briannareads1342's reviews
170 reviews

Rules for Engaging the Earl by Janna MacGregor

Go to review page

slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

A Friends to Lovers Regency Romance, Rules for Engaging the Earl, follows Jonathan, Earl of Sykeston and his childhood friend, Constance Lysander, into adulthood as he comes to her rescue, marrying her in an attempt to thwart scandal. But who they have become is far from who they were when they last parted before the war changed Jonathan’s whole outlook on life, and a sleazy, bigamist first husband turned Constance’s world upside down. Now married and working at opposing goals, Constance and Jonathan must find a way to make their situation work, especially with her young daughter involved or risk losing each other forever. Slow to really start and dive deeper into the minds and hearts of our protagonists, it seems like the latter half of the novel feels it kickstarts the more compelling narratives of the story as Constance and Jonathan begin to share more about their past (despite their own arbitrary set of rules). By 70%, the emotion comes through better in their intimate moments, with a lot of solid angsty scenes throughout the final 30% of the novel. Overall though, I wasn't entirely too fond of Jonathan until we're well through the novel that we get more sympathetic moments. As for Constance, there are moments when I truly appreciate the fact that she stands up for herself and fights for what she wants, especially when she has Aurelia to think about. It’s because of this that the resolution feels much too easy between her and Jonathan. I truly wished I liked this friends to lovers story more, though.

Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert

Go to review page

dark emotional funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Content Warnings

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Go to review page

emotional funny reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Content Warnings

All the Feels by Olivia Dade

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

First Comes Scandal by Julia Quinn

Go to review page

funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Cat-Head, FTW.

Gingerbread Kisses by Lucy Eden

Go to review page

funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Such a sweet, quick story about two people finding love despite their baggage.

Reputation by Lex Croucher

Go to review page

emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Content Warnings

Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.75

Content Warnings

Grin and Beard It by Penny Reid

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Content Warnings

Josh and Gemma Make a Baby by Sarah Ready

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings