rdeardurff's reviews
390 reviews

Barefoot Lake by Kim Swizz

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

4.5

If you want a book with cozy fall vibes, this is the one. Alice and Jake get off on the wrong foot but after being thrown together time and again, they figure out their feelings and what they want (which is each other). The development of their relationship is natural and Jake is the epitome of “if he wanted to, he would.”

I cannot believe this is Kim’s debut. The writing is really good and makes you feel like you’re in Wilcox Grove. The quirky small town characters (lookin at you Grateful Bob) are a wonderful addition that gives the book some extra pizzazz and keeps you coming back for more. I always love when authors make readers fall in love with the best friends (Piper) and other supporting characters (Heidi, Eli, etc) in books because it goes to show how much love they put into writing.

 If you enjoyed If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia and are itching for a similar book, you NEED to read this. 

His Greatest Treasure by Hannah Cowan

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

I really loved Oliver and Avery. The ULTIMATE grump but sunshine for her and Nova. He loves hard which is the perfect match for her. They both grow into their own people and I like that although they start off on a bad foot, they move forward together with an understanding of it takes work and communication is key. Their love is so wholesome and I just love the Batemans and their entire extended family. Another killer book from Hannah Cowan!!

Pucking Sweet by Emily Rath

emotional funny lighthearted reflective relaxing 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? Yes

5.0

If I could give this book 100 stars I would. Emily Rath’s Jacksonville Rays keep making it so easy to fall in love with them. I think she puts drugs in her books because wow, I couldn’t put this book down. I binged it in a day. 

Offtrack by Esha Patel

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-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? Yes

4.75

I honestly do not know how I waited this long to read this book. It is IMPECCABLE. No notes. I loved it with all my heart. 

The way Esha is able to develop characters with such depth and feelings is hands down, incredible. Miguel and Diana are formidable opponents that race very similarly. They are dedicated to their craft and training but are also respectful of one another. They know and understand how to balance being competitors while also having feelings for one another. Miguel never wavers in his belief of Diana even when she's injured or when she's doing what she believes is right. He knows she has what it takes to be a career F1 driver and thinks she should be treated like it. Diana gives pieces of herself away to Miguel (and many others) by always looking out for the team and the big picture. I really enjoyed seeing her character development when she became more confident in her abilities because of the bolstering by Miguel. His confidence in her solidified her confidence in herself which allowed her to come out on top.

The writing is fantastic, the plot is well-paced, and the characters are incredibly developed. This book is an easy 4.75, rounded up to 5 stars for me. I cannot wait to read Overdrive next!!

The Wingman by Stephanie Archer

funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

5.0

I am a friends to lovers FIEND. I love Stephanie’s writing style and the Vancouver Storm so I was absolutely thrilled to know it was Hayden and Darcy’s turn next. I am so happy to have gotten to read this book early. The progression of their friendship from friends to benefits to lovers was so gradual but so good!! Hayden always giving Darcy choices and supporting her is so great. He is constantly allowing her to find herself and be who she really is without dulling her light. Their friendship is incredible and yeah. It’s fun, it’s flirty, it’s got the found family you’ve come to expect from Stephanie…and ohhh the spice! 😈 This book is an easy 5 stars. 

If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

5.0

ARC REVIEW: If Julie Olivia writes it, I’m gonna read it. While slow burns are usually not my jam, this book had me swooning for every little morsel of sweetness. It’s really about the journey and I am so happy to have read it. Cliff and Michelle are back and forth with their feelings but not in an annoying way. They know they’ve got things to work out so it’s not necessarily the right thing to pursue. I love Julie’s writing style and this may be one of my favorites of her books!!

Flash by M. Sinclair

adventurous dark funny tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.25

Close Knit by Kels Stone

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing 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

5.0

Kels and Denise with another incredible book. I loved the story, the characters, and how everything flowed. The plot and character development was done so well and I’m so excited for what comes next with the Hastings family!!

Back to Me by Katie Duggan

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing 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? Yes

5.0

Back to Me: 5⭐️ 2.5🌶️

If you’re looking for a sapphic, second chance romance, this book is for you. I loved this book so much. Hunter and Jo are amazing characters. They have real problems but also show growth, substance, and love. From the Start is a great introduction into the Quiblings, their family dynamic, and Katie’s writing style. Her stories are filled with banter and wit and I really cannot wait to see what comes next! 

Casket Case by Lauren Evans

emotional funny relaxing sad medium-paced

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

4.25