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readaholic19's reviews
437 reviews
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Full review to come...
What I loved about Love, Theoretically
-classic Ali Hazelwood humor
-the banter (gah the banter)
-the way I related so much to Elsie
-angsty in a way that I loved
Yes, I am an Ali Hazelwood fan girl, but seriously I loved this book so much. It's different than The Love Hypothesis and different still from Love on the Brain. This slow burn romance had everything I love in a romance - enemies to lovers, a hero who truly sees the heroine, a well rounded cast of characters I loved.
Okay I'm gonna stop rambling and post a full review when I have my thoughts in order!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
What I loved about Love, Theoretically
-classic Ali Hazelwood humor
-the banter (gah the banter)
-the way I related so much to Elsie
-angsty in a way that I loved
Yes, I am an Ali Hazelwood fan girl, but seriously I loved this book so much. It's different than The Love Hypothesis and different still from Love on the Brain. This slow burn romance had everything I love in a romance - enemies to lovers, a hero who truly sees the heroine, a well rounded cast of characters I loved.
Okay I'm gonna stop rambling and post a full review when I have my thoughts in order!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Make It Sweet by Kristen Callihan
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
Lucian Osmond - ex hockey player - is staying with his grandmother Amalie at her private sanctuary Rosemont. Lucian is a recently retired ex-athlete and wants to be near his grandmother while he figures out exactly what it is that he does next.
Emma is an actress on a famous show... but not for long. She finds out at a table read that her character has been killed off. Needing some time and privacy for herself she seeks out Rosemont. What she doesn't anticipate is the big, burly, snarly man who just happens to be wherever she's at at the resort. When these two end up spending so much time together - there's bound to be attraction. But will they act on it - knowing that they're both in a weird headspace right now?
I truly adored Make it Sweet . I loved the often playful banter between Lucian and Em. Both of them had so many vulnerabilities and yet with one another they truly felt safe letting their guard down. And the fact that Lucian bakes french pastries...sigh 😍. I've read a few books that have the cooking or baking aspect in them - but Make it Sweet has got to be one of my favorites! It's just done so perfectly.
This book had so many things that I love in a romance including:
-playful banter
-only one bed
-the sweetest nicknames for each other
-close proximity
-both characters who are a bit broken and yet believe so strongly in one another.
The audiobook was also fantastic - narrated by Jacob Morgan and Ava Erickson. I switched back and forth between the audio and the e-book! Both of these narrators were such a great duo for portraying Emma and Lucian.
I'm so glad I decided to pick up Make it Sweet.
Emma is an actress on a famous show... but not for long. She finds out at a table read that her character has been killed off. Needing some time and privacy for herself she seeks out Rosemont. What she doesn't anticipate is the big, burly, snarly man who just happens to be wherever she's at at the resort. When these two end up spending so much time together - there's bound to be attraction. But will they act on it - knowing that they're both in a weird headspace right now?
I truly adored Make it Sweet . I loved the often playful banter between Lucian and Em. Both of them had so many vulnerabilities and yet with one another they truly felt safe letting their guard down. And the fact that Lucian bakes french pastries...sigh 😍. I've read a few books that have the cooking or baking aspect in them - but Make it Sweet has got to be one of my favorites! It's just done so perfectly.
This book had so many things that I love in a romance including:
-playful banter
-only one bed
-the sweetest nicknames for each other
-close proximity
-both characters who are a bit broken and yet believe so strongly in one another.
The audiobook was also fantastic - narrated by Jacob Morgan and Ava Erickson. I switched back and forth between the audio and the e-book! Both of these narrators were such a great duo for portraying Emma and Lucian.
I'm so glad I decided to pick up Make it Sweet.
A Lady's Formula for Love by Elizabeth Everett
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
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
5.0
Widowed Lady Violet Hughes is on a top secret mission for the Crown. But as with all top secret missions, her life may very well be in danger. Soon Violet is under the protection of bodyguard Arthur Kneland.
Arthur takes his duties very seriously. Rule #1 for Arthur is to never get too close to the person he is supposed to be protecting. The growing attraction between Arthur and Violet has him concerned. Violet's life is potentially in danger and Arthur needs to keep a clear head and his wits about him if he is to protect her. Will his sense of duty prevent Arthur and Violet from becoming more than a working relationship?
I loved A Lady's Formula for Love! This book had the perfect amount of humor, mystery and such a sweet and sexy romance between Arthur and Violet. I will admit that I haven't read a lot of bodyguard romances, but...sigh, this one was so good.
Grumpy + sunshine gets me every time and Arthur was such a grump (but I still loved him). I loved his dry wit, but also how much love he has to give. If Arthur is grumpy then Violet is definitely the epitome of sunshine. Not only does she have an amazing refuge for women scientists to reside in, but she loves them all equally. She is smart and witty, but is fighting her own doubts and insecurities. These two together brought out the best in one another and their romance was equally swoony.
Although A Lady's Formula for Love was my first book by Elizabeth Everett, I already can't wait for the next book in the series to come out! Pick up A Lady's Formula for Love if your'e looking for a romance featuring women in STEM, a bit of mystery and a swoony, steamy romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
Arthur takes his duties very seriously. Rule #1 for Arthur is to never get too close to the person he is supposed to be protecting. The growing attraction between Arthur and Violet has him concerned. Violet's life is potentially in danger and Arthur needs to keep a clear head and his wits about him if he is to protect her. Will his sense of duty prevent Arthur and Violet from becoming more than a working relationship?
I loved A Lady's Formula for Love! This book had the perfect amount of humor, mystery and such a sweet and sexy romance between Arthur and Violet. I will admit that I haven't read a lot of bodyguard romances, but...sigh, this one was so good.
Grumpy + sunshine gets me every time and Arthur was such a grump (but I still loved him). I loved his dry wit, but also how much love he has to give. If Arthur is grumpy then Violet is definitely the epitome of sunshine. Not only does she have an amazing refuge for women scientists to reside in, but she loves them all equally. She is smart and witty, but is fighting her own doubts and insecurities. These two together brought out the best in one another and their romance was equally swoony.
Although A Lady's Formula for Love was my first book by Elizabeth Everett, I already can't wait for the next book in the series to come out! Pick up A Lady's Formula for Love if your'e looking for a romance featuring women in STEM, a bit of mystery and a swoony, steamy romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
adventurous
funny
hopeful
slow-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
4.0
Catalina has a pressing situation on hand. She's required to return home to Spain to attend her sister's wedding. Only one small problem - she's told her family that she has a boyfriend … and she doesn't. Aaron Blackford is the last person that Catalina would take with her to Spain, but he offers and Catalina doesn't have a lot of choices left.
Catalina and Aaron have history - the not so good kind. They're co-workers and don't always get along. Aaron is always berating Catalina and yet he's always showing up wherever she's at. Could she possibly survive this trip with Aaron as her pretend boyfriend when they're not even really friends?
The Spanish Love Deception was a slow-burn, romantic and sexy romance. I adored the back and forth between Aaron and Catalina. She didn't take his shit and he doesn't take hers and together they were just so sweet. What starts off as a slow burn turns deliciously sexy. But be forewarned - this is a very slow slow burn. There were times where I was just yelling for Aaron and Catalina to act on their attraction towards one another. But the payoff is worth it!
Pick up The Spanish Love Deception if you're looking for an enemies-to-lovers, slow burn, fake dating romance. I look forward to reading more by Elena Armas!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
Catalina and Aaron have history - the not so good kind. They're co-workers and don't always get along. Aaron is always berating Catalina and yet he's always showing up wherever she's at. Could she possibly survive this trip with Aaron as her pretend boyfriend when they're not even really friends?
The Spanish Love Deception was a slow-burn, romantic and sexy romance. I adored the back and forth between Aaron and Catalina. She didn't take his shit and he doesn't take hers and together they were just so sweet. What starts off as a slow burn turns deliciously sexy. But be forewarned - this is a very slow slow burn. There were times where I was just yelling for Aaron and Catalina to act on their attraction towards one another. But the payoff is worth it!
Pick up The Spanish Love Deception if you're looking for an enemies-to-lovers, slow burn, fake dating romance. I look forward to reading more by Elena Armas!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-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
4.5
Eve Brown has held a few different jobs over the past few years. The latest one being a kind of disaster - oops! Eve's parents are a bit harsh and decide to cut Eve off for a while until she can hold down a job.
Eve is upset, but understands (kinda) her parents reasoning for cutting her off. While taking a long drive she happens upon a charming Inn. This is where she meets Jacob Wayne - owner of said Inn. Jacob and Eve immediately do not get a long. Jacob just happens to be interviewing for a cook and Eve just happens to be looking for a job. The interview doesn't go so great and while leaving, Eve manages to hit Jaco with her car (yikes!). And now Eve kind of has to stay to help out Jacob because - she did kind of hit him with her car.
What starts off as a rocky working relationship slowly turns into a tentative friendship. I loved the relationship between Eve and Jacob. They are literally the definition of sunshine and grump with Jacob even nicknaming Eve "Sunshine" (swoon 😍). I loved the slow growth of their relationship and how they didn't ever shy away from hard subjects for both of them.
I really liked the fact that Jacob was very outright and forthcoming with his autism. And that he felt at ease with Eve. Eve hasn't always had the best relationships with friends either and so it was a joy watching their friendship bloom. They were always free to be each other when they were together.
As always, Talia is such a talented author. There are always specific lines that stick with me when reading her books and I definitely highlighted parts of Act Your Age, Eve Brown that I will be going back to revisit.
