Asia

1/5. If I could give a 0, I would, but on the principle, all finished books are getting 1 at least star.

God, it was so bad, I'm disgusted.

Like seriously what the fuck was that?? The FMC has NO spine whatsoever. None. Her boss introduces her as her fiance? She goes with it. His mother invites HER mother even though she didn't want that? She hugs her. Their mothers are planning their wedding according to what they want, disregarding Preston and Eliza's plans? She goes with it because “oh she can't disappoint their mothers” GROW A SPINE.

If anyone, ANYONE started to plan my wedding and invite my best friends to have this wedding take place within the next 3 weeks, I'm leaving. I'm packing my suitcases and getting the hell out of dodge. I don't wait around and I don't stand silent. So what is my mother would be disappointed? It's not her fucking day. She has no say in it. God, I was hoping for Eliza to finally tell them to fuck off, but noooooooooo, because that wouldn't be polite...

The writing was so bad too. Not just the plot, which was bonkers, or a character development, but writing. When Preston went to the pharmacy to buy condoms the sentence was “he went to buy reinforcements, condoms”. Yes, we know! You don't have to say condoms, reinforcements would be enough!! During sex scenes, the word “pussy” was used 4 times... In 6 sentences. Come on, this is a wattpad lever of writing. The author needs to graduate to ao3 before publishing a book, because it was just bad.

“Eliza moved up the bed, but Preston captured her ankle and pulled her back down until she was a little further onto the bed than the edge.” THIS IS A SENTENCE FROM THE BOOK. I mean, really? Just say he pulled her back down and THAT'S IT. YOU DON'T NEED ANYTHING ELSE.

Or the explanation here:

“When she arrived back home after being with Preston the first time, she'd changed into the shorts as they felt more comfortable in the heat of summer. It didn't matter what she was wearing. With Preston removing her clothes, they were soon on the floor with her panties.” IF IT DIDN'T MATTER THEN WHY DOES IT SAY WHAT SHE'S WEARING, SAM? WHY?

That book was so bad. Oh my god, never again.

“The sex they shared had been good. Not groundbreaking, but it was nice.”

I need to sit down, I think I'm having a stroke.

4.25/5
This book was delightful. I loved Mariel and her character, I related to her a little in terms of her lack of self-confidence. But I love how much she grew into herself and settled into her powers with Oz's help. And I really related to ger struggling with the language of power, I hated learning languages at school, especially Latin was horrible and impossible for me to learn.

Oz was AMAZING, I loved how grumpy he was at the very beginning and as he and Mariel grew closer he was more open and allowed himself to be happy no matter the consequences.

Calladia was the best friend anyone could ever hope for, I adore her! The way she just marched up to Astaroth and punched him for destroying Mariel's garden was brilliant! I want to be her when I grow up, ngl. Can't wait for her book!

THE WAY MARIEL STOOD UP TO HER MOTHER, HELL YES. YES, I LOVED THAT MOMENT SO MUCH, I WAS CHEERING FOR HER! YOU GO, GIRL!

I also loved the old tiny warlock (I forgot his name, I'm sorry!), he was a great mentor to Mariel and I liked that he FINALLY had her back.

The ending was pretictable but that didn't take my enjoyment away. I loved that it ended this way, despite being able to predict it and I'm very happy for Mariel (and Oz!).

4/5
That was cute. I loved their banter. Too bad it was so short though!! I'd love to read the whole book about them

4/5

I liked it! It was so cute actually. I didn't realize who David was at first but then I remembered he's Marianne's brother right before I started reading the book. I love how Bell accepted him so early. I wish we saw more of Rhys and Julianna but that's okay. I also wish that their wedding was described in more detail instead of just one sentence. It was surprising to learn that the six of them decided to have a joint wedding but at least they're married.

Anabelle pissed me off halfway through the book. She refused to tell David the truth about the Marquess, she pushed David away and acted all standoffish and then she had a gall to be annoyed with him? Come on. Also, yes, she's a coward. She seduced David let him believe they were going to marry, only to turn it around and leave. Ugh.

Also, as much as I loved her conversation with Bell, one talk will not fix the entire childhood trauma and convince her to have a husband and children. Honestly, that conversation should have happened at the beginning of the book and she should be reminded throughout the book about it so that it would at least make sense when she decided to give David a chance. Trauma can't be fixed by one overdue conversation, Valerie!

Though I'm glad that they have their happily ever after.

3.75/5

I love it when I'm right. I knew this girl would be an old friend and who the real villain was. It was fun to be right about it!

It was a fun read although I had to force myself to focus on the book at times. I liked the characters and their relationship, although the plot dragged on, and then too rushed at the very end to tie loose ends. I didn't like it.

It was a fun idea and I didn't hate the book, but I didn't love it either. I don't know, I guess it wasn't really my thing even though I love a good old fake dating trope.

I realized (around 25%) that it was the second book in the series (shame on you, Goodreads for not letting me know beforehand - I mean you have the option to assign books to the series. And this is book 2!) but I didn't feel the need to read book 1. Even if I liked Harry and Kay.

Although now I really want to know if there are any mentions of Samantha or forgetting someone in the first book. But not enough to read it.

Amazing. I love Lina and Aaron, they're such a great couple! It ticked all of my favorite tropes: fakes dating, enemies to lovers (though here it was more rivals to lovers, which is awesome too), forced proximity, and only one bed. Good writing though I usually don't like 1st person pov - they're very limited and I enjoy dual pov in 3rd person the most, but I still like it and recommend the book.

4.25/5

I liked this book. I didn't like Eve much in the previous books but she grew on me in this one. That fear of failure was a real one, ouch.

Jacob and Eve were a good pair and I felt a slight chemistry between them. It wasn't as prominent and good as between Chloe and Red or Dani and Zaf, but it was there, simmering. I love how Jacob couldn't look away from her when he met her for the first time. That car injury was hilarious too.

The scene by the pond was sweet, I liked that. But what I enjoyed the most was the first spice scene. That was hot. Very hot, I loved that. The way they started the evening by talking and learning about one other, completely platonic, and then it escalated into THAT - a man who knows how to use toys and his mouth is worth keeping lol.

I liked that we saw a bit of Red and Zaf in this book, though I didn't like the third act breakup. It was as unnecessary in this book as it was in the previous two - not all conflict needs a breakup in the last act. Especially as dramatic as this one. Really, the family pissed me off in this book so much - why wouldn't Chloe and Dani ask Eve things before rushing off to ruin things for her? It was out of character for both of them. Like Eve said, they should have trusted her and called instead. The parents were just useless, Gigi did more for the sisters than the parents ever did.

I liked Eve's growth and her journey of self-discovery. The way she researched whether she was autistic or not and what she found hit close - not gonna lie, it made me wonder things. I think Eve was the most relatable of the Brown sisters, even if I didn't like her much in the previous books. But I could resonate with her struggles and doubts.

I liked this book. I loved the writing and I will definitely read more Talia's books in the future.

1.75/5

It was so bad. And it started out amazing!! I had such high hopes!

Unfortunately there's a suspension of disbelief - and then there's this book where inaccuracy punches you in the face with every sentence you read and there's no avoiding it.

I mean how can a paralyzed - or semi paralyzed man - ride horses or climb trees or climb stairs?? And waltz?? Hello?? And he rode his horse for 4 days at least from London to Scotland oh come on!!

And of course at the end there was a miracle fix?? I guess?? He suddenly went hard which was not possible and then what was that in the epilogue? Is he okay? Is he able to walk without using a wheelchair??? I mean what the heck is going on if he can have back to back sex with her with no pain at all??

Just... It was so bad. By the middle of the book I just wanted to be done. The writing was bad and the plot was even worse.

3.25/5

It was fun but that's it. The third act breakup was completely unnecessary, ex drama was weak and I was hoping for more

Can the authors fucking stop having their couples getting engaged after only a month of dating? What the fuck? It's not a historical romance when that shit might have worked, it's MODERN. CONTEMPORARY. I don't care how much you love them, if you want them to end up engaged, you can do it LATER. The plot wouldn't change if Nick proposed to Mina a year later, but my perception of the book would. it took me out, completely, I stopped enjoying the story.

The relationship won't end if the main couple gets engaged a year after they begun dating, and they tie a knot a year after that. What is it with American authors being obsessed with having their couples engaged after a week or a month of dating? It doesn't matter that they've known each other their whole lives. If you think the relationship's going to work after they get engaged a MONTH after officially starting dating, you're delusional.

Those books should come with a warning at the beginning: “Warning: the main couple gets engaged ____ after they oficially started dating. “ Would save my time and energy and I wouldn't be so goddamn annoyed right now.

And I liked this book.
I relaly enjoyed this book, was gonna give it 4.75 stars but the engagement? took it down to 2 stars immediately. Only reason I changed the rating to 3.25 is because I was relieved that Mina found out who her real father was and I liked both Mina and Nick before that. And I really enjoyed the story prior to the engagemnt, damnit!

STOP HAVING YOUR COUPLE GET ENGAGED BEFORE THEY'RE DATING FOR A FULL YEAR, THIS ISN'T A REGENCY ERA WHEN IT WAS COMMON. It's 21st century ffs, PATIENCE (which was a real important fucking theme in this book, ironically), won't kill you.

3.5/5

It was a fun and cozy read. Perfect for autumn, especially with a cup of warm tea, curled up under a blanket.

I enjoyed it. The characters were interesting and the plot engaging. The spice was spicying too. I enjoyed it and wished to move to Scotland for a while too!! Although I wouldn't survive without a hot shower!

3.755/5

WARNING: IT HAS AN OPEN ENDING. IT'S APPARENTLY THE FIRST BOOK IN THE SERIES AND THE CONTINUATION SHOULD BE ABOUT THE SAME COUPLE.

If I knew if was the first book in the series I wouldn't have read it until the entire series was complete. I HATE open endings. The original rating would be 4.25, but because of the open ending I'm going with 3.75 instead.

Ughhh there are so many loose ends! I really thought it was standalone - while the description says that it's the book one of trilogy, I expected the rest of the books to follow other pack members like Billy or Nickel. I will read the rest of the series once it comes out because I'm intrigued now, but I'm not excited much.

For the first ever shifter book I've read - it's interesting and I like the premise though I'd rather it be standalone. I was yelling at Brick: SHE'S YOUR MATE, IDIOT! and was frustrated that he didn't want to acknowledge it, and that she never learned the truth. Now I need the rest of the series.

I liked the characters and their relationship though I was really confused about why Madi is now “protected”. Is the relationship with one's boss really illegal in America? In my country it's not illegal at all, you only need to inform HR about it. But their dynamics was great and I can't wait for the big reveal. Why did the enemy call Madi, did Brick really pay her brother's tuition, what's up with his mother? I really want to know.

I was hoping for something better, though I haven't read the other books from the series so that was probably the reason. Dom's possesiveness and Jane's incedision was kinda annoying too.

DNFed at 40%

If I could give 0, I would.

So you're telling me that 3 women went away for a mini vacation all to take a break from being hosting and preparing for Christmas... All so they could host and prepare for Christmas anyway? Where's the sense, where's the logic?

Ngl, I asked for this book because it was labeled as Romance. It's not a romance, it's only women's fiction.

Anyway. 3 women go together for a break a week before Christmas to get away from their families to take them for granted/doesn't appreciate them/fiance's overbearing family. They do this (especially one of them) so they don't have to think about Christmas and responsibilities and so they don't have to cook and buy gifts and think logistics.... And they OFFER to run a b&b for the guy DURING CHRISTMAS so he can spend time with his long-distance girlfriend. A guy they don't even know. A guy who is a distant cousin of one of them, who she had no contact with (other than Christmas cards) for over 20 years.

Seriously?

And THEN you want me to read about the cheating husband of one of them who doesn't even care about his kids or wife?? How he cheats on his wife?? For fucks sake, NO. I don't care if he gets Karma. I don't even care if that woman comes back to him and accepts him. I don't care if he feels remorse and tries to win his wife back. I just don't care. The minute I learned the husband was cheating I was out. And then you give me a chapter from his pov when he's visiting his mistress? Oh fuck no. Absolutely not. (How in the world is this book marketed as romance will never know).

That's enough for me. I hated it. These women say one thing but then they might get snow in and they suddenly rush home to be with their loved ones? The same ones who didn't give a shit about them? (Not talking about Tommy because he actually worshipped the ground Lena walked on. So her, I can understand wanting to go back. But Shelley and Pearl? They should have more self-respect than this).

No. Just no. This book was so not for me.

4,25/5

Such a wholesome Christams romance!

I love Martha Waters's books and when she announced the contemporary Christmas romance, I had faith she could do it with no problem and I'd love it - and I was right. The characters were loveable, the plot was fantastic, I truly enjoyed this book. SOmething about books set in England warms my heart and I loved this one.

Both characters are great, and I enjoyed getting to know them and I was rooting for them the whole time - though I wish we got an epilogue to see how things are going on a couple of months later. Because of the lack of the epilogue if felt like happy for now instead of a happy ending - I'd love to see what else is in store for them. Did Charlotte move to London at the end and expanded her business there? She could technically work from anywhere. Are they doing long-distance instead? How are things going on on that front? Did Graham join the non-profit like he wanted? What's happening with the house? I feel like there are too many questions unanswered, so unless Martha is going to write a sequel, the epilogue should be here.

That's why I couldn't rate this higher. It feels like an open ending, hopeful but open. I don't know; I would love to have all the questions answered.

The book was amazing though and I'll be reading more of Martha Waters should she write anything else.

Thank you to NetGalley, headline, and Martha Waters for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

1.5/5

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the arc.

I didn't like it. The writing was weird at times - especially with all those abbreviations. Seriously you have a character say stuff like “OMG” instead of “Oh My God” in a dialogue and that isn't somehow caught by an editor? Come on now. Or at the very beginning “We didn't have any IRL contact these past six weeks” JUST SAY IN REAL LIFE, IT'S NOT HARD.

I hoped I'd like this book, but alas, I didn't enjoy that at all. Ted let Abbey believe that he's his own brother without ever correcting her and coming clean. And Abbey lied about being an actress and that led to all sorts of misunderstandings and errors and confusion. I hate lying about your own identity and that's what they both did to each other. They both have been cheated on by their long-term partners and decided the best thing to do was... lie to each other about who they are? And it's all swept under the rug like it's not a big deal.

And what about the ending? I HATE open endings where loose threads aren't dealt with and they make holes in the story. What happens with Dee's baby daddy? Where does Abbey live? Is Ted successful or is Roman still an issue? I need answers! Seriously, an epilogue would be enough to tie all those loose threads together into a cohesive and satisfying ending. And yet we've got nothing.

I did not like this book and if her other books are similar, I will not read anything else by this author. The writing was cringe at times, pacing was off, and while I love fake dating, this one was a disappointment.

2/5

Before the plot even starts, before prologue, we're introduced to 6 couples (yes, 6!) and 2 women who apparently dont even have their own book yet? Who apparently will be important to the plot of the book.Im'm already exhausted. It's worth to mention, that the note from the author starts by saying that The Scenic Route is the first book in the new series... And according to NetGalley it's a standalone book.

If it's a standalone, why do I need to know all these characters from the previous books and series? Not only was Introduced to he backstory of each characters but also how they fell in love. It was completely unecessary. If the book was well-written - which I now doubt it - then we don't need all of this introduction because we can find out who they are from the context clues of the plot.

But I digress.

The story was interesting, and faced paced. Bit everything was fast paced. Both the investigation and the love story. I'm not a fan of I sta lust and the way the male main character was so in love with her and accepting of that fact was weird but it wa dthe sudden realization a Nd acceptance of female love interest that was jarring to me. So they shared a bed a couple of times, got married drugged in Vegas (more of that later) and had sex and they're suddenly in love? They knew each other for a week. If even that.

And while I usually love surprise Vegas weddings none of the description actually suggested anything like that. In fact it did the opposite of that. Because according to the blurb, they were supposed to be dating during the investigation - there was none of that. And, the female lead was supposed to make a decision, whether to be with him or not. Like it was literally in the description. That she would struggle with that choice, be conflicted etc.

There was none of that either.

Why include the “why date a mountain man” and “Felicity will have to decide what's most important to her: staying one step ahead of her “enemy” or giving herself a freedom to experiece adventure of a lifetime” of you're not gonna deliver? Felicity just went along with it with no hesitation, there was no decision to make???? She was just like “yup okay whatever” what was that???

Also, the Vegas wedding. It raised some suspicions that weren't confirmed??? But it took me out of this book and made me hate and distrust Bennet immediately. Because it was like that: Felicity and Bennet were on a stakeout in a bar, someone spiked their drinks and in the high state they decided to get married. Okay. Fine. The questions arose the next morning: because Bennet remembered everything while Felicity didn't. And Bennet's a big guy so if the dose was small... Did he knew what was happening? Was he just drugged and went along with this? Because she was. Or, more nefarious, if the dose was small enough, was he only a little tipsy, but still able to make good decisions and then decided to just marry her while she obviously couldn't give him her full consent given the state of her at the time? Those were literally the question Felicity ahs and she just... Brushes them off?? Excuse me?? If someone I trusted(or began to trust) did something like this to me while I was vulnerable and unable to say no, I would be horrified. Not horny. That would be it, the trust would be broken and no amount of grovelling would ever get it back (and there was none of grovelling. None at all). And the author just brushed the issue off! After Felicity's initial freakout, she just brushed it off and never mentions it again. Seriously?? No, don't do that! If he took advantage of her, that's not cute or romantic!! It's horrifying!

Another thing that annoyed me: the murder club. All of those women (especially Lou) were horrible and nosy and just the worst. And the female lead who was supposed to be a bounty hunter, so someone smart, just told them all the truth with no hesitation? She didn't even know them. But she immediately spilled the beans and then was surprised that the guy she was after knew about her being there? Please. Let's apply some logic here.

While it was a fun book, everything unravels when you think about it. I took offence about the consent (or lack thereof) and how it was brushed off. Just no. It took me out of the story and I couldn't enjoy it after that.

Like seriously, did he know hat was happening? Because if he had the same dose of drug as she was, there was no way he was that high. His body built and mass would protect him somewhat. If he was tipsy, he could still make decisions and then decided to take advantage of her. I hate that. That ruined the book for me (even more than over the top third act drama - and it wasn't even wrapped properly. What about their mom? And I was seriously thinking that Charlie book would be next since she was on the case AND was mentioned the most -and in epilogue we got Nora, very randomly?? Makes no sense. There was no build up to it at all. Ughhh. (Also a note from me but if authors do epilogues, make them about the main couple. Don't bring out the entