snugglesandpages's reviews
217 reviews

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

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funny

5.0

I absolutely loved this book! It hit every mark I was craving with tropes of a marriage of convenience, fake dating, opposites attract, one bed, and all the juicy drama that comes with the lifestyle of the obnoxiously wealthy. Once you start, you will become deeply invested in Anna and Liam's developing relationship and it will be impossible to put down. 

The best rom-coms are the ones with real-life issues at the core of the plot, and CLo books always deliver that. mean, I'm not about to inherit millions, but Liam's internal struggle to stay true to himself while navigating the pressures from his toxic father felt incredibly relatable. 

β€œπ™ƒπ™€π™ͺ𝙨𝙩𝙀𝙣, π™¬π™š π™π™–π™«π™š 𝙖 π™₯π™§π™€π™—π™‘π™šπ™’(π™–π™©π™žπ™˜ 𝙒𝙖𝙣).”

I adored Anna with her wild and carefree attitude. She is pure at heart and her love and devotion to those closest to her made her rich in ways the Weston's could never be. Plus her monologue delivered so many LOL moments. Anna Green, I will have your back in Resident Evil and share gummies with you any day. Can we please be friends!? 

The setting of THE PARADISE PROBLEM was a vivid escape, set on a lush private island in Indonesia; it transported me back to my unforgettable trip to the Maldives. The depiction of paradise, reminiscent of my stay on the private resort Island, Kani with its overwater bungalows and breathtaking sunsets, made me yearn to relive those moments. 

If you're looking for top-notch banter, spice an immersive tropical setting and engaging characters you will adore, this book is a must-read!
17 Years Later by J.P. Pomare

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5.0

J.P, you've done it again! 

17 YEARS LATER is a masterclass in suspense and storytelling. Set in a small New Zealand town, the story skillfully alternates between two timelines: the present day and events from 17 years ago. Australian journalist and true crime podcast host Solane Abbott investigates the tragic demise of the Primrose family. As she uncovers inconsistencies in the prosecution of Bill Kareama, the narrative reveals deeper issues of social class, and racial prejudice, keeping readers on edge.

If you’re contemplating which of J.P's books to start with, this is the one! It embodies everything that makes J.P's writing exceptionalβ€”layered characters, suspenseful twists, and gripping mystery. 17 YEARS LATER feels like a thrilling game of Twister, where every revelation takes you in a new direction. I was so engrossed that I read 80% of it in one sitting, staying up until midnight to uncover the truth. It’s one of the few books that’s kept me up like that, along with J.P's earlier work, In The Clearing.

Another highlight for me was spotting the 'easter eggs' J.P includes, paying tribute to his previous works and influences. This time, I noticed a nod to Tell Me Lies and appreciated the homage to his family, fellow crime writer Michael Robotham, and the late Ngaio Marsh. There was even a Taylor Swift reference in there! These subtle references add a delightful layer to the reading experience.

Thank you to @hachetteaus and @netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of my most anticipated book of 2024! 

The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams

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funny lighthearted slow-paced

3.5

The Cheat Sheet is a cute fake dating, friends to lovers, sports romance that is part of the same universe as Sarah's recent release, THE RULE BOOK.

It's sweet and a completely closed door, so there no spice in this one and thigh it is a fairly quick read, I do warn that the 'does he/she, doesn't he/she plays out for about 90% of the book, and then all of a sudden it's public proclamations of love and a super quick HEA in the last 10%. 

Character wise, Bree reminded me of a less socially awkward Elle Woods. She has this chaotic energy about her, which made me laugh but also a tad immature at times. Nathan is a generous teddy bear NFL quarterback, and sexiest-man-alive aside, has some serious imposter syndrome. 

Overall, I did enjoy it for what it was, but communication would have gone a long way in this one. I'm glad I had read The Rule Book first, because I loved that one so much.