takara_reads's reviews
92 reviews

Well, That Was Unexpected by Jesse Q. Sutanto

4.0

Zora Books Her Happy Ever After by Taj McCoy

DNF

The writing style wasn’t for me. I just couldn’t gel with this book! 

You, with a View by Jessica Joyce

4.5

You, with a View by Jessica Joyce is a delightful and heartfelt journey that beautifully blends romance with a touch of family mystery. The story takes off when the protagonist stumbles upon letters from her grandmother’s former lover, leading her to dig into a hidden part of her grandmother's past. This exploration into lost love is enchanting, uncovering layers of the grandmother's personality and history in a way that feels nostalgic and tender. 

The twist that her grandmother’s former lover has a grandson who the protagonist knew in high school adds an engaging dynamic. This connection brings a touch of fate to the story, intertwining past and present as they embark on a road trip to retrace their grandparents’ memories. Their chemistry grows naturally, infused with the added charm of rediscovering each other while unveiling secrets from the past. 

Joyce’s storytelling shines, perfectly capturing the romantic elements alongside the allure of unraveling family history. For readers who enjoy stories that connect generations with romance, humor, and a bit of mystery, You, with a View is a truly charming read. 

The Worst Guy Ever by Holly June Smith

5.0

The Worst Guy Ever by Holly June Smith presents a refreshing take on the enemies-to-lovers trope, blending humor, tension, and self-discovery. In this novel, Hattie Buchanan, fiercely independent and skeptical of commitment, finds herself repeatedly crossing paths with Rob Morgan—a cocky, arrogant charmer who isn’t used to rejection. When they meet through mutual friends, Hattie initially brushes off his advances, assuming he's only interested in a fling. Rob, however, is unexpectedly captivated, and, undeterred by Hattie’s resistance, stakes a bet that pushes their flirtatious banter into a full-blown competition. 

The story dives into the complexities of each character’s barriers and vulnerabilities, capturing the spark between Hattie and Rob as they clash and banter. Both characters come with baggage that keeps them at arm’s length from traditional relationships, which adds a satisfying depth to their journey as they go from “all-out war” to unexpected connection. 

Holly June Smith does an excellent job at weaving humor and genuine emotional moments throughout. Hattie’s independence and Rob’s arrogance lead to plenty of amusing, charged interactions that make their budding romance feel dynamic and real. 

The Worst Guy Ever is a witty, captivating romance that explores what happens when two people, dead-set against love, realize that perhaps one night—and one person—might not be enough after all. 

Lessons in Love at the Cornish Country Hospital by Jo Bartlett

5.0

Lessons in Love at the Cornish Country Hospital" by Jo Bartlett is a heartwarming read that I absolutely loved. Each new installment in this series draws me in even more, and this one was no exception. The way Bartlett weaves the plot together, revisiting and touching upon all the previous characters, made it feel like reconnecting with old friends. The book’s blend of love, community, and the Cornish setting creates such a cozy, uplifting atmosphere. I really hope there will be another book in the series soon—I can't wait to see where the story goes next!

Wild Eyes by Elsie Silver

4.75

 I absolutely loved Wild Eyes by Elsie Silver, especially the way it brought back beloved characters from the previous book through fun cameos. It was a delightful treat to see them integrated into Skylar and West's story, adding a rich sense of continuity to the series. The ending left me feeling satisfied, as it was both emotional and rewarding, bringing Skylar’s journey with fame and family full circle. Her battles were handled with incredible care and authenticity, giving a nuanced look into the pressures faced by women in the spotlight, and I admired how Silver captured the complexities of Skylar’s struggles. 

However, while West was a strong and steady presence throughout the novel, I found myself wishing for a deeper dive into his personal life. We got a good look at his relationship with his children, which was heartwarming, but there was so much more to explore about his backstory and inner world. It would have been amazing to get a more detailed glimpse into his thoughts and challenges beyond his role as a father. 

The Very First Night by Nicole Ryan

5.0

The Very First Night takes readers on an emotional journey of second chances, self-discovery, and the surprising twists of fate. When Kat Marritt wakes up five years in the past with a chance to fix her biggest regret—the one that got away—she's given an opportunity that most people can only dream of. The premise of reliving your pivotal moments to rewrite your love story is incredibly engaging, and the book delivers on this concept beautifully. 

What I loved most about the novel was the character of Tanner, who was quietly, yet steadfastly, by Kat’s side throughout her journey. While Kat initially focuses on trying to rekindle things with her past love, it becomes increasingly clear that Tanner has always been her true one. His constant presence and unwavering support were heartwarming, and the realization of their connection was one of the most touching aspects of the story. 

The novel is more than just a love story—it’s an exploration of self-discovery, boundaries, and learning to value oneself. Kat's journey resonated deeply with me, especially as someone who has had a tough relationship in the past. The themes of growth and realizing what you truly deserve hit home. Watching Kat come to terms with her past, and embrace the person she was meant to be, felt incredibly relatable and authentic. 

The narrative skillfully balances romance with the emotional complexities of learning from past mistakes, all while showing that sometimes the love you need has been there all along. This book is perfect for anyone who loves heartfelt romance and stories of personal growth. It’s an amazing reminder that while we can look back at our choices, sometimes the best path is forward—toward the love that’s been waiting for us all along. 

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

4.25

Abby Jimenez's Yours Truly is a heartwarming and deeply touching romance that delves into themes of love, healing, and second chances. With her signature blend of humor and emotion, Jimenez crafts a story that feels both relatable and aspirational, engaging readers from the very first page. 

The novel follows Dr. Briana Ortiz, a successful ER doctor who is recovering from a painful divorce and dealing with the emotional weight of her brother's serious health issues. Just when Briana feels her life is unraveling, she meets Dr. Jacob Maddox, a socially awkward but kind-hearted doctor with a secret heartache of his own. Their connection is as unexpected as it is sweet, as they begin communicating through thoughtful letters that reveal their vulnerabilities, fears, and dreams. What begins as a tentative friendship gradually blossoms into a deep, healing love. 

Jimenez does an excellent job portraying the complexities of the characters' emotional struggles. Briana's frustration and exhaustion are palpable, while Jacob’s quiet charm and introspective nature add layers of depth to his character. The use of letters between the two is a brilliant narrative device, as it allows for vulnerability and intimacy to build at a natural pace. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what truly makes the relationship resonate is the emotional authenticity—neither character feels forced, and their growth together feels real. 

Another highlight of the novel is its focus on mental health and chronic illness, topics that are treated with great care and sensitivity. Jimenez brings attention to issues such as anxiety and depression through Jacob’s experiences, offering a poignant and insightful look at how these struggles impact relationships. 

The humor in Yours Truly balances the heavier emotional beats perfectly. Jimenez’s wit shines through in Briana’s dialogue, making her a character that readers can’t help but root for. The supporting cast, particularly Briana’s quirky friends and family, adds warmth and laughter, making the story even more engaging. 

However, while the novel delivers on romance and emotional depth, some readers may find certain plot points predictable, particularly in the last quarter of the book. The resolution, though satisfying, wraps up a bit too neatly for a story that otherwise feels so genuine. 

Overall, Yours Truly is a beautifully written romance with characters that stay with you long after the final page. Abby Jimenez has crafted a story that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the power of love and human connection. 

Voices of Venezuela by Aminul Hoque

4.0

Good facts! 

The Best Book Boyfriend by Holly June Smith

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The novel presents a heartwarming and realistic journey for two characters, Kara and Luke, who are both healing from past wounds. Kara’s retreat into fictional romances after a painful breakup, and Luke’s grief from losing his wife, set up a poignant backdrop for their unexpected connection. 

Luke's transformation—from someone dismissive of romance novels to someone who starts seeing their deeper value—is a fresh and charming twist. His willingness to open up to Kara’s world by reading romance is both endearing and insightful, especially since it highlights how fiction can bring people together in unexpected ways. Kara’s love for stories with guaranteed happy endings becomes a metaphor for her own quest for emotional healing and stability, while Luke's journey from loss to rediscovery of love mirrors the kind of arcs often found in romance novels. 

The evolution from their "not-so-cute" first meeting to a deep friendship and possible romance is something readers will find both funny and heartfelt. The exploration of past trauma and how it impacts their ability to move forward makes the characters relatable and adds emotional depth to the lighthearted romantic moments. 

Holly June Smith seems to capture the balance between humor, emotional depth, and romance perfectly. The novel's nod to romance novels as a genre is a clever way to engage readers who already love these stories, while Luke's discovery of the genre makes it appealing even to those new to it. 

Overall, the book promises a touching and enjoyable read, with moments of laughter, growth, and of course, love. If you’re a fan of slow-burn romances where both characters grow individually and together, The Best Book Boyfriend might just be the perfect pick for you.