsidering our career paths and the true meaning of happiness. Reagan is a sympathetic protagonist who strives for perfection and sometimes makes things more difficult for herself. I look forward to seeing what happens to her friendships, career, and love life in future books!
jennaisreading's review
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
while it might be more focused on friendship love than the second chance romance - a heartwarming, comfort read that makes you think deeper about your relationships and what is important.