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xlivingthroughpagesx's reviews
155 reviews
Missed You by Robyn Reed
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
✨BOOK REVIEW✨ Missed You – Robyn Reed
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5/5)
If you love small-town romance with spice, drama, and a touch of danger, Missed You by Robyn Reed is one to check out! Grace and Jaxx’s story is full of tension, longing, and the kind of protective hero vibes that make your heart race. The plot was super engaging (though definitely dark at times—check those trigger warnings!), and it was such an easy read that I flew through it in one sitting.
That said, first-person present tense isn’t my favorite, so I struggled to fully connect at times, but that’s totally a personal thing! I do wish the book had been a bit longer to really dive into the conflicts and emotions—I’m a sucker for angst, after all 🤭—but overall, it was an enjoyable, fast-paced read. If you’re in the mood for a steamy, intense romance with plenty of drama, give this one a go!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Stalking
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Book Review: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (3.5/5)
Thank you Bree for the suggestion as one of my 12 months, 12 books challenge!
The Night Circus is pure enchantment—an atmospheric, dreamlike novel that sweeps you into the mysterious Le Cirque des Rêves, a black-and-white wonderland of magic, illusion, and romance. At its heart is a high-stakes duel between two magicians, Celia and Marco, who unwittingly fall in love, complicating the already intricate game their masters have set in motion.
Erin Morgenstern’s writing is gorgeous—lush, poetic, and dripping with vivid imagery. The circus itself is the real star, with each tent offering something more breathtaking than the last. It’s a book that feels magical.
That said, the shifting timelines and multiple POVs (I counted 11, I think?) can be confusing, making it tough to fully connect with the characters. While the romance is intriguing, it feels a little distant, and I often found myself lost in the structure rather than the story. It’s definitely a book that benefits from a reread to fully appreciate its depth.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely—if you love immersive, lyrical storytelling and don’t mind a plot that’s more about vibes than a tight narrative. Just be prepared to get a little lost in the magic!
⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (3.5/5)
Thank you Bree for the suggestion as one of my 12 months, 12 books challenge!
The Night Circus is pure enchantment—an atmospheric, dreamlike novel that sweeps you into the mysterious Le Cirque des Rêves, a black-and-white wonderland of magic, illusion, and romance. At its heart is a high-stakes duel between two magicians, Celia and Marco, who unwittingly fall in love, complicating the already intricate game their masters have set in motion.
Erin Morgenstern’s writing is gorgeous—lush, poetic, and dripping with vivid imagery. The circus itself is the real star, with each tent offering something more breathtaking than the last. It’s a book that feels magical.
That said, the shifting timelines and multiple POVs (I counted 11, I think?) can be confusing, making it tough to fully connect with the characters. While the romance is intriguing, it feels a little distant, and I often found myself lost in the structure rather than the story. It’s definitely a book that benefits from a reread to fully appreciate its depth.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely—if you love immersive, lyrical storytelling and don’t mind a plot that’s more about vibes than a tight narrative. Just be prepared to get a little lost in the magic!
The Charlie Method by Elle Kennedy
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-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
4.0
Steamy, hilarious, and packed with heart, The Charlie Method by Elle Kennedy is a wild ride from start to finish! This third installment in the Campus Diaries series brings us a heroine living a double life, two swoon-worthy hockey players, and a whole lot of tension—both on and off the ice.
Charlie (aka Charlotte) is smart, bold, and unapologetically herself but at the same time also deeply insecure and anxious, whether she’s excelling in STEM or pushing the limits of her alter ego. Will and Beckett bring their own brand of charm, complications, and undeniable chemistry. Their dynamic? Off. The. Charts. Kennedy delivers her signature mix of spice and emotional depth, making this book impossible to put down.
While the angst and external pressures kept me hooked, I did feel like certain conflicts wrapped up a bit too quickly. Still, the sizzling romance and heartfelt growth made it an addictive read. Fans of Off-Campus and Briar U—you’re in for a treat!
Thank you to NetGalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK, and Elle Kennedy for the ARC! 💙🏒
Charlie (aka Charlotte) is smart, bold, and unapologetically herself but at the same time also deeply insecure and anxious, whether she’s excelling in STEM or pushing the limits of her alter ego. Will and Beckett bring their own brand of charm, complications, and undeniable chemistry. Their dynamic? Off. The. Charts. Kennedy delivers her signature mix of spice and emotional depth, making this book impossible to put down.
