romcombc's reviews
149 reviews
The Good Part by Sophie Cousens
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
ARC Review for The Good Part. Spoilers removed.
Sophie Cousens has quickly become one of my favorite authors. With relatable characters and thought provoking stories, you find yourself walking away with more than you thought one could from a fun loving romantic comedy. Each of her books gives more than it takes and The Good Part is no exception.
If you could skip to the good parts in your life, would you do it? Past the heartbreaks, beyond the failures, leaving behind dashed hopes, only to arrive to a place that holds everything you could have ever imagined. Gorgeous spouse, successful job, money, recognition, the list goes on. Would you make that wish for that type of reward? Lucy Young’s answer was a resounding “Yes!” Failed date after failed date, horrible living conditions, and a dead end job, all Lucy wanted was to get to the point of her life where all of the sacrifice was worth it. At her lowest, drenched from the rain, traumatized by an impromptu date, Lucy enters a store to escape the weather and finds a wishing machine in the back. With nothing else to lose, she wishes to fast forward to the best parts of her life. Ignoring the warning that one should alway be careful what they wish for, Lucy wakes up in a breathtaking bedroom with a gorgeous man beside her. Strange but promising start to the morning until one look in the mirror nearly scares her half to death. Having zero memory of anything that happened between the Wednesday night when she was 26 and this Friday morning where she is now 42, Lucy quickly realizes that while her wish may have come true, it may not be worth giving up the bad in order to skip ahead to the good.
This book was phenomenal! When I initially started it, I wasn’t sure where it was going. Having read all of Sophie Cousens books, I was expecting the same type of romantic comedy genius that I enjoyed in this past. This book was not a contemporary romance but so much more. Venturing towards the genre of women’s fiction, coming of age, or the frowned upon term “chic lit”, we are posed a very important question - if we could skip to the good parts in life, would we? The quick answer for many of us is: YES - same as Lucy. What we discover through her story is that to get to the good, we have to go through the bad because it makes us who we are. We have to experience the ups and downs because those are what shapes us. The in-between is were we make the memories that make those good parts great!
While this book didn’t have laugh out loud funny moments, it was completely relatable to women in different stages of their lives.
The Good Part is a beautiful reminded that life may be unfair, challenging, and frustrating at moments but finding the good amongst the bad is what makes it worth living each and every day. Even the “good part” of Lucy’s life still had aspects of bad - it just didn’t outweigh it. And that is the challenge, not getting to the good part per say but experiencing enough of life that we learn to balance the good along with the bad, continuously tipping the scale in our favor.
Sophie Cousens has quickly become one of my favorite authors. With relatable characters and thought provoking stories, you find yourself walking away with more than you thought one could from a fun loving romantic comedy. Each of her books gives more than it takes and The Good Part is no exception.
If you could skip to the good parts in your life, would you do it? Past the heartbreaks, beyond the failures, leaving behind dashed hopes, only to arrive to a place that holds everything you could have ever imagined. Gorgeous spouse, successful job, money, recognition, the list goes on. Would you make that wish for that type of reward? Lucy Young’s answer was a resounding “Yes!” Failed date after failed date, horrible living conditions, and a dead end job, all Lucy wanted was to get to the point of her life where all of the sacrifice was worth it. At her lowest, drenched from the rain, traumatized by an impromptu date, Lucy enters a store to escape the weather and finds a wishing machine in the back. With nothing else to lose, she wishes to fast forward to the best parts of her life. Ignoring the warning that one should alway be careful what they wish for, Lucy wakes up in a breathtaking bedroom with a gorgeous man beside her. Strange but promising start to the morning until one look in the mirror nearly scares her half to death. Having zero memory of anything that happened between the Wednesday night when she was 26 and this Friday morning where she is now 42, Lucy quickly realizes that while her wish may have come true, it may not be worth giving up the bad in order to skip ahead to the good.
This book was phenomenal! When I initially started it, I wasn’t sure where it was going. Having read all of Sophie Cousens books, I was expecting the same type of romantic comedy genius that I enjoyed in this past. This book was not a contemporary romance but so much more. Venturing towards the genre of women’s fiction, coming of age, or the frowned upon term “chic lit”, we are posed a very important question - if we could skip to the good parts in life, would we? The quick answer for many of us is: YES - same as Lucy. What we discover through her story is that to get to the good, we have to go through the bad because it makes us who we are. We have to experience the ups and downs because those are what shapes us. The in-between is were we make the memories that make those good parts great!
While this book didn’t have laugh out loud funny moments, it was completely relatable to women in different stages of their lives.
The Good Part is a beautiful reminded that life may be unfair, challenging, and frustrating at moments but finding the good amongst the bad is what makes it worth living each and every day. Even the “good part” of Lucy’s life still had aspects of bad - it just didn’t outweigh it. And that is the challenge, not getting to the good part per say but experiencing enough of life that we learn to balance the good along with the bad, continuously tipping the scale in our favor.
Snowed In by Catherine Walsh
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
5.0
*ARC Review for Snowed In - Spoilers removed*
While it is a standalone story, Snowed In takes place a little over two years after Holiday Romance. This is determined by Zoe, Molly’s twin sister, who gave birth in Holiday Romance. In Snowed In, the story begins with Christian (Andrew’s brother) and Zoe hanging out with her now two year old toddler, Tiernan. Keeping the same snappy dialogue and Walsh wit, Snowed In takes us back to the small town we fell in love with before, reintroduces us to the Fitzpatrick clan, and shows us that with a little Christmas magic, anything is possible. I will warn you, read Holiday Romance first; otherwise, you will have spoilers and may not understand the story of Andrew and Molly that continues in Snowed In.
Megan just needs a win! It’s bad enough that she is still deemed a social pariah for running out on her wedding day five years ago. Yes, she left the village golden boy Isaac at the alter but she just couldn’t face the rest of her life being with the only man that was her first… well everything! She figured life would be waiting for her when she finally broke free. What was waiting for her, horrible first dates and failed relationships. It wouldn’t be so bad if she was doing well in her career but, while she loves her job, saying she lives a modest lifestyle is an understatement. All of this she could cope with but the idea of returning to her village, aka the scene of the crime, after all these years away is not helping her look forward to the upcoming holiday. That has to be why she was willing to entertain Christian Fitzpatrick’s outlandish plan: Being each other’s fake date (i.e. backup) while they are home for the holidays. Christian’s family would avoid meddling in his life for once and Megan may actually survive running into Isaac, the scrutiny of her town, and her mother’s fundraiser. It’s a plan that is just crazy enough to work… or one hilarious failure to watch!
I never want Walsh’s books to end! When you hit that last page and she beautifully wraps up the story, you feel like she just gave you a one of a kind gift. Her stories and characters are so relatable! Life isn’t automatically easy for them. Things don’t just magically work out and suddenly there is a choreographed dance number. Her characters feel pain, shame, disappointment, heartbreak, and stew in self doubt. I can only assume (being from the US) that all Irish families are as close as she portrays and the support system illustrated is more fact than fiction. If so, the level of envy goes above and beyond!
