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theromantasynerd's reviews
80 reviews
Love Redesigned by Lauren Asher
4.5
Julian and Dahlia have known each other since they were kids because their mothers are best friends. The two have never gotten along, and their rivalry lives on to this day. When Dahlia moves back to Lake Wisteria after a breakup, the two are forced to work together to remodel a house. They discover how incredibly thin the line is between love and hate as long-buried emotions come to the surface again.
There are no words to express how much I adore this book! I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it β it was flawless. I was engrossed in it from the first page to the very end. This is definitely my new favorite Lauren Asher book.
I can't get enough of Julian and Dahlia β they challenge, complement, and fulfill each other in the most beautiful way. I adored them both individually and as a couple. Their character development was excellent, and reading about each of their journeys and their growth during the course of the book was quite heart-warming.
Also, their banter was *chefβs kiss*! I'm eager to see where the rest of the series leads.
read if you like:
π rivals/hate to love
π childhood friends/frenemies
π second chance
π small town
π forced proximity
π billionaire mmc (also very successful fmc)
π one bed
π she gets hurt, he takes care of her
π banter
I highly, highly recommend this book if you havenβt read it yet.
Caught Up by Liz Tomforde
4.5
He falls in love with his sonβs nanny who doesnβt stay in one place for longβ¦ so when sheβs leaving, he says, βIf you ever decide to stop running and make a homeβ¦ make it with me.β
I kid you not when I tell you this book made me BAWL my eyes out. I was ENAMORED with Miller and Kai! Miller is a successful pastry chef who is taking a break from the hustle of the world to find inspiration again. Kai is a famous MLB pitcher who is trying to strike a balance between his work life and his role as a single dad. His coach (and Miller's dad) basically forces him to hire Miller as the nanny for the summer.
The chemistry, tension, and flirting was spot on. I mean -
She stares right at me, not backing down. βKai, I am not your problem.β
My attention dips to her lips. βBe my problem.β
AAGHHIIJHSSK I loved these two so much. I also appreciate how different each couple in the Windy City series is from the other.
I liked seeing Millerβs struggle for wanting to discover what truly mattered in her life and her true passion. For me, Max and Monty really were the showstoppers in this book. Liz Tomforde does a fantastic job of crafting side characters that we care for and fall in love with right away. I can't wait to read Isaiahβs book!
The Crimson Fortress by Akshaya Raman
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
About: The Crimson Fortress is the sequel to The Ivory Key and the conclusion to this amazing YA fantasy duology. It follows royal siblings Vira, Ronak, Kaleb, and Riya as they search for the Ivory Key to restore magic and stability in Ashoka. However, uncovering its cipher becomes more complicated and dangerous. Their missions force them to disperse across Ashoka and beyond, with Vira losing her power, Kaleb uncovering Lyria's emperor's motives, Ronak escaping his arranged marriage, and Riya's newfound power. Their quest culminates in a deadly labyrinth, requiring their unity.
My thoughts: I'm amazed by the author's ability to manage so many character arcs and storylines and have them all perfectly timed to converge, diverge, and then converge again throughout this book.
The characters were largely in a mess and experiencing emotional turmoil at the end of the first book. The Crimson Fortress takes up where that left off, with each narrative and character arc reaching a satisfying conclusion. The political issues that have been the focus of this duology are satisfactorily resolved, and we also get adorable personal and/or interpersonal goals for each of the four siblingsβit was really wholesome.
Becoming Calder by Mia Sheridan
3.75
Forbidden romance is that one trope that does it for me every single time. I have so many favorites from this genre and this book is yet another addition to that list.
I fell in love with Archer's Voice so I had to try more books from the author and I'm so glad I picked this one.
This was a beautiful, touching and utterly devastating book. It starts sweetly, a love growing between two people not meant to be together but fighting their presumed destiny anyway.
It was beautiful to see the love blossom between Calder and Eden which propelled quickly leaving me gasping and shocked by the end. I cried and fought having to endure what Eden and Calder went through.
This is the first book in the Acadia duology and I can't wait to see what happens next!
Read if you like:
- forbidden romance
- stolen kisses
- he falls first
- dystopian romance
- mia sheridan (duh!)