While the angst and external pressures kept me hooked, I did feel like certain conflicts wrapped up a bit too quickly. Still, the sizzling romance and heartfelt growth made it an addictive read. Fans of Off-Campus and Briar U—you’re in for a treat!
Thank you to NetGalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK, and Elle Kennedy for the ARC! 💙🏒
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I didn’t expect to love this as much as I did! Elle Kennedy delivers another addicting romance with The Dixon Rule, and I was hooked from page one. Diana and Shane’s chemistry is off the charts—the banter, the tension, the slow-burn perfection. Fake dating tropes always get me, but this one? Absolute gold.
What surprised me most was the emotional depth. There are some really heavy themes—domestic violence, grief—but they’re handled with so much care. My eyes? Just sweating the entire time. Still, the humor and swoon-worthy moments kept things perfectly balanced.
If you love fake dating, strong heroines, and a reformed player who falls hard, this one’s for you! Highly recommend. ✨💖
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Sexual content
Moderate: Terminal illness
Minor: Death of parent
The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Book Review: The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Elle Kennedy delivers yet another sizzling sports romance with The Graham Effect, blending her signature humor, undeniable chemistry, and just the right amount of drama. This book follows Gigi Graham, the determined daughter of hockey legend Garrett Graham, as she fights to prove herself on the ice—without relying on her famous last name. Enter Luke Ryder: grumpy, brooding, and completely off-limits… but also the perfect person to help Gigi sharpen her skills.
Their dynamic is electric from the start. Gigi’s fiery personality clashes (and sizzles) with Ryder’s gruff exterior, making for some delicious tension. Kennedy excels at writing slow-burn romances that keep you hooked, and this one is no exception. The banter is sharp, the chemistry is undeniable, and the emotional depth adds layers beyond just the romance.
Overall, The Graham Effect is a feel-good, hockey-fueled romance that will leave you smiling (and maybe fanning yourself a little). If you love sports romance with strong female leads and swoon-worthy, brooding heroes, this one’s a must-read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Elle Kennedy delivers yet another sizzling sports romance with The Graham Effect, blending her signature humor, undeniable chemistry, and just the right amount of drama. This book follows Gigi Graham, the determined daughter of hockey legend Garrett Graham, as she fights to prove herself on the ice—without relying on her famous last name. Enter Luke Ryder: grumpy, brooding, and completely off-limits… but also the perfect person to help Gigi sharpen her skills.
Their dynamic is electric from the start. Gigi’s fiery personality clashes (and sizzles) with Ryder’s gruff exterior, making for some delicious tension. Kennedy excels at writing slow-burn romances that keep you hooked, and this one is no exception. The banter is sharp, the chemistry is undeniable, and the emotional depth adds layers beyond just the romance.
Overall, The Graham Effect is a feel-good, hockey-fueled romance that will leave you smiling (and maybe fanning yourself a little). If you love sports romance with strong female leads and swoon-worthy, brooding heroes, this one’s a must-read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent
Next To You by Hannah Bonam-Young
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-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
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Friends to idiots to lovers? Say less! 🤭💕 Next To You by Hannah Bonum-Young is the perfect mix of heart, humor, and heat! Lane is a chaotic, anxious, commitment-averse bisexual who buys a literal school bus to turn into a home (as one does). Enter Matt: tattooed, golden-retriever energy, and 100% the man who could wreck her “no strings attached” rule. Their chemistry? 🔥 Their banter? Perfection. Their meddling friends, rogue bunny, and a doomed wedding? Chef’s kiss.
I love how effortlessly HBY weaves accessibility rep into her books—it never feels forced, just beautifully natural. Lane and Matt's dynamic had me grinning and clutching my heart. The only thing that icked me (and this is just my personal taste) was the quick proposal—I struggle to buy into those. But that’s totally a me thing!