While I loved everything about this book, what I loved most was that Walsh kept the evolution of the relationship realistic. The vulnerability of the characters, the sibling relationships, the parent/child dynamic and evolution of understanding - she delivered and then some! Add to it the sarcasm that only Walsh can deliver and the conversations that you swear you have heard from people around you (i.e. real talk) and you can’t help but read this book from beginning to end as soon as possible.
Humor and heat are two things Walsh does exceptionally well! While nowhere near the primary focus of the book and placed deep within the story, when Christian and Megan light the initial match that starts a smoldering fire between them, you get a glimpse at the potential intensity. When that finally turns into a full blown flame, it is hot, emotional, intense, and absolute perfection, especially for these two characters.
I am crossing my fingers and toes that Walsh writes Aiden’s story so we aren’t done with this little village just yet. Snowed In is a wonderful winter treat that will put a smile on your face, warmth in your heart, and a growl in your belly (they talk about food a lot!)
While it is a standalone story, Snowed In takes place a little over two years after Holiday Romance. This is determined by Zoe, Molly’s twin sister, who gave birth in Holiday Romance. In Snowed In, the story begins with Christian (Andrew’s brother) and Zoe hanging out with her now two year old toddler, Tiernan. Keeping the same snappy dialogue and Walsh wit, Snowed In takes us back to the small town we fell in love with before, reintroduces us to the Fitzpatrick clan, and shows us that with a little Christmas magic, anything is possible. I will warn you, read Holiday Romance first; otherwise, you will have spoilers and may not understand the story of Andrew and Molly that continues in Snowed In.
Megan just needs a win! It’s bad enough that she is still deemed a social pariah for running out on her wedding day five years ago. Yes, she left the village golden boy Isaac at the alter but she just couldn’t face the rest of her life being with the only man that was her first… well everything! She figured life would be waiting for her when she finally broke free. What was waiting for her, horrible first dates and failed relationships. It wouldn’t be so bad if she was doing well in her career but, while she loves her job, saying she lives a modest lifestyle is an understatement. All of this she could cope with but the idea of returning to her village, aka the scene of the crime, after all these years away is not helping her look forward to the upcoming holiday. That has to be why she was willing to entertain Christian Fitzpatrick’s outlandish plan: Being each other’s fake date (i.e. backup) while they are home for the holidays. Christian’s family would avoid meddling in his life for once and Megan may actually survive running into Isaac, the scrutiny of her town, and her mother’s fundraiser. It’s a plan that is just crazy enough to work… or one hilarious failure to watch!
I never want Walsh’s books to end! When you hit that last page and she beautifully wraps up the story, you feel like she just gave you a one of a kind gift. Her stories and characters are so relatable! Life isn’t automatically easy for them. Things don’t just magically work out and suddenly there is a choreographed dance number. Her characters feel pain, shame, disappointment, heartbreak, and stew in self doubt. I can only assume (being from the US) that all Irish families are as close as she portrays and the support system illustrated is more fact than fiction. If so, the level of envy goes above and beyond!
While I loved everything about this book, what I loved most was that Walsh kept the evolution of the relationship realistic. The vulnerability of the characters, the sibling relationships, the parent/child dynamic and evolution of understanding - she delivered and then some! Add to it the sarcasm that only Walsh can deliver and the conversations that you swear you have heard from people around you (i.e. real talk) and you can’t help but read this book from beginning to end as soon as possible.
Humor and heat are two things Walsh does exceptionally well! While nowhere near the primary focus of the book and placed deep within the story, when Christian and Megan light the initial match that starts a smoldering fire between them, you get a glimpse at the potential intensity. When that finally turns into a full blown flame, it is hot, emotional, intense, and absolute perfection, especially for these two characters.
I am crossing my fingers and toes that Walsh writes Aiden’s story so we aren’t done with this little village just yet. Snowed In is a wonderful winter treat that will put a smile on your face, warmth in your heart, and a growl in your belly (they talk about food a lot!)
About Last Knight by A.K. LANDOW
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Spoilers removed so review skips around due to large removals of text.
The record still stands with AK Landow’s books. 5 books, all finished within 24 hours – no matter what is going on in my life. I don’t know what it is about her writing but when I step into her stories, everything around me stops. I have to know what happens next! Her books take on a life of their own, so much energy, so much excitement, and I never miss an opportunity to hang with “the Brady Bunch”. This time around, we focused on the matriarch of the family – the one we have watched on the sidelines. Finally, we get to know who Melissa Knight is and what she is made of.
Three beautiful sons, two daughters in laws, grandchildren, and a loving ex-husband that kept his promise, giving her a life where she would never need or want. What else could a person possibly want? LOVE, that’s what! Melissa has watched Jackson fall in love with Darian and be someone she never saw in her own marriage. Make no mistake, she doesn’t blame Jackson for what their marriage had become. She was never in love with him but pregnant at the age of 19, they did what they thought was best for their unborn child. She has also watched that child and her twins grow up into gorgeous men – inside and out, and find the loves of their lives. She just wanted her turn. When would she find that breathtaking, heart-stopping, life changing love that she sees all around her! Date after fixed up date, internet date after failed meet-up, Melissa has all but given up hope until one brief escape leads her to an encounter that would change everything she has ever known about herself. One hundred and eighteen first dates, that’s how long it took before Melissa could finally begin writing her epic love story.
For four books, we have learned bits and pieces about Melissa, it was so interesting to be inside her head. As the reader, you imagine she is everything Darian is not which is why things didn’t work out with Jackson...
Now, her type – that was a shocker! Declan was…wow! I am with Melissa, I normally can’t tolerate the alpha male type but somehow Declan weirdly balanced the alpha male and super nice guy roles. He really was an unpredictable enigma which kept you laser focus on his antics and what else he had up his sleeve.
As for the spice in this book, come on – it’s an AK Landow book – of course it was hot! Declan’s take charge attitude and constantly pushing Melissa’s boundaries is what made it even hotter. I honestly can’t pick a favorite scene this time because they were all simply perfection.
Back to the characters, Declan was constantly haunted by the demons of his past. The inward look at the pain he carried and how he defined himself was eye-opening. This is the first time I have read anything that dealt with drug addiction and the fact that he was insistent on saying he “is an addict” not “was” and why it was phrased that way was something to notate.
It is rare for an author to be five books deep and each one is better than the last. AK not only accomplished that feat but has an entire spin-off series that continues to highlight just how talented she is! I cannot gush over this author enough! Her books are absolutely incredible in every way and I plan on reading each and every one of them.
The record still stands with AK Landow’s books. 5 books, all finished within 24 hours – no matter what is going on in my life. I don’t know what it is about her writing but when I step into her stories, everything around me stops. I have to know what happens next! Her books take on a life of their own, so much energy, so much excitement, and I never miss an opportunity to hang with “the Brady Bunch”. This time around, we focused on the matriarch of the family – the one we have watched on the sidelines. Finally, we get to know who Melissa Knight is and what she is made of.
Three beautiful sons, two daughters in laws, grandchildren, and a loving ex-husband that kept his promise, giving her a life where she would never need or want. What else could a person possibly want? LOVE, that’s what! Melissa has watched Jackson fall in love with Darian and be someone she never saw in her own marriage. Make no mistake, she doesn’t blame Jackson for what their marriage had become. She was never in love with him but pregnant at the age of 19, they did what they thought was best for their unborn child. She has also watched that child and her twins grow up into gorgeous men – inside and out, and find the loves of their lives. She just wanted her turn. When would she find that breathtaking, heart-stopping, life changing love that she sees all around her! Date after fixed up date, internet date after failed meet-up, Melissa has all but given up hope until one brief escape leads her to an encounter that would change everything she has ever known about herself. One hundred and eighteen first dates, that’s how long it took before Melissa could finally begin writing her epic love story.
For four books, we have learned bits and pieces about Melissa, it was so interesting to be inside her head. As the reader, you imagine she is everything Darian is not which is why things didn’t work out with Jackson...
Now, her type – that was a shocker! Declan was…wow! I am with Melissa, I normally can’t tolerate the alpha male type but somehow Declan weirdly balanced the alpha male and super nice guy roles. He really was an unpredictable enigma which kept you laser focus on his antics and what else he had up his sleeve.
As for the spice in this book, come on – it’s an AK Landow book – of course it was hot! Declan’s take charge attitude and constantly pushing Melissa’s boundaries is what made it even hotter. I honestly can’t pick a favorite scene this time because they were all simply perfection.
Back to the characters, Declan was constantly haunted by the demons of his past. The inward look at the pain he carried and how he defined himself was eye-opening. This is the first time I have read anything that dealt with drug addiction and the fact that he was insistent on saying he “is an addict” not “was” and why it was phrased that way was something to notate.
It is rare for an author to be five books deep and each one is better than the last. AK not only accomplished that feat but has an entire spin-off series that continues to highlight just how talented she is! I cannot gush over this author enough! Her books are absolutely incredible in every way and I plan on reading each and every one of them.
With or Without Panties by Karen Lieversz, Karen Lieversz
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
ARC Review for With or Without Panties. Spoilers removed.
Although Karen Lieversz has a plethora of anthologies under her belt, With or Without Panties is her debut novel romantic comedy. The quirkiness and chemistry of her characters with the splash of suspense and a pinch of bromance makes this book an instant favorite.
What is a fate worse than death? According to Claire, being caught with ugly panties. Refusing to ever be caught in the tragic situation of her dear departed grandmother, Claire has made it her life mission to always have on nice, matching undergarments (what sort of monster would wear anything mismatched!) To prove that her attitude towards panties is healthy and in no way neurotic, compulsive, or borderline dysfunctional - Claire agrees to wear the underwear her mother gave her as a gift to her job interview. At this point, Claire needed all the luck she can get to finally move closer to her dream career. Determined to make a good first impression, hideous underwear and all, Claire heads to her interview but accidentally misses her stop. Knowing a short cut and confident that fate has better things to do, Claire quick change of course causes her to step right in front of a car! Squealing brakes and one gorgeous, yet irate driver later - Claire finds herself face to face with the most intoxicating man she has ever seen. Shocked, shaken, and a little turned on - Claire accepts Detective Jake’s offer to hang out at the precinct while she composes herself. Problem? She is still wearing her hideous underwear! As irrational as it is, she refuses to tempt fate again and removes the offensive garment before anyone could ever know. Big mistake as one drug sniffing dog is about to turn Claire's world upside down. Who would have thought a pair of underwear could cause so much trouble!
While With or Without Panties was a very compelling story, the predictability prevented me from being pulled into it as deep as I would have liked. Still quite enjoyable and humorous at times, the message of drugs, abuse of drugs, and the damage it can do not only to the users but to loved ones was the foundation of this book. I loved that Karen was able to get her message across without being preachy. She presented drug use in different stages, from the casual user who justifies taking unprescribed medication, to the addict, to essentially the aftermath of an addiction gone wrong. She mixes in the message of finding healthy ways to cope with the stressors of every day life, i.e. seeking the help of therapist and/or having a strong support system, with sharp wit and great care.
Speaking of support system, I loved Jake and Greg’s relationship. Their overly macho yet vulnerable and compassions relationship resembled a brotherly love to be envied.
As mentioned initially, a lot of the book was far too predictable which took away from build ups and big reveals. The author had a tendency to harp/reiterate certain details to the point of redundancy that you could predict why she kept mentioning them in the first place. I would be interested in reading her next book to see if she works this out a little more, allowing the reader to "figure out" connections versus handing it to them to ensure they aren't missed.
Insanely hot at times, kudos to Karen for moving away from the "stereotypical" cop persona and allowing a reserved yet wicked side of Jake. The moments Claire and Jake were together were some of the sweetest mixed with steamiest moments I have read.
From cheeky moments, to great supporting characters, to a message that will stick with you beyond the last page, With or With Panties was a surprisingly enriching story. Congrats to Karen on her debut novel. I am interested to see what else she will produce in the future.
Although Karen Lieversz has a plethora of anthologies under her belt, With or Without Panties is her debut novel romantic comedy. The quirkiness and chemistry of her characters with the splash of suspense and a pinch of bromance makes this book an instant favorite.
What is a fate worse than death? According to Claire, being caught with ugly panties. Refusing to ever be caught in the tragic situation of her dear departed grandmother, Claire has made it her life mission to always have on nice, matching undergarments (what sort of monster would wear anything mismatched!) To prove that her attitude towards panties is healthy and in no way neurotic, compulsive, or borderline dysfunctional - Claire agrees to wear the underwear her mother gave her as a gift to her job interview. At this point, Claire needed all the luck she can get to finally move closer to her dream career. Determined to make a good first impression, hideous underwear and all, Claire heads to her interview but accidentally misses her stop. Knowing a short cut and confident that fate has better things to do, Claire quick change of course causes her to step right in front of a car! Squealing brakes and one gorgeous, yet irate driver later - Claire finds herself face to face with the most intoxicating man she has ever seen. Shocked, shaken, and a little turned on - Claire accepts Detective Jake’s offer to hang out at the precinct while she composes herself. Problem? She is still wearing her hideous underwear! As irrational as it is, she refuses to tempt fate again and removes the offensive garment before anyone could ever know. Big mistake as one drug sniffing dog is about to turn Claire's world upside down. Who would have thought a pair of underwear could cause so much trouble!
While With or Without Panties was a very compelling story, the predictability prevented me from being pulled into it as deep as I would have liked. Still quite enjoyable and humorous at times, the message of drugs, abuse of drugs, and the damage it can do not only to the users but to loved ones was the foundation of this book. I loved that Karen was able to get her message across without being preachy. She presented drug use in different stages, from the casual user who justifies taking unprescribed medication, to the addict, to essentially the aftermath of an addiction gone wrong. She mixes in the message of finding healthy ways to cope with the stressors of every day life, i.e. seeking the help of therapist and/or having a strong support system, with sharp wit and great care.
Speaking of support system, I loved Jake and Greg’s relationship. Their overly macho yet vulnerable and compassions relationship resembled a brotherly love to be envied.
As mentioned initially, a lot of the book was far too predictable which took away from build ups and big reveals. The author had a tendency to harp/reiterate certain details to the point of redundancy that you could predict why she kept mentioning them in the first place. I would be interested in reading her next book to see if she works this out a little more, allowing the reader to "figure out" connections versus handing it to them to ensure they aren't missed.
Insanely hot at times, kudos to Karen for moving away from the "stereotypical" cop persona and allowing a reserved yet wicked side of Jake. The moments Claire and Jake were together were some of the sweetest mixed with steamiest moments I have read.
From cheeky moments, to great supporting characters, to a message that will stick with you beyond the last page, With or With Panties was a surprisingly enriching story. Congrats to Karen on her debut novel. I am interested to see what else she will produce in the future.
A Brush with Love by Mazey Eddings
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
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
5.0
Spoilers have been removed.
There were moments in A Brush with Love where I laughed so hard, I thought I was going to pull a muscle. That is the talent of Mazey Eddings, one moment she can make you want to cry a river and the next you are laughing until you snort (not like I did that…more than once…twice.)
Harper has two immediate goals in life – to finish dental school and get her top residency pick. After that, she will commit her life to helping people and making a difference. As far as she was concerned, there wasn’t room for anything else, no matter what her friends said. She spent most of her life building up walls, protecting herself, and doing what it took to manage her anxiety. What she didn’t plan for is a certain green eyed, jaw-dropping gorgeous man with a mind erasing dimple colliding with those walls and destroying all of her hard earned work. With graduation so close and her future set, Harper can’t get “gooey” over some boy. Declaring that despite the incredible chemistry her and Dan seem to have, she can only offer a friendship - setting off an epic battle between heart and mind that will leave no survivors.
I don’t think I exhaled until I finished this book. Talk about intensive! Mazey is the master of putting you into the shoes of her neurodiverse characters. Every feeling, the loss sense of control, the shifting of the world surrounding them, how they believe the world sees them – she hands it all to the reader as if we requested a fully immersive experience.
Don’t even get me started on Harper and Dan. Dan is an absolute daydream! A huge part of me wondered (especially since Mazey is a dentist), how much of his character is modeled after her boyfriend. If that man is even a fraction of the “swooniness” that is Dan, I am insanely jealous! As far as book boyfriend’s go, he just got bumped to the top of the list!
Asides for drooling over Dan, there were so many things to love about this book, the close friendships, the vulnerability, the support, and Mazey’s constant effort to remove the stigma around mental health, therapy, and seeking help. We never know what someone is going through and how our words can cut them and push their fears deeper.
Mazey also has the ability to create the most beautiful moments when her characters are intimate. It was no different when Harper and Dan slept together for the first time.
What got me the most is when we learned Harper’s “why”, why she had to be the best, had to succeed, what it all stood for, what it represented if she failed. When I finished reading that part, I took a moment and just said “Wow”.
I love Thu, Lizzie, and Indira! I hate that I read The Plus One first because I can’t remember what happens with Thu and Alex or Harper and Dan! Lizzie’s story is waiting for me in my TBR stack so hopefully that helps bridge the gap in my memory. For anyone who loves Abby Jimenez and Emily Henry, Mazey Eddings is right there, ready to win your heart.
There were moments in A Brush with Love where I laughed so hard, I thought I was going to pull a muscle. That is the talent of Mazey Eddings, one moment she can make you want to cry a river and the next you are laughing until you snort (not like I did that…more than once…twice.)
Harper has two immediate goals in life – to finish dental school and get her top residency pick. After that, she will commit her life to helping people and making a difference. As far as she was concerned, there wasn’t room for anything else, no matter what her friends said. She spent most of her life building up walls, protecting herself, and doing what it took to manage her anxiety. What she didn’t plan for is a certain green eyed, jaw-dropping gorgeous man with a mind erasing dimple colliding with those walls and destroying all of her hard earned work. With graduation so close and her future set, Harper can’t get “gooey” over some boy. Declaring that despite the incredible chemistry her and Dan seem to have, she can only offer a friendship - setting off an epic battle between heart and mind that will leave no survivors.
I don’t think I exhaled until I finished this book. Talk about intensive! Mazey is the master of putting you into the shoes of her neurodiverse characters. Every feeling, the loss sense of control, the shifting of the world surrounding them, how they believe the world sees them – she hands it all to the reader as if we requested a fully immersive experience.
Don’t even get me started on Harper and Dan. Dan is an absolute daydream! A huge part of me wondered (especially since Mazey is a dentist), how much of his character is modeled after her boyfriend. If that man is even a fraction of the “swooniness” that is Dan, I am insanely jealous! As far as book boyfriend’s go, he just got bumped to the top of the list!
Asides for drooling over Dan, there were so many things to love about this book, the close friendships, the vulnerability, the support, and Mazey’s constant effort to remove the stigma around mental health, therapy, and seeking help. We never know what someone is going through and how our words can cut them and push their fears deeper.
Mazey also has the ability to create the most beautiful moments when her characters are intimate. It was no different when Harper and Dan slept together for the first time.
What got me the most is when we learned Harper’s “why”, why she had to be the best, had to succeed, what it all stood for, what it represented if she failed. When I finished reading that part, I took a moment and just said “Wow”.
I love Thu, Lizzie, and Indira! I hate that I read The Plus One first because I can’t remember what happens with Thu and Alex or Harper and Dan! Lizzie’s story is waiting for me in my TBR stack so hopefully that helps bridge the gap in my memory. For anyone who loves Abby Jimenez and Emily Henry, Mazey Eddings is right there, ready to win your heart.
Attack of the Rom-Com by Martti Nelson
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Spoilers have been removed
For those of you who have seen the movie Isn't This Romantic, this book will be right up your alley. When initially asked to read it, the cover made me think of Killer Klowns from Outer Space, with the sci-fi horror looking "edge"' to it. This book is anything but! Making fun of romantic comedy clichés, Attack of the Rom Com is a whole lot of fun and insanity. You won't want to put it down as you "leap" from story to insane story.
There were very few things Sophie Sweet believed in: a leather jacket could cure anything, Doritos Surprise is the best meal ever, any conflict can be resolved with good ol’ fashion violence; but “twuwuv”, yeah that wasn't one of them! She wasn't interest in finding her perfect match, her soulmate, her other half. All she wanted was to enjoy a fun night out with her best friend Jodie at the carnival and maybe get in a few good pokes messing with her favorite psychic. What she got was a pink abomination named Tiffani, insight she could live without, and the unrealistic promise that Jodie would find true love (at least it came with a money back guarantee!). Having had enough “fun” for one night, Sophie and Jodie pass out at their traditional sleepover, only for Sophie to wake up… in high school?! On the gym floor no less. Trying to determine what fresh torment she has been subjected to, Sophie quickly realizes she is being forced to relive her worst days but with a twist - the most popular guy in high school has asked her to the prom. Sick to her stomach, Sophie's suddenly aware that a lot is starting to resemble… a romantic comedy! As if things couldn’t get any worse, her pinkish nightmare… i.e. Tiffani the sociopath (I mean psychic) is Tiffany the Guidance Counselor! Letting her in on what’s about to go down, Sophie - against her will, plays along (to an extent) in order to end this nightmare… only to awaken as a pretty pretty princess. Each time Sophie believes she has checked the boxes to escape her torturer, she is placed in a brand new scenario. As each scenario plays out, despite her best efforts, Sophie begins to face the demons she carefully avoided, breaking through the walls until she can finally see what, rather who, has been waiting for her on the other side.
This was a beautiful story of psychological constraints. We believe in the narrative that we tell ourselves so if we believe we don’t deserve happiness, we don’t. If we believe we are not worthy of love, we aren’t. We convince ourselves that we are just beating everyone to the chase, they can’t put us down if we are already there, right?!
While sometimes hard to follow, this book was very funny! Sophie is all over the place and her moments of freaking out are down right hilarious. As the book is told from her perspective, we spend the vast majority of time in her head or seeing things from her eyes. You can quickly tell where the book is going in terms of the overall message but you also get to see first hand why Sophie is absolutely clueless!
Overall, it is an AMAZING story about love, growth, the effects of trauma, and healing. To reiterate the comment above, the writing is confusing at times, often muddled or inundated with colloquials that the reader is temporarily lost. With a great editor, this book would fly off the shelf! Simply put, it is a really good story but not very well written. Again, this could be due to it being in single POV so you are reading an internal dialogue for most of the story. If this is the case, then it is written as if you are peering into the jumbled mind of someone who is carrying a lot on their shoulders and has spent so long pushing everything down, the lid is about to pop off!
While the book did have language and humorous references to intimacy, it kept things pretty PG-13 (again, mostly for the coarse language). For anyone who may have grown up with a less than stellar childhood, has any type of abandonment issues, or faced adversity due to their sexual identity, this book may be triggering.
The ending of this book warmed my heart so much and will give any reader hope that we can always turn a corner, the ending isn't written as long as we are still breathing. We may not want to face the ugly and may try to hide from what hurts us but if we can find the strength to overcome it, the reward is worth it.
For those of you who have seen the movie Isn't This Romantic, this book will be right up your alley. When initially asked to read it, the cover made me think of Killer Klowns from Outer Space, with the sci-fi horror looking "edge"' to it. This book is anything but! Making fun of romantic comedy clichés, Attack of the Rom Com is a whole lot of fun and insanity. You won't want to put it down as you "leap" from story to insane story.
There were very few things Sophie Sweet believed in: a leather jacket could cure anything, Doritos Surprise is the best meal ever, any conflict can be resolved with good ol’ fashion violence; but “twuwuv”, yeah that wasn't one of them! She wasn't interest in finding her perfect match, her soulmate, her other half. All she wanted was to enjoy a fun night out with her best friend Jodie at the carnival and maybe get in a few good pokes messing with her favorite psychic. What she got was a pink abomination named Tiffani, insight she could live without, and the unrealistic promise that Jodie would find true love (at least it came with a money back guarantee!). Having had enough “fun” for one night, Sophie and Jodie pass out at their traditional sleepover, only for Sophie to wake up… in high school?! On the gym floor no less. Trying to determine what fresh torment she has been subjected to, Sophie quickly realizes she is being forced to relive her worst days but with a twist - the most popular guy in high school has asked her to the prom. Sick to her stomach, Sophie's suddenly aware that a lot is starting to resemble… a romantic comedy! As if things couldn’t get any worse, her pinkish nightmare… i.e. Tiffani the sociopath (I mean psychic) is Tiffany the Guidance Counselor! Letting her in on what’s about to go down, Sophie - against her will, plays along (to an extent) in order to end this nightmare… only to awaken as a pretty pretty princess. Each time Sophie believes she has checked the boxes to escape her torturer, she is placed in a brand new scenario. As each scenario plays out, despite her best efforts, Sophie begins to face the demons she carefully avoided, breaking through the walls until she can finally see what, rather who, has been waiting for her on the other side.
This was a beautiful story of psychological constraints. We believe in the narrative that we tell ourselves so if we believe we don’t deserve happiness, we don’t. If we believe we are not worthy of love, we aren’t. We convince ourselves that we are just beating everyone to the chase, they can’t put us down if we are already there, right?!
While sometimes hard to follow, this book was very funny! Sophie is all over the place and her moments of freaking out are down right hilarious. As the book is told from her perspective, we spend the vast majority of time in her head or seeing things from her eyes. You can quickly tell where the book is going in terms of the overall message but you also get to see first hand why Sophie is absolutely clueless!
Overall, it is an AMAZING story about love, growth, the effects of trauma, and healing. To reiterate the comment above, the writing is confusing at times, often muddled or inundated with colloquials that the reader is temporarily lost. With a great editor, this book would fly off the shelf! Simply put, it is a really good story but not very well written. Again, this could be due to it being in single POV so you are reading an internal dialogue for most of the story. If this is the case, then it is written as if you are peering into the jumbled mind of someone who is carrying a lot on their shoulders and has spent so long pushing everything down, the lid is about to pop off!
While the book did have language and humorous references to intimacy, it kept things pretty PG-13 (again, mostly for the coarse language). For anyone who may have grown up with a less than stellar childhood, has any type of abandonment issues, or faced adversity due to their sexual identity, this book may be triggering.
The ending of this book warmed my heart so much and will give any reader hope that we can always turn a corner, the ending isn't written as long as we are still breathing. We may not want to face the ugly and may try to hide from what hurts us but if we can find the strength to overcome it, the reward is worth it.
Meet me in Moonshine by Brooklyn Dean
funny
slow-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
5.0
Meet Me In Moonshine was insanely frustrating and I couldn’t put it down! I have never wanted to jump to the end to find out the mystery person so bad in my life! Worst part, it wouldn’t have helped! You had to read the story and even then, Brooklyn had me bouncing back and forth between who the person was. Darn her and her red herrings! In all seriousness, I really did enjoy this book but wish I had read it before The Write Way for Love, not because it is necessary, but it gives a really good introduction to Adam, Billie, and Sam. Knowing their characters better, is softens the sharp edges of Adam and Billie’s brief interactions in The Write Way for Love. Back to Moonshine, this book will absorb you as you become more and more committed to Jillian and her wild goose chase of her mystery man. I even found myself looking forward to the “notes” each time! A recommended quick read for those who love that novella magic.
The Write Way For Love by Brooklyn Dean
emotional
funny
inspiring
slow-paced
5.0
Spoilers removed so review has a lot of holes.
To say I love this book would be far too easy. To say I am head over hills for Sam and Anita would feel repetitive. Instead, I will say I have never read a book where I feel like I could step into the pages. The Write Way For Love engulfs you, pulling you into the small town of Moonshine, Australia. From the hijinks of the townspeople, to the bromance of Reece and Sam, to the magic that is Anita and the circus, you will grow to know, love, and figuratively stand beside them, experiencing all the feels that only an exceptional writer can provide.
In a literary world dominated by female authors, a crafty pseudonym has allowed Samuel Harthrup to make his way in and disturb the status quo. Posing as Sammie Hart (and doing everything in his power to keep his true identity a secret), Samuel couldn’t ask for anything more. With a bestselling, record-breaking romance and a growing fan base demanding a sequel, Samuel’s editorial team is beside itself waiting to get a glimpse at his latest manuscript. Sounds wonderful except the next “epic romance” is turning into an epic fail. Taking advice from his doctor and best friend Reece, Samuel decides to denounce his hermit lifestyle for a night, rejoining the living by heading out to the circus that has come into town. Looking for motivation in the form of liquid courage, Sam suddenly finds himself falling, quite literally, for a gorgeous curvy palm reader. Pulling him from the game bin that he just fell into, Anita Fortuna finds herself drawn to Sam. A kindred spirit in the arts, Anita asks to read Sam’s palms and gets more than she bargains for when he passes out of her (what is with this guy and gravity?!) Enjoying the nuisances of small town hospitality (and hoping for a decent meal for once), Anita ends up playing babysitter in Sam’s apartment. While waiting for Sam to regain consciousness, she discovers a manuscript that must be a comedy because it is either that hilarious or that awful! Not one to bite her tongue, she quickly shares with a hungover Sam all the ways he has gone wrong with his romance - creating the missing spark Sam needs to get back on track. Together, can these two pull off the impossible and create the sequel the fans demand without writing a love story of their own?
This book had me laughing from the beginning! I have never encountered someone so at home with his lactose intolerance or room clearing flatulence! Someone please introduce this man to Lactaid. The town of Moonshine itself was such a wonderful community that you couldn’t help fall for the citizens (and secretly hope the author intends to write more about its occupants). I also love a good bromance and the interactions between Reece and Sam were just too adorable.
Shifting my attention to the main characters: I love Sam so much! He is just a guy trying his best to hold his space in the world. He isn’t muscle-bound, super wealthy, or drop dead gorgeous. He is just like the rest of us mere mortals with the blessing and disappointments that only life can offer. His insecurities are so relatable and his past will make you want to hug him and promise everything will be ok. That is another thing I enjoyed about this book - within it you are introduced to two words - Sam’s and the simple town of Moonshine and Anita’s birthright of Circus de la Fortuna. In most books, the main two characters operate within the same world but different perspectives. For Anita and Sam, we get two layers - different perspectives moving between two different societies with its own sets of rules and hierarchy.
Brooklyn brought the heat with this book but she kept it so true to the characters that it felt incredibly intimate. Add in the poetry of Sam’s seductive food puns and you are just putty.
This book focuses a lot on the impact of family. We are taught to believe that family is who catches you when you fall, who shields you from harm, who has your back and loves you unconditionally. We are reminded that family isn’t always who you are born to, but who you choose.
On a lighter note, Sam’s best friend Reece was my hero in this book. To have someone in your life who has your back like that is a blessing.
What I loved most about this book is as soon as Brooklyn grips your heart with sorrow, she makes it lighter with laughter. The smile this book leaves plastered on your face speaks volumes. Well that and the food puns. Seriously, I was impressed! How she came up with so many was insane!
I have had the pleasure of reading a lot of Indie authors and Brooklyn is definitely one to watch. I don’t know if she did it intentionally but she has set this book up perfectly for at least two more in the series (hint…hint). I would love to read Reece’s entire story and Adam’s. The town of Moonshine has stolen my heart and I can’t wait to see what other magic it has up its sleeve.
To say I love this book would be far too easy. To say I am head over hills for Sam and Anita would feel repetitive. Instead, I will say I have never read a book where I feel like I could step into the pages. The Write Way For Love engulfs you, pulling you into the small town of Moonshine, Australia. From the hijinks of the townspeople, to the bromance of Reece and Sam, to the magic that is Anita and the circus, you will grow to know, love, and figuratively stand beside them, experiencing all the feels that only an exceptional writer can provide.
In a literary world dominated by female authors, a crafty pseudonym has allowed Samuel Harthrup to make his way in and disturb the status quo. Posing as Sammie Hart (and doing everything in his power to keep his true identity a secret), Samuel couldn’t ask for anything more. With a bestselling, record-breaking romance and a growing fan base demanding a sequel, Samuel’s editorial team is beside itself waiting to get a glimpse at his latest manuscript. Sounds wonderful except the next “epic romance” is turning into an epic fail. Taking advice from his doctor and best friend Reece, Samuel decides to denounce his hermit lifestyle for a night, rejoining the living by heading out to the circus that has come into town. Looking for motivation in the form of liquid courage, Sam suddenly finds himself falling, quite literally, for a gorgeous curvy palm reader. Pulling him from the game bin that he just fell into, Anita Fortuna finds herself drawn to Sam. A kindred spirit in the arts, Anita asks to read Sam’s palms and gets more than she bargains for when he passes out of her (what is with this guy and gravity?!) Enjoying the nuisances of small town hospitality (and hoping for a decent meal for once), Anita ends up playing babysitter in Sam’s apartment. While waiting for Sam to regain consciousness, she discovers a manuscript that must be a comedy because it is either that hilarious or that awful! Not one to bite her tongue, she quickly shares with a hungover Sam all the ways he has gone wrong with his romance - creating the missing spark Sam needs to get back on track. Together, can these two pull off the impossible and create the sequel the fans demand without writing a love story of their own?
This book had me laughing from the beginning! I have never encountered someone so at home with his lactose intolerance or room clearing flatulence! Someone please introduce this man to Lactaid. The town of Moonshine itself was such a wonderful community that you couldn’t help fall for the citizens (and secretly hope the author intends to write more about its occupants). I also love a good bromance and the interactions between Reece and Sam were just too adorable.
Shifting my attention to the main characters: I love Sam so much! He is just a guy trying his best to hold his space in the world. He isn’t muscle-bound, super wealthy, or drop dead gorgeous. He is just like the rest of us mere mortals with the blessing and disappointments that only life can offer. His insecurities are so relatable and his past will make you want to hug him and promise everything will be ok. That is another thing I enjoyed about this book - within it you are introduced to two words - Sam’s and the simple town of Moonshine and Anita’s birthright of Circus de la Fortuna. In most books, the main two characters operate within the same world but different perspectives. For Anita and Sam, we get two layers - different perspectives moving between two different societies with its own sets of rules and hierarchy.
