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demi_sewell's reviews
98 reviews
Holiday Wedding - Spicy by Melissa Dymond
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I read this book in a couple of days, and it was a nice, easy read. However, I did find that the primary characters, Caleb and Gwen, exhibited a level of codependency that I personally found a tad bit excessive. π
I loved that there were two characters giving their own stories, and it flip-flopped back and forth, so a couple of chapters were about Gwen, and then the next couple of chapters were about Jenny. I liked that it allowed for the exploration of two distinct love stories. πβ€οΈ
While I applaud the inclusion of mental health as a central theme, particularly in the relationship between Dean and Jenny, I felt that the emotional breakdown depicted may have been somewhat exaggerated, especially considering the intimate moment that followed. π€
Overall, am I going to read more books by this author? Absolutely π―
#melissadymondauthor #bookreview #romance #mentalhealth #twistsandturns
I loved that there were two characters giving their own stories, and it flip-flopped back and forth, so a couple of chapters were about Gwen, and then the next couple of chapters were about Jenny. I liked that it allowed for the exploration of two distinct love stories. πβ€οΈ
While I applaud the inclusion of mental health as a central theme, particularly in the relationship between Dean and Jenny, I felt that the emotional breakdown depicted may have been somewhat exaggerated, especially considering the intimate moment that followed. π€
Overall, am I going to read more books by this author? Absolutely π―
#melissadymondauthor #bookreview #romance #mentalhealth #twistsandturns
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Alcoholism, Cancer, Panic attacks/disorders, Kidnapping, and Alcohol
Minor: Pregnancy
Holiday Hideaway by Mary Kay Andrews
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
The author @marykayandrews is a favorite of mine, and I enjoy reading short stories. I decided to listen to the audiobook version of this story on my phone last night, and my 10-year-old son listened along with me. It was appropriate for him, as there were no explicit sexual scenes. However, there were moments when my son and I laughed together at the absurdity of certain situations.
I felt that the book was rushed. The male protagonist enters the story, breaks his ankle, leaves his fiancΓ©e (whether intentionally or not), and immediately falls into the arms of another woman whom he hasn't seen in many years, possibly since high school. This seemed unrealistic to me.
While the plot may not have been entirely believable, I did enjoy the narration. The narrator's speaking style was engaging and enjoyable, which made the listening experience pleasant.
Overall, I would describe this book as a lighthearted holiday romance with some far-fetched elements. The narration was well done, but the story itself could have been more developed.
#HolidayRomance #CozyReads #BookReview #HolidayHideaway #MaryKayAndrews #audiobooks
I felt that the book was rushed. The male protagonist enters the story, breaks his ankle, leaves his fiancΓ©e (whether intentionally or not), and immediately falls into the arms of another woman whom he hasn't seen in many years, possibly since high school. This seemed unrealistic to me.
While the plot may not have been entirely believable, I did enjoy the narration. The narrator's speaking style was engaging and enjoyable, which made the listening experience pleasant.
Overall, I would describe this book as a lighthearted holiday romance with some far-fetched elements. The narration was well done, but the story itself could have been more developed.
#HolidayRomance #CozyReads #BookReview #HolidayHideaway #MaryKayAndrews #audiobooks
The Gardener's Plot by Deborah J. Benoit
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I finished up another audiobook today! π§ It was good, I liked the narrator, and the storyline was interesting enough. π€ I don't know that it's one I'd listen to again, though. π€·ββοΈ
The narrator was a female, and she was able to use different inflections for different characters, so it was easier to discern who was talking. Her reading style did bring the story to life for me a bit, especially when I was driving in the car and I could fully pay attention. The pace was medium, I would say, and if I was reading it in a book, I think it would be a slow read for me. There were times that the narration did seem to drag on a bit, but overall, it was nice to listen to while driving. There were definitely times that I had to go back and replay it because I was focusing on something else and missed the premise of that paragraph. But it was easy to understand and it flowed well.
Anyone else read it and feel the same? Let me know! π #bookstagram #audiobooks #alwaysreading #TheGardenersPlot #NetGalley
The narrator was a female, and she was able to use different inflections for different characters, so it was easier to discern who was talking. Her reading style did bring the story to life for me a bit, especially when I was driving in the car and I could fully pay attention. The pace was medium, I would say, and if I was reading it in a book, I think it would be a slow read for me. There were times that the narration did seem to drag on a bit, but overall, it was nice to listen to while driving. There were definitely times that I had to go back and replay it because I was focusing on something else and missed the premise of that paragraph. But it was easy to understand and it flowed well.
Anyone else read it and feel the same? Let me know! π #bookstagram #audiobooks #alwaysreading #TheGardenersPlot #NetGalley
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Kidnapping, and Murder
Minor: Car accident
The Wedding Witch by Erin Sterling
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I got this book from the library via Libby/Kindle edition and devoured it within a day or two. I think that this is probably the best one of the series that Erin Sterling has written, and the others are pretty great themselves! The story is captivating, and some of the scenes are racy, in the best way possible. They were just so great and so realistic, and I felt like I was in the room with them (if that's not weird to say, lol). We all know that it is now Bowen's turn to fall in love, but there's the twist of him and Tamsyn. I'm not going to say too much for others who have not read it yet. But this is making me want to reread The Ex Hex!! πͺπ§ββοΈπ»π
Book of the Month by Jennifer Probst
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.0
So I've had this book for a while and have just been so busy that I couldn't read it, but oh my gosh, wow! It is definitely, for me, a medium speed read, which is a lot slower for me, but it had me able to absorb all of the details and the emotions that came with Aspen giving her story. The slow build of the relationship between Aspen and Brick (which are amazing names by the way) was wonderful, and I was so worried at the end BUT but she got her happy ending! And she rewrote the book of her life. That's great. It's such a great read, and I'm so excited to read the story of Kane and Sierra because WTF happened between those two. I'm intrigued!
In short, Aspen moves to OBX to be near her sister and have a summer break to reset her writer's block. She falls in love with the town hottie, who is reportedly a heartbreaker. Before I give any more of the book away, just go and read it!
In short, Aspen moves to OBX to be near her sister and have a summer break to reset her writer's block. She falls in love with the town hottie, who is reportedly a heartbreaker. Before I give any more of the book away, just go and read it!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use and Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I listened to this audio book during my work day today, and it was definitely a good read. I'm not surprised as it's Ali Hazelwood, and she is just an amazing author. There were parts where the narrator definitely had my jaw dropping and giggling to myself since it was my work laptop. NSFW should be in the description π π€£ It's very Ali's style though, so I should not have been surprised. This only comes in audio, and it's approximately 4-5 hours read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing and Sexual content
Under Pressure by Ellie Thornton
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
5.0
First of all, I would love to thank the author (Ellie Thornton) for writing this novel because it was completely unexpected and amazing all at the same time. I might give some things away, but I love the fact that it started off with the prologue of 15 years earlier and that one of the main characters was in witness protection. It was not an element that I was expecting, and it completely threw me off in the best way possible. I previously read "The Secret Seven," so it was nice to see those characters intertwined into this story. I definitely read this very fast and loved the ending. I was so nervous that it wasn't going to end in a good way!! π I was worried that somebody was going to get killed or the brother was going to turn on the sister and father, but it was amazing, and I can't wait to read more from this author! Basically, it's a love story with dramatic flair! And fashion β¨οΈ π
The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Physical abuse, Suicide, Kidnapping, and Death of parent
Just A Grumpy Boss by Deb Goodman
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I nabbed this book as a freebie during a sale, and I am definitely going to read the other books in the series. I like how it seems that each book is about one of the Tate brothers. This book is a very easy, light read and just fun! A little fast paced at times, and I had to go back and make sure I didn't miss something but overall a good read. It is about a woman named Elianna (I still do not know if I am pronouncing it correctly) and a man named Sebastian (the grumpy boss). It's your classic meet cute in the beginning, except Elianna is a hot mess and embarrassing herself. I like how the author really did make the reader (at least for me) not like some of the characters, through her descriptive words.
The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I will just start off saying that I love Abby Jimenez and her writing. This book was so amazing, that I read it in 2 sittings and the only reason it was 2 sittings was because I had to stop reading at midnight and then pick it up the next day. It is about Sloan Monroe, who, if you read the first book, you know all about her struggles. It's about her refinding herself and believing in love again. And moving on. It was so touching and heartfelt. There is another book in this series and I'm excited to start it. Overall, this was an amazing read and I think everybody should read anything written by this author!