Overall, this book is a swoon-worthy, laugh-out-loud romance with all the feels. Highly recommend! 💛✨
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Next Of Kin by Hannah Bonam-Young
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
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? No
4.0
✨ BOOK REVIEW: NEXT OF KIN by Hannah Bonum-Young ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Forced proximity, found family, and some serious swoon—this book had it all! 💕 When Chloe and Warren are thrown together in CPS’ TeamUp program, the tension is real. She’s a sunshine people-pleaser; he’s a grumpy mechanic. They clash, they banter… and oh boy, do the sparks fly. ⚡🔥
I loved how naturally the accessibility rep was woven in, and the way the characters’ relationships—both romantic and familial—grew felt so authentic and heartfelt. The sibling dynamics? So touching. My only tiny hiccup was how fast the romance escalated—it went from distant to deeply in love at lightning speed. But then again, I’ve never been in a situation like theirs, living with someone you’re wildly attracted to 24/7… who knows what that does to your brain? 🤷♀️
Overall, this was such a compelling, emotional read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves found family, forced proximity, and a touch of steam! 🔥✨
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Addiction and Alcohol
Minor: Drug abuse, Drug use, and Violence
Hitched by J.F. Murray
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
✨ BOOK REVIEW: HITCHED by J.F. Murray ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What happens in Vegas… turns into one of the most hilarious, swoon-worthy rom-coms I’ve read in ages! 💍🎲 Kate’s perfectly planned life takes a *wild* detour when a tipsy night out leads to an accidental marriage—with none other than her charming, heartbreaker ex, Trevor. And let me tell you, watching Trevor refuse to sign those annulment papers without a few last dates? Chef’s kiss. 👏
I buddy-read this during our Galentines Readathon, and it was everything—laughs until I cried, gasps at all the right (and oh-so-wrong, Siobhan! 👀) moments, and pure Vegas chaos. I highly recommend this one if you love second-chance romance, sizzling chemistry, and a heroine who just might need to throw out her rulebook. 🎰🔥
Huge thanks to J.F. Murray for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review—this was an absolute delight! 💕
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What happens in Vegas… turns into one of the most hilarious, swoon-worthy rom-coms I’ve read in ages! 💍🎲 Kate’s perfectly planned life takes a *wild* detour when a tipsy night out leads to an accidental marriage—with none other than her charming, heartbreaker ex, Trevor. And let me tell you, watching Trevor refuse to sign those annulment papers without a few last dates? Chef’s kiss. 👏
I buddy-read this during our Galentines Readathon, and it was everything—laughs until I cried, gasps at all the right (and oh-so-wrong, Siobhan! 👀) moments, and pure Vegas chaos. I highly recommend this one if you love second-chance romance, sizzling chemistry, and a heroine who just might need to throw out her rulebook. 🎰🔥
Huge thanks to J.F. Murray for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review—this was an absolute delight! 💕
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Infidelity and Gaslighting
Minor: Sexual content
Seal the Deal by Hailey Rodger
emotional
reflective
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
3.0
BOOK REVIEW: Seal the Deal by Hailey Rodger
Thank you to Sunny Babe PR and the author for the ARC!
If you love a second-chance hockey romance packed with swoony moments, protective hero energy, and a whole lot of spice, Seal the Deal might be your next read! Jake and Charlie’s love story spans twelve years, two continents, and one very public (and slightly embarrassing) reunion. I adored the found family vibes, Jake’s devotion to Charlie and her kids, and the undeniable chemistry between them.
That said, I personally don’t vibe with first-person present tense narration, which took away some of my enjoyment. The romance also moved a bit too fast for my taste—it made things feel a little less realistic at times. And I have to mention Jake’s nickname for Charlie… Charlie girl gave me serious horse name energy, and I just couldn’t take it seriously! 😂
Overall, a cute and heartfelt read with plenty of swoon, steam, and second chances. âï¸âï¸âï¸/5
The Boyfriend Boycott: A Spicy Small Town Friends with Benefits Romance by Meg Riley
challenging
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you to Meg Riley and Sunny Babe PR for this ARC!
The Boyfriend Boycott is the perfect mix of swoony romance, emotional depth, and flirty banter! Grady Landry completely stole my heart—he’s the definition of a golden retriever boyfriend. Sweet, patient, persistent, and so ridiculously charming, he’s determined to prove that love isn’t something to run from. And honestly? I was rooting for him the entire time.
Our heroine, on the other hand, tested my patience a little with her stubbornness. Her fear of relationships made sense, but there were moments when I just wanted to shake some sense into her! That being said, her complicated family dynamics, especially her struggles with her mother, were incredibly relatable and added so much depth to the story. Watching her slowly let down her walls and realize that maybe—just maybe—Grady was different made the emotional payoff so satisfying.
If you love a romance with a strong but guarded heroine, a hero who will fight for her heart, and a guaranteed happily ever after, this book is for you! A fantastic addition to The Heartwood Series! 💛