Brooklyn brought the heat with this book but she kept it so true to the characters that it felt incredibly intimate. Add in the poetry of Sam’s seductive food puns and you are just putty.
This book focuses a lot on the impact of family. We are taught to believe that family is who catches you when you fall, who shields you from harm, who has your back and loves you unconditionally. We are reminded that family isn’t always who you are born to, but who you choose.
On a lighter note, Sam’s best friend Reece was my hero in this book. To have someone in your life who has your back like that is a blessing.
What I loved most about this book is as soon as Brooklyn grips your heart with sorrow, she makes it lighter with laughter. The smile this book leaves plastered on your face speaks volumes. Well that and the food puns. Seriously, I was impressed! How she came up with so many was insane!
I have had the pleasure of reading a lot of Indie authors and Brooklyn is definitely one to watch. I don’t know if she did it intentionally but she has set this book up perfectly for at least two more in the series (hint…hint). I would love to read Reece’s entire story and Adam’s. The town of Moonshine has stolen my heart and I can’t wait to see what other magic it has up its sleeve.
Making Perfect Sense: When Only The Truth Matters by Beth Gelman
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Spoilers removed to review may jump around.
Having read The Perfect Lesson and The Perfect Voice, I have watched Trudie and Alex grow into the people they always dreamed of being. I have also witnessed the power of nurturing and the long lasting impact teachers can have in the lives of children. In that same breathe, we bear witness to the damage of bureaucracy and how disconnected decision makers can do more harm than good. Making Perfect Sense brings long awaited closure for those who believe that with love, dedication, and sacrifice - anything is possible.
In Part Two, we rejoin Trudie and Alex, post New York Gala fallout. Life is moving forward and Trudie doesn’t know what to think, how to feel, or even how to fathom working along side Alex. With great growth comes great discomfort and Trudie is in unfamiliar territory. She’s not alone in her murky sea of thought as Alex has his own skeletons to deal with. His ex-fiance Sheila has reared her ugly head, causing the woman he loves to flee without a word. Knowing Trudie’s tendency to be standoffish and skittish when she feels out of control and hurt, he’s on the outside looking in - lost at how to reach her when she still refuses to give him the time of day. He’s called, he’s texted, and when he drops off her stuff, he is shattered that she won’t even look at him. The only luck on his side is their paired project forces their paths to cross. Locked in a conference room (thank you Eloise), he is able to rekindle the connection, fanning the flames through heart to hearts and big reveals, allowing them to come together, yet again. The problem is, with two people as broken as they are - are they strong enough to build a bond that will last forever?
The evolution of Trudie’s character was visible in Part Two. In Part One, I constantly felt as if she was overreacting, shutting down, displaying more of a childlike behavior than a grown woman who has spent five years learning the tools she needed to move on. In Part Two, she was present, she was vocal, her inner voice pushed her to “grow up” and take ownership.
With the combination of part one and two creating a whole story, it is easy to see how this book would truly be a favorite for those in the education or psychology field. Unfortunately, while there were so many things I loved about Making Perfect Sense, the continuity of the overall story (looking at all three books - not just The Perfect Lesson), the cliffhanger, the 180 of the characters, and the laser focus on the school program for at risk children pulled me too far out to truly enjoy it.
The disservice of a cliffhanger is the “hope” that the reader has retained the information from the first part of the book. While Beth did provide a Prologue, the time between Part One and Part Two did make the recollection of facts somewhat cumbersome. For that reason, I felt lost the first couple of chapters. If this story simply stuck with the push and pull of Trudie and Alex, it would have been easier to jump right in. Instead, we needed to also remember the program Trudie and Alex were building as it is such an intricate part of the story. Again, Beth does a great job to re-inform the reader but it also creates a drawn out process to get to the meat/heart of the book. The real time of this book is also something I didn’t favor as it slowed down/dragged out the overall story. We just went through the entire first half of the book and understand the nuances of their high risk student program, Trudie’s background with her father, Alex’s background with his family, and the roadblocks of their relationship. In Part Two, I wanted to accelerate past that and arrive deeper into the story. While we did eventually, the journey was at a snail's pace.
I will warn that if you read The Perfect Voice, the lack of continuity between the two books may create frustration after awhile. For this book, focus on what you gather from The Perfect Lesson in terms of who Trudie is and her timelines of events. If you do read the Perfect Voice (or read it in between, like me) again just take away who Ruby and Daniel are as their story is referenced in The Perfect Lesson and more so in Making Perfect Sense.
Like those who truly enjoy Ali Hazelwood’s books due to their STEM affiliation, individuals with a psychological background would be the perfect audience for The Perfect Lesson and Making Perfect Sense. Unfortunately, outside of that realm, the book may be too focused on the psychological profile of its characters and educational/supportive impact of youth - pulling away from the essence of a romance. For those who are just looking for a romance to melt into, this would not be it. For those who looking for a Michael Crichton approach to romance - a book that educations as well as entertains, you may find what you are looking for.
Having read The Perfect Lesson and The Perfect Voice, I have watched Trudie and Alex grow into the people they always dreamed of being. I have also witnessed the power of nurturing and the long lasting impact teachers can have in the lives of children. In that same breathe, we bear witness to the damage of bureaucracy and how disconnected decision makers can do more harm than good. Making Perfect Sense brings long awaited closure for those who believe that with love, dedication, and sacrifice - anything is possible.
In Part Two, we rejoin Trudie and Alex, post New York Gala fallout. Life is moving forward and Trudie doesn’t know what to think, how to feel, or even how to fathom working along side Alex. With great growth comes great discomfort and Trudie is in unfamiliar territory. She’s not alone in her murky sea of thought as Alex has his own skeletons to deal with. His ex-fiance Sheila has reared her ugly head, causing the woman he loves to flee without a word. Knowing Trudie’s tendency to be standoffish and skittish when she feels out of control and hurt, he’s on the outside looking in - lost at how to reach her when she still refuses to give him the time of day. He’s called, he’s texted, and when he drops off her stuff, he is shattered that she won’t even look at him. The only luck on his side is their paired project forces their paths to cross. Locked in a conference room (thank you Eloise), he is able to rekindle the connection, fanning the flames through heart to hearts and big reveals, allowing them to come together, yet again. The problem is, with two people as broken as they are - are they strong enough to build a bond that will last forever?
The evolution of Trudie’s character was visible in Part Two. In Part One, I constantly felt as if she was overreacting, shutting down, displaying more of a childlike behavior than a grown woman who has spent five years learning the tools she needed to move on. In Part Two, she was present, she was vocal, her inner voice pushed her to “grow up” and take ownership.
With the combination of part one and two creating a whole story, it is easy to see how this book would truly be a favorite for those in the education or psychology field. Unfortunately, while there were so many things I loved about Making Perfect Sense, the continuity of the overall story (looking at all three books - not just The Perfect Lesson), the cliffhanger, the 180 of the characters, and the laser focus on the school program for at risk children pulled me too far out to truly enjoy it.
