sabakne's reviews
476 reviews
The Accidental Bride by Jane Walsh
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was my very first time reading something by this author and it was great, I had a great time while reading this book.
What I loved the most is that plot wise, it was very unique and new to me. I don’t want to spoil too much so I’ll just say that the second part of the book was so interesting and entertaining . I could not stop reading it because I was so invested in Thea and Grace’s story.
I was a little nervous when I started this because I hadn’t read the first book of this series, but to my surprise, one can read this book as standalone without being confused.
I really did love this. The story was entertaining, the characters were endearing, and the writing was incredible. I would definitely recommend this!
Thank you Netgalley for my advanced copy. My opinions are my own.
Princess Diana by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
While it is clear that this book is aimed to older children, I appreciated how it tackled sensitive topics which was a refreshing take as children books tend to be sugarcoated more often than not. This book sheds light on the fact that people are human, and therefore imperfect.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review, my opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review, my opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher.
An Earl to Remember by Stacy Reid
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
What does one do when an amnesiac earl publicly claims to know you “carnally”? Pretend you’re married to him, duh.
Stacy Reid has done it again. There’s a reason she’s one of my favourite historical romance authors. You might end up disliking the plot or the tropes, but you sure will have a good time reading the book, and the steam is always on point which is a bonus.
Georgie is my type of heroine. She’s fiercely independent and would do anything when it comes to her family’s wellbeing. I might be a little biased as I am the eldest myself, and relate to many of the challenges she goes through, but I couldn’t help but fall in love with her. She loves her siblings so selflessly and speaks of cooking with such passion. You can feel her love for cooking as you’re reading, which turned it to my favourite thing about the book. One cannot help but fall in love with Georgie. She’s definitely a new addition to my “favourite HR heroines” list.
I was a little thrown off by Daniel at the very beginning, in fact, I very much got the ick, but thankfully, things did change for the better when he lost his memory. The only problem is that I only liked him when he his memory was gone, the minute he got it back, things went south. His anger due to Georgie’s deception is completely valid, but to me, the way he handled things erased any character growth he achieved. I missed my Mr. Stannis the second the Earl came back.
Everything was going well until the last 75% of the book. Those last chapters were not “it” for me. If anything, they did make me feel a little icky which is the reason why I can’t bring myself to give this book a higher rating. Daniel’s actions towards the end made it very hard for me to root for him, and at the end, I was not convinced by his feelings for Georgie. I didn’t believe he was truly in love with her.
BONUS POINTS: any scene that involved the animals or the little ones had me laughing and dying of cuteness at the same time. I really enjoyed those, they were great.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read it early.
Stacy Reid has done it again. There’s a reason she’s one of my favourite historical romance authors. You might end up disliking the plot or the tropes, but you sure will have a good time reading the book, and the steam is always on point which is a bonus.
Georgie is my type of heroine. She’s fiercely independent and would do anything when it comes to her family’s wellbeing. I might be a little biased as I am the eldest myself, and relate to many of the challenges she goes through, but I couldn’t help but fall in love with her. She loves her siblings so selflessly and speaks of cooking with such passion. You can feel her love for cooking as you’re reading, which turned it to my favourite thing about the book. One cannot help but fall in love with Georgie. She’s definitely a new addition to my “favourite HR heroines” list.
I was a little thrown off by Daniel at the very beginning, in fact, I very much got the ick, but thankfully, things did change for the better when he lost his memory. The only problem is that I only liked him when he his memory was gone, the minute he got it back, things went south. His anger due to Georgie’s deception is completely valid, but to me, the way he handled things erased any character growth he achieved. I missed my Mr. Stannis the second the Earl came back.
Everything was going well until the last 75% of the book. Those last chapters were not “it” for me. If anything, they did make me feel a little icky which is the reason why I can’t bring myself to give this book a higher rating. Daniel’s actions towards the end made it very hard for me to root for him, and at the end, I was not convinced by his feelings for Georgie. I didn’t believe he was truly in love with her.
BONUS POINTS: any scene that involved the animals or the little ones had me laughing and dying of cuteness at the same time. I really enjoyed those, they were great.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read it early.
In Which Margo Halifax Earns Her Shocking Reputation by Alexandra Vasti
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Did I stay up until 4 am because I simply could not stop reading? Yes, ma’am.
Truth to be told, I’m not the biggest fan of novellas but this one blew me away. I simply did not expect it to be THIS good!
The story was well written, easy to read and perfectly paced. The chemistry between the characters was there, the spice was HOT, and despite it being a novella, neither the story nor the ending felt rushed which is usually a big problem when it comes to novellas.
This book was P. E. R. F. E. C. T.
Don’t get me started on Henry. A virgin hero who’s madly in love with the heroin, and simultaneously giving off the biggest golden retriever energy? Like I’d ever be able to resist that.
You can get this FOR FREE by signing up for the author’s newsletter!
Truth to be told, I’m not the biggest fan of novellas but this one blew me away. I simply did not expect it to be THIS good!
The story was well written, easy to read and perfectly paced. The chemistry between the characters was there, the spice was HOT, and despite it being a novella, neither the story nor the ending felt rushed which is usually a big problem when it comes to novellas.
This book was P. E. R. F. E. C. T.
Don’t get me started on Henry. A virgin hero who’s madly in love with the heroin, and simultaneously giving off the biggest golden retriever energy? Like I’d ever be able to resist that.
You can get this FOR FREE by signing up for the author’s newsletter!
In Which Winnie Halifax Is Utterly Ruined by Alexandra Vasti
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was such a comforting read. It was sweet, it was hot and most importantly, it stole my heart. I had to stop on many occasions because I was kicking my feet too hard, like an idiot in love, at the cuteness of Winnie and Spencer. Watching their story unfold was such a treat.
If you’re looking for something easy, quick and comforting to read, this is for you.
I want to be as lucky as Winnie. I want to invent myself a husband only for him to turn out be real, hot and head over heels for me.
Now, this isn’t your regular meet-cute, I mean unless meeting in a prison is your thing, but somehow it was way better than any other meet-cute could’ve been.
Spencer, my sweet sweet adorable boy, what is there to say except for the fact that every woman on this planet deserves to be loved by someone like you. You have raised the standard, I’m screwed.
I started this series thinking that Margo and Henry would be my favourite couple. The first novella was so good, I thought it was impossible to top, but I stand corrected. Ah, the power of Alexandra Vasti.
If I’m being honest, I read this in one sitting because I simply couldn’t put it down, and now, I’m writing this at 3 am and wondering how I’ll ever be able to emotionally recover from this series.
Alexandra Vasti’s writing is just something else. She has such a way with words. I can’t wait to read more of her work, and it is safe to say that her spot on my favourite HR authors list is safe for the rest of eternity.
If you’re looking for something easy, quick and comforting to read, this is for you.
I want to be as lucky as Winnie. I want to invent myself a husband only for him to turn out be real, hot and head over heels for me.
Now, this isn’t your regular meet-cute, I mean unless meeting in a prison is your thing, but somehow it was way better than any other meet-cute could’ve been.
Spencer, my sweet sweet adorable boy, what is there to say except for the fact that every woman on this planet deserves to be loved by someone like you. You have raised the standard, I’m screwed.
I started this series thinking that Margo and Henry would be my favourite couple. The first novella was so good, I thought it was impossible to top, but I stand corrected. Ah, the power of Alexandra Vasti.
If I’m being honest, I read this in one sitting because I simply couldn’t put it down, and now, I’m writing this at 3 am and wondering how I’ll ever be able to emotionally recover from this series.
Alexandra Vasti’s writing is just something else. She has such a way with words. I can’t wait to read more of her work, and it is safe to say that her spot on my favourite HR authors list is safe for the rest of eternity.
In Which Matilda Halifax Learns the Value of Restraint by Alexandra Vasti
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don’t think you understand how obsessed I am with both this author and the Halifax Twins. I want to smack the stupid out of me for waiting so long to read this series because it is quickly becoming one of the best ones I’ve ever read. I mean seriously, is this author putting drugs in her books!? because I physically could NOT put this down.
Alexandra Vasti’s writing is my new addiction 🫡
I was blown away by how good the first novella was and I didn’t think anything would top it, and boy, was I wrong. Here I am, obsessed with Matilda and Christian. There’s just something about them that instantly steals your heart and trust me, you will not want it back.
The age gap, the road trip, the broody hero that has been wronged, the fact that the heroine annoys him to no end and yet, he falls… I ate that shit up.
I adored reading this, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone that is looking a fun, fast and easy read, and the best part of it all? You can get this FOR FREE by signing up for the author’s newesletter.
Do yourself a favour and read this, you’re welcome.
Alexandra Vasti’s writing is my new addiction 🫡
I was blown away by how good the first novella was and I didn’t think anything would top it, and boy, was I wrong. Here I am, obsessed with Matilda and Christian. There’s just something about them that instantly steals your heart and trust me, you will not want it back.
The age gap, the road trip, the broody hero that has been wronged, the fact that the heroine annoys him to no end and yet, he falls… I ate that shit up.
I adored reading this, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone that is looking a fun, fast and easy read, and the best part of it all? You can get this FOR FREE by signing up for the author’s newesletter.
Do yourself a favour and read this, you’re welcome.
The Heiress Bride by Madeline Hunter
emotional
funny
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
This was such a disappointing read.
One of the biggest reason behind my disappointment was the title. With a title like that, you expect as specific storyline, a specific trope, but there was none of it. The heroine was never a bride, a fiancée at best but even then, it does not happen until the very last chapter.
The book felt dragged, I was skimming through the pages more often than not, because it failed to grab my attention. Things were happening but nothing was interesting or attention grabbing. I was never able to get feel connected to the characters.
The saddest bit is that being the romance enthusiast that I am, I would’ve enjoyed the book if the main couple had chemistry but unfortunately, they did not. In fact, I had a hard time believing that they were even in love. There was no spark between them. Not only that, but the link between their families, which was revealed at the end, made things a little odd for me.
Another issue I had was the way the plot lines were executed. The resolution of the “missing book” did not sit right with me. Throughout the book, Iris is desperate to find it in order to mend her grandfather’s reputation but once the book is found, the way she handles it is disappointing. In addition to that, the textile factory plot line felt unnecessary, it adds absolutely nothing to the storyline and honestly, its end was lacking.
This was my very first read from this author, and this book does a terrible job at being a standalone. If I’m being honest, I’m not planning on reading the rest of the series.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC, and for giving me the opportunity to read this book. My opinions are my own.
One of the biggest reason behind my disappointment was the title. With a title like that, you expect as specific storyline, a specific trope, but there was none of it. The heroine was never a bride, a fiancée at best but even then, it does not happen until the very last chapter.
The book felt dragged, I was skimming through the pages more often than not, because it failed to grab my attention. Things were happening but nothing was interesting or attention grabbing. I was never able to get feel connected to the characters.
The saddest bit is that being the romance enthusiast that I am, I would’ve enjoyed the book if the main couple had chemistry but unfortunately, they did not. In fact, I had a hard time believing that they were even in love. There was no spark between them. Not only that, but the link between their families, which was revealed at the end, made things a little odd for me.
Another issue I had was the way the plot lines were executed. The resolution of the “missing book” did not sit right with me. Throughout the book, Iris is desperate to find it in order to mend her grandfather’s reputation but once the book is found, the way she handles it is disappointing. In addition to that, the textile factory plot line felt unnecessary, it adds absolutely nothing to the storyline and honestly, its end was lacking.
This was my very first read from this author, and this book does a terrible job at being a standalone. If I’m being honest, I’m not planning on reading the rest of the series.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC, and for giving me the opportunity to read this book. My opinions are my own.