I fell in love with Archer's Voice so I had to try more books from the author and I'm so glad I picked this one.
This was a beautiful, touching and utterly devastating book. It starts sweetly, a love growing between two people not meant to be together but fighting their presumed destiny anyway.
It was beautiful to see the love blossom between Calder and Eden which propelled quickly leaving me gasping and shocked by the end. I cried and fought having to endure what Eden and Calder went through.
This is the first book in the Acadia duology and I can't wait to see what happens next!
Read if you like:
- forbidden romance
- stolen kisses
- he falls first
- dystopian romance
- mia sheridan (duh!)
Heartstopper Volume 5 by Alice Oseman
dark
funny
inspiring
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
I got introduced to this series when Netflix released the trailer of the series adaptation and I was hooked! I had seen this series a couple of times on people's shelves, but all that ever crossed my mind was that it's name, 'Heartstopper', was quite intriguing.
After watching the trailer, I immediately fetched all the 4 volumes released back then, and read them in one night!! So you can fairly well imagine my obsession π.
I recently read the newly released 5th volume and it didn't disappoint one bit. Every volume in this series deals with a new coming-of-age topic, and here we see Nick and Charlie's journey as they move further in their relationship while dealing with Nick moving to university.
The characters Alice Oseman has developed are incredible. I adore Nick and Charlie's relationship, which is far beyond any physicality β it's pure and sweet. Watching Nick struggle with his confusion about his feelings, coming out to his friends and family, and Charlie being the most supportive while they were both a bit confused about what their relationship was β it was all so innocent and fun to read. I have seen these characters grow through the succession of graphic novels and they have such a special place in my heart. They are my favorite boys forever β€οΈβΎοΈ.
I also love the other characters and their dynamics in this story, the way they're so diverse and relatable. I love Alice Oseman's illustrations and writing π«ΆπΌ.
The only qualm I have is that this series is coming to an end and the 6th volume will be the last one ππ. I just hope that by some unworldly miracle, Alice decides to continue further with this series because I want to read so much more of Nick and Charlie π€π€!
After watching the trailer, I immediately fetched all the 4 volumes released back then, and read them in one night!! So you can fairly well imagine my obsession π.
I recently read the newly released 5th volume and it didn't disappoint one bit. Every volume in this series deals with a new coming-of-age topic, and here we see Nick and Charlie's journey as they move further in their relationship while dealing with Nick moving to university.
The characters Alice Oseman has developed are incredible. I adore Nick and Charlie's relationship, which is far beyond any physicality β it's pure and sweet. Watching Nick struggle with his confusion about his feelings, coming out to his friends and family, and Charlie being the most supportive while they were both a bit confused about what their relationship was β it was all so innocent and fun to read. I have seen these characters grow through the succession of graphic novels and they have such a special place in my heart. They are my favorite boys forever β€οΈβΎοΈ.
I also love the other characters and their dynamics in this story, the way they're so diverse and relatable. I love Alice Oseman's illustrations and writing π«ΆπΌ.
The only qualm I have is that this series is coming to an end and the 6th volume will be the last one ππ. I just hope that by some unworldly miracle, Alice decides to continue further with this series because I want to read so much more of Nick and Charlie π€π€!
The Right Move by Liz Tomforde
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
β rating: 4.75 β
tbh, the right move would be to add this book to your TBR immediately if you haven't read it already. thank me later π.
TRM is the second book in the Windy City series and it follows Stevie's brother, Ryan, who is a very famous basketball player. He agrees to let Stevie's best friend Indy stay in his apartment and soon the roommate arrangement turns into a fake-dating one.
I found the development of their relationship really cute. Indy is such a fun sunshine character, super emotional and expressive, while Ryan is extremely serious all the time. This book shows you how love doesn't always need to be be loud and vocal which I think was the absolute opposite of the first book, Mile High.
If the love language in MH was words of affirmation, the love language in TRM was acts of service. Ryan was so attentive of Indy's feelings. He paid attention to the most minuscule of details about her to the point that he couldn't get any more book-boyfriend-worthy. The way he showed her his "quiet love" through his actions and remembered these little things about her, the things he would do for her was just *chef's kiss*.