The disservice of a cliffhanger is the “hope” that the reader has retained the information from the first part of the book. While Beth did provide a Prologue, the time between Part One and Part Two did make the recollection of facts somewhat cumbersome. For that reason, I felt lost the first couple of chapters. If this story simply stuck with the push and pull of Trudie and Alex, it would have been easier to jump right in. Instead, we needed to also remember the program Trudie and Alex were building as it is such an intricate part of the story. Again, Beth does a great job to re-inform the reader but it also creates a drawn out process to get to the meat/heart of the book. The real time of this book is also something I didn’t favor as it slowed down/dragged out the overall story. We just went through the entire first half of the book and understand the nuances of their high risk student program, Trudie’s background with her father, Alex’s background with his family, and the roadblocks of their relationship. In Part Two, I wanted to accelerate past that and arrive deeper into the story. While we did eventually, the journey was at a snail's pace.
I will warn that if you read The Perfect Voice, the lack of continuity between the two books may create frustration after awhile. For this book, focus on what you gather from The Perfect Lesson in terms of who Trudie is and her timelines of events. If you do read the Perfect Voice (or read it in between, like me) again just take away who Ruby and Daniel are as their story is referenced in The Perfect Lesson and more so in Making Perfect Sense.
Like those who truly enjoy Ali Hazelwood’s books due to their STEM affiliation, individuals with a psychological background would be the perfect audience for The Perfect Lesson and Making Perfect Sense. Unfortunately, outside of that realm, the book may be too focused on the psychological profile of its characters and educational/supportive impact of youth - pulling away from the essence of a romance. For those who are just looking for a romance to melt into, this would not be it. For those who looking for a Michael Crichton approach to romance - a book that educations as well as entertains, you may find what you are looking for.
The Score by Elle Kennedy
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? Yes
5.0
Spoilers removed so review bounces around.
Venturing back to Briar University campus, we move down the bromance roster and get to see the inner workings of one Dean Di Laurentis - a.k.a. Mr. Sunshine himself. This time, we have the added bonus of bringing back one of our favorite characters, Allie Hayes. When we first met her in The Deal, she was the supportive best friend of Hannah and making things work with Sean. Now in The Score, we get to find out who Allie really is and how life doesn't always work on the way we plan.
Life as Allie Hayes knows it, is about to change. For better or for the worst, that is still up for debate. After one fight too many, Allie finally decides to pull the plug on her long time boyfriend Sean. Granted, she has broken up with Sean countless times but it never sticks; however, this time will be different. She's older, stronger, smarter, and has ever intention of hiding like a coward at her best friend’s boyfriend house where Sean wouldn’t think to look for her (or be greeted by overly protective hockey players if he did manage to track her down). All she needs to do is stay away from her phone - no calls, no texts, no meetups. Open heart surgery would be easier but Allie is determined to stick to her guns. So much so that she has enlisted Dean Di Laurentis to take possession of her phone to avoid any temptation. It’s the least he could do after his snide babysitting comments. Yes, she may have interrupted what looked like a “Dear Penthouse” moment for Dean but this was a crisis! Dean, on the other hand, knows the perfect way to keep Allie distracted but a one night stand girl she is not. Well she didn’t think she was until she woke up the next morning with a tequila fueled hangover and chest slamming recall of the night before. Desperate to right a horrendous (yet insanely enjoyable) wrong, Allie demands the night is forgotten, declares it won’t happen again, and puts as much distance between her and Dean as possible. Easier said than done as Allie just delivered the best night of Dean’s life and he isn’t quite ready to forget.
I always enjoy Elle Kennedy’s books and The Score is just as mind-blowing as the rest. The universe (or in this case - University) she has built has become a second home. We know these guys! I feel like I have been invited inside of this sacred family and get to see where life takes them. Having read the first two books, we know where Logan and Garrett go. Now we see how life is panning out for Dean and Allie.
What I loved the MOST about this book was how Dean taught Allie to love who she was and not let anyone else make her feel less than. He showed her that labels are just words without meaning - we have to give them meaning to do any type of damage.
While I am sure there are words to describe the intensity of spice in this book, none come to mind. Dean really brought it out of Allie or at least unlocked the door she had it hidden behind. These two together was like poor gasoline on an open flame!
Each of these books draws you in, makes you laugh, make you cry, and reminds you that no matter what age - life always has something to teach you. Kennedy provides a peek at what's to come in The Goal and I can't wait to crack that one open!
Venturing back to Briar University campus, we move down the bromance roster and get to see the inner workings of one Dean Di Laurentis - a.k.a. Mr. Sunshine himself. This time, we have the added bonus of bringing back one of our favorite characters, Allie Hayes. When we first met her in The Deal, she was the supportive best friend of Hannah and making things work with Sean. Now in The Score, we get to find out who Allie really is and how life doesn't always work on the way we plan.
Life as Allie Hayes knows it, is about to change. For better or for the worst, that is still up for debate. After one fight too many, Allie finally decides to pull the plug on her long time boyfriend Sean. Granted, she has broken up with Sean countless times but it never sticks; however, this time will be different. She's older, stronger, smarter, and has ever intention of hiding like a coward at her best friend’s boyfriend house where Sean wouldn’t think to look for her (or be greeted by overly protective hockey players if he did manage to track her down). All she needs to do is stay away from her phone - no calls, no texts, no meetups. Open heart surgery would be easier but Allie is determined to stick to her guns. So much so that she has enlisted Dean Di Laurentis to take possession of her phone to avoid any temptation. It’s the least he could do after his snide babysitting comments. Yes, she may have interrupted what looked like a “Dear Penthouse” moment for Dean but this was a crisis! Dean, on the other hand, knows the perfect way to keep Allie distracted but a one night stand girl she is not. Well she didn’t think she was until she woke up the next morning with a tequila fueled hangover and chest slamming recall of the night before. Desperate to right a horrendous (yet insanely enjoyable) wrong, Allie demands the night is forgotten, declares it won’t happen again, and puts as much distance between her and Dean as possible. Easier said than done as Allie just delivered the best night of Dean’s life and he isn’t quite ready to forget.
I always enjoy Elle Kennedy’s books and The Score is just as mind-blowing as the rest. The universe (or in this case - University) she has built has become a second home. We know these guys! I feel like I have been invited inside of this sacred family and get to see where life takes them. Having read the first two books, we know where Logan and Garrett go. Now we see how life is panning out for Dean and Allie.
What I loved the MOST about this book was how Dean taught Allie to love who she was and not let anyone else make her feel less than. He showed her that labels are just words without meaning - we have to give them meaning to do any type of damage.
While I am sure there are words to describe the intensity of spice in this book, none come to mind. Dean really brought it out of Allie or at least unlocked the door she had it hidden behind. These two together was like poor gasoline on an open flame!
Each of these books draws you in, makes you laugh, make you cry, and reminds you that no matter what age - life always has something to teach you. Kennedy provides a peek at what's to come in The Goal and I can't wait to crack that one open!