Audiobook:
Story: 4.5
Narration: 5
Overall: 5
I had an opportunity to listen to the the audiobook of Act Your Age, Eve Brown and it was so good! The audiobook was narrated by Ione Butler and I feel that she did a wonderful job narrating Eve, Jacob and all of the secondary characters in the book. I was laughing so hard while listening to this book and that just goes to show you how amazing and talented the author and narrator are!
Grab Act Your Age, Eve Brown if you're looking for an enemies-to-lovers/grumpy sunshine romance that will have you laughing and swooning in equal measures!
I received a complimentary copy/audiobook of this book from the publisher.
Eve is upset, but understands (kinda) her parents reasoning for cutting her off. While taking a long drive she happens upon a charming Inn. This is where she meets Jacob Wayne - owner of said Inn. Jacob and Eve immediately do not get a long. Jacob just happens to be interviewing for a cook and Eve just happens to be looking for a job. The interview doesn't go so great and while leaving, Eve manages to hit Jaco with her car (yikes!). And now Eve kind of has to stay to help out Jacob because - she did kind of hit him with her car.
What starts off as a rocky working relationship slowly turns into a tentative friendship. I loved the relationship between Eve and Jacob. They are literally the definition of sunshine and grump with Jacob even nicknaming Eve "Sunshine" (swoon 😍). I loved the slow growth of their relationship and how they didn't ever shy away from hard subjects for both of them.
I really liked the fact that Jacob was very outright and forthcoming with his autism. And that he felt at ease with Eve. Eve hasn't always had the best relationships with friends either and so it was a joy watching their friendship bloom. They were always free to be each other when they were together.
As always, Talia is such a talented author. There are always specific lines that stick with me when reading her books and I definitely highlighted parts of Act Your Age, Eve Brown that I will be going back to revisit.
Audiobook:
Story: 4.5
Narration: 5
Overall: 5
I had an opportunity to listen to the the audiobook of Act Your Age, Eve Brown and it was so good! The audiobook was narrated by Ione Butler and I feel that she did a wonderful job narrating Eve, Jacob and all of the secondary characters in the book. I was laughing so hard while listening to this book and that just goes to show you how amazing and talented the author and narrator are!
Grab Act Your Age, Eve Brown if you're looking for an enemies-to-lovers/grumpy sunshine romance that will have you laughing and swooning in equal measures!
I received a complimentary copy/audiobook of this book from the publisher.
Content Warnings
Minor: Toxic relationship
Love at First by Kate Clayborn
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-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? It's complicated
5.0
What starts off as a meeting between two strangers during golden hour - the time frame right when the sun hits everything with its golden light - turns into an often funny, sweet and romantic love story in Love at First
Will has recently acquired his deceased uncle's apartment unit. Will wants nothing to do with the apartment unit, the people who live there or any memory of his uncle. Will is busy - he is an emergency physician after all and wants the unit off of his hands ASAP. With some urging, will decides to flip the unit and sub-lease it. And that's where Nora comes in.
Nora has so many fond memories associated with her current apartment. She spent many summers there with her late nonna and the apartment complex tenants have become more of a family to her. So when an outsider - Will - comes in talking about change and sub-leasing the apartment, Nora isn't having it. What starts off as a feud between the two, slowly turns into something more.
I loved this book so much. Kate Clayborn has a way of writing her books that just gets to me. The story in Love at First revolved around Will and Nora, but it was also so much more than that. It was about sharing their history and how it shaped them to who they are. It was about second chances and the choices that we make when faced with hard decisions. It was about two people coming together because they end up meaning so much to each other.
I don't think I'm doing this review justice, but just know that I absolutely adored Love at First and I can't wait to go back and re-read my favorite parts.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher
Will has recently acquired his deceased uncle's apartment unit. Will wants nothing to do with the apartment unit, the people who live there or any memory of his uncle. Will is busy - he is an emergency physician after all and wants the unit off of his hands ASAP. With some urging, will decides to flip the unit and sub-lease it. And that's where Nora comes in.
Nora has so many fond memories associated with her current apartment. She spent many summers there with her late nonna and the apartment complex tenants have become more of a family to her. So when an outsider - Will - comes in talking about change and sub-leasing the apartment, Nora isn't having it. What starts off as a feud between the two, slowly turns into something more.
I loved this book so much. Kate Clayborn has a way of writing her books that just gets to me. The story in Love at First revolved around Will and Nora, but it was also so much more than that. It was about sharing their history and how it shaped them to who they are. It was about second chances and the choices that we make when faced with hard decisions. It was about two people coming together because they end up meaning so much to each other.
I don't think I'm doing this review justice, but just know that I absolutely adored Love at First and I can't wait to go back and re-read my favorite parts.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher
Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25