a_stylish_bookworm's reviews
1157 reviews

Karaoke Queen by Dominic Lim

funny hopeful medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

This book was such a joy to read with Rex on a chance meeting reconnects with his college boyfriend, Aaron, and agrees to help save a struggling gay bar to help win him back. 

Rex decides to bring back his drag persona, Regina Moon Dee back for karaoke night to bring business. I enjoyed the back story to Rex's journey to wanting to be a drag queen and how supportive his mom was. All of the supporting characters including Rex's sister and friends added so much depth to the story. 

I enjoyed Paolo's story as well and his growth in the family business. 

After reading this, I just want to eat some Filipino food and go karaoke with my friends. 

Thank you @readforeverpub and the author for a copy of the book.

Mind Games by Nora Roberts

emotional funny hopeful

• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

This book had me in tears in the first few chapters. The premise of this book is so intriguing it's Thea having a special touch and is forever connected to her parents' killer. We see Thea and Sam grow up with their grandmother and see how close they are and a beautiful family they become. 

Thea comes home after college and meets Tyler who is the neighbor's grandson and also her childhood musician crush. They form a friendship in the small town and Tyler's son is drawn to Thea and her dog. All of their interaction was so adorable. 

I felt for Thea as she tries to end her tether with the killer. That aspect of the book was interesting and also played a role how Thea kept arms length from everyone. 

Thank you @smpromance for a copy of this book. 

Love Without Numbers by Jade Dollston

funny hopeful medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

I am a sucker for a romance with grumpy/sunshine and a FMC full of sass. Gia hates Auburn because he's her dad's boos - who is just a grump. She moved to NYC and visits her dad and Auburn wants Gia as a date to showcase his fashion line. Gia and Auburn are so good together. I love the banter between the two. 

Emma Wilder and JF Harding both did a great job with bringing the characters to life. This was my first book from Dollston and it surely won't be my last. 

Thank you @hambright.pr for a copy of the audiobook.

The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave

medium-paced

3.5

This is a story about estranged siblings that come together as a result of settling their deceased father's estate in California. Sam feels the death wasn't accidental and reached out to Nora to investigate what happened. 

From there, the story reveals what happened to his dad through digging and also what happened with his dad in his younger days. 

This was a story about reconnecting with family as well as Nora figuring out her own life choices. I always enjoy Julia Whalen's narration and she did a great job on this. 

Thank you @libro.fm @simon.audio for a copy of the audiobook.

The Royals Upstairs by Karina Halle

hopeful medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

Thank you @prhaudio @berkleyromance for a copy of the audiobook. 

This story is about the new protection hired for Lady Jane, James and his new second chance romance with the nanny, Laila. James was a tough character to like, he is grumpy and a little arrogant. Laila is the sweet quiet nanny that took this job to be close to her grandmother. 

I really liked seeing the BTS of the staff of Prince Mangus and Lady Jane. The supporting cast of characters really made the story for me. 

As Laila and James work closer together, James warmed up to me with his actions. There are lots of funny moments and there's a lot of tender moments too. 

Alex C. Stewart and Cassandra York did an amazing job with the narration.

We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

medium-paced

2.0

What the heck did I just read??? I honestly can't even recap the book for you, I was truly left confused. 

I know I am in the minority in not loving this book. I don't want a book that I have to look at Reddit threads and go into a rabbit hole of conspiracy theories. 

I did enjoy the premise and the creepiness of the house. There was just too many unanswered questions for me. 

Thank you @atriabooks for a copy of this book. 

Rock Chick by Kristen Ashley

funny medium-paced

3.0

I have never heard of this prolific author until our Bookclub picked it. Seeing so many 5 stars, I was excited for it. 

Unfortunately, this just was okay for me. There was a lot going on and Indy seemed to be taking unnecessary risks. The love the banter and connection she had with Lee. Lee is the true alpha male and these characters reminded me a little of Stephanie Plum's series. 

This book is a lot of fun and I am not sure I will continue the series.

Isn't She Lovely by Lauren Layne

funny hopeful

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

This was a great opposites attract with Stephanie, the goth girl and Ethan, the preppy wealthy boy. They are forced to work together for a film project and decide to help each other out. 
A little breakfast club make over feel with Stephanie. I enjoyed how they got along so well and helped each other figure out what they want. 
I liked that this felt like they were young and the fake dating and script writing really blurred the lines.

Love Story by Lindsey Kelk

funny hopeful

• Loveable characters? Yes

3.0

This book is so hard to rate. There was a lot I enjoyed but there were some things I didn't enjoy. 

Things I enjoyed: 
- This book is nod to romance writers even mentioning some that I love as well. I think this book really highlights how so many still feel romance books are fluffu and still not a real book. 
- Great banter between Sophie and Joe
- Sophie's family was a hoot 

What I didn't like: 
- This was a total insta love and the author pokes fun about it as well
- As an insta love story, there's no real relationship development. I need the chase. 
- Some of the characters were way over the top for me that it felt unrealistic 

Overall, it was a fun read and I enjoyed it. 

Thank you @harpercollins360 for a copy of this

A Thousand Broken Pieces by Tillie Cole

emotional medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

I started crying pretty much from the first chapter. This is not for the faint of heart - so heartbreaking. Cael was broken and his grieving process was fun of pain and anger. I love the Poppy live on this story. 

Both Savannah and Cael has suffered too much and it was good to see their healing journey. I love that the idea of traveling to different country and learning about different healing customs. 

Thank you to @read_bloom for a copy of this book.