I found it totally worth the hype. It was kind of like one of Ali Hazelwood's books where the mmc is a little too good to be true but at the same time makes the book so so good.
tropes:
β’ sports romance
β’ forced proximity/roommates
β’ fake-dating
β’ best friend's brother
β’ acts of service
tbh, the right move would be to add this book to your TBR immediately if you haven't read it already. thank me later π.
TRM is the second book in the Windy City series and it follows Stevie's brother, Ryan, who is a very famous basketball player. He agrees to let Stevie's best friend Indy stay in his apartment and soon the roommate arrangement turns into a fake-dating one.
I found the development of their relationship really cute. Indy is such a fun sunshine character, super emotional and expressive, while Ryan is extremely serious all the time. This book shows you how love doesn't always need to be be loud and vocal which I think was the absolute opposite of the first book, Mile High.
If the love language in MH was words of affirmation, the love language in TRM was acts of service. Ryan was so attentive of Indy's feelings. He paid attention to the most minuscule of details about her to the point that he couldn't get any more book-boyfriend-worthy. The way he showed her his "quiet love" through his actions and remembered these little things about her, the things he would do for her was just *chef's kiss*.
I found it totally worth the hype. It was kind of like one of Ali Hazelwood's books where the mmc is a little too good to be true but at the same time makes the book so so good.
tropes:
β’ sports romance
β’ forced proximity/roommates
β’ fake-dating
β’ best friend's brother
β’ acts of service
Mile High by Liz Tomforde
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
β rating: 4.25 β
I only have great things to say about this book and this series in general, so you better add it to your TBR already!
When I say Windy City men are built different, I mean... what in the fictional men universe did Liz Tomforde put in these men?! They're absolutely top tier book-boyfriends that can do no wrong π.
Zanders' love language is words of affirmation and he is VERY vocal about it. I absolutely adore that about him. I loved the representation in this book. I loved Stevie's character and how she's the only person that can see through the facade Zanders has had to create for the world because of his PR team. It was great to see their banter and also how they bring out the best in each other. Zanders makes Stevie feel more confident in herself and Stevie makes him feel more confident the way he is.
It was just a very wholesome romance between two very amazing characters.
I would've given 4.5 stars but I ended up liking The Right Move even more π€.
tropes:
β’ sports romance
β’ he falls first
β’ forbidden romance
β’ opposites attract
β’ close proximity
β’ obsessed mmc
I only have great things to say about this book and this series in general, so you better add it to your TBR already!
When I say Windy City men are built different, I mean... what in the fictional men universe did Liz Tomforde put in these men?! They're absolutely top tier book-boyfriends that can do no wrong π.
Zanders' love language is words of affirmation and he is VERY vocal about it. I absolutely adore that about him. I loved the representation in this book. I loved Stevie's character and how she's the only person that can see through the facade Zanders has had to create for the world because of his PR team. It was great to see their banter and also how they bring out the best in each other. Zanders makes Stevie feel more confident in herself and Stevie makes him feel more confident the way he is.
It was just a very wholesome romance between two very amazing characters.
I would've given 4.5 stars but I ended up liking The Right Move even more π€.
tropes:
β’ sports romance
β’ he falls first
β’ forbidden romance
β’ opposites attract
β’ close proximity
β’ obsessed mmc
King of Greed by Ana Huang
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
KOG was one of my most anticipated reads of 2023 and I enjoyed it a lot. I found the progress of the story to be quite refreshing for an Ana Huang book. The marriage-in-crisis made it different from a typical billionaire romance and I loved that.
I liked seeing little snippets from their past from the days when Dom and Γle fell in love and for a change, it was just a normal college-going couple falling in love. Their Brazil getaway was my favorite part of the book! And I want to encourage Ana to write more books that experiment with new patterns of plot development.
Some of the scenes in this book were so impactful that they had me reaching for a box of tissues every few pages. I wanted to be angry at Dominic but seeing his POV only made me feel sorry for him. It just hits different when you know both sides of the story and your heart breaks for each of their reasons.
Young Dom is such a sweetheart. He learns Portuguese to impress her family?? Makes paper flowers for her because he can't afford real ones?? π₯Ή Way to set high standards!
Also, Taylor Swift's Exile is so Dom-and-Γle-coded π.
Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I was SO excited for Sloane and Suit Daddy's book from the very beginning of the Knockemout series and it did not disappoint.
I think 2023 has been a year for second chance romances because we got to see so many new releases from this trope. Sloane and Lucian's story dates back to being childhood friends turned enemies and then finally lovers. The progress of their relationship was so unique and something I don't see often.
Every interaction between them was filled with humorous banter. Sloane is a fellow book nerd and I loved her character. Lucian, on the other hand, is just perfect and my heart broke for him.
Lucy Score's books are a bit long but I enjoyed seeing how she re-built the broken trust between the characters and revealed different aspects of their back stories which added an emotional depth to the book. The slow burn and the subsequent spice was incredible as well.
I adore the entire Knockemout family - Knox, Naomi, Lina, Nash, Stef, and Jeremiah - and I'm sad that this series has come to an end. But getting to see all these quirky characters come together in TWLB was an unforgettable experience.
*please check trigger warnings*
tropes:
β‘ small town
β‘ enemies to lovers
β‘ childhood friends
β‘ second chance
β‘ found family
β‘ billionaire
β‘ possessive MMC
β‘ dual pov
The Host by Stephenie Meyer
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
4.0
π βπ·ππππππ πππππππ πππ ππππ, πππ πππππ πππππ
πππ ππ πππππππ
.β
π For me, βThe Hostβ by Stephenie Meyer was so much better than what Iβd expected!
π It is a sci-fi romance novel set in a dystopian world which has been invaded by an alien race of parasitic βsoulsβ that occupy the bodies of humans and erase their memories.
π After Earth was attacked by this alien race, most humans fell prey to the souls that occupied their body and mind, while very few managed to go in hiding.
π When such a soul invades Melanieβs body, it tries to coerce information from her, but Melanie must fight back. She must prevent the soul from gaining control of her mind and finding information of where her loved ones are hidden, to protect them.
π This turmoil between Melanie and the soul that was trying to dominate her brain, the way the soul tries to dig up her memories and Melanie tries to fight it by preventing herself from thinking about her loved onesβ¦. I probably canβt even explain it. It was just something that was so incredibly unique to read! I have seen this kind of concept in sci-fi movies, but translating that into a book, depicting that sort of internal strife and conflict in writingβ¦ itβs nothing like Iβve ever read before!
π The plot might not be entirely original, but the execution π. I have absolutely no idea why this book isnβt popular. It is honestly one of the rarest of the rare books Iβve read. Although written by Stephenie Meyer, I couldnβt see any hint of βTwilightβ in this book. Itβs hard to believe itβs been written by the same author. Iβve been anticipating writing the review of this because I donβt think I can stress it enough that this book is indeed a masterpiece and totally worthy of your attention.
π For me, βThe Hostβ by Stephenie Meyer was so much better than what Iβd expected!
π It is a sci-fi romance novel set in a dystopian world which has been invaded by an alien race of parasitic βsoulsβ that occupy the bodies of humans and erase their memories.
π After Earth was attacked by this alien race, most humans fell prey to the souls that occupied their body and mind, while very few managed to go in hiding.
π When such a soul invades Melanieβs body, it tries to coerce information from her, but Melanie must fight back. She must prevent the soul from gaining control of her mind and finding information of where her loved ones are hidden, to protect them.
π This turmoil between Melanie and the soul that was trying to dominate her brain, the way the soul tries to dig up her memories and Melanie tries to fight it by preventing herself from thinking about her loved onesβ¦. I probably canβt even explain it. It was just something that was so incredibly unique to read! I have seen this kind of concept in sci-fi movies, but translating that into a book, depicting that sort of internal strife and conflict in writingβ¦ itβs nothing like Iβve ever read before!
π The plot might not be entirely original, but the execution π. I have absolutely no idea why this book isnβt popular. It is honestly one of the rarest of the rare books Iβve read. Although written by Stephenie Meyer, I couldnβt see any hint of βTwilightβ in this book. Itβs hard to believe itβs been written by the same author. Iβve been anticipating writing the review of this because I donβt think I can stress it enough that this book is indeed a masterpiece and totally worthy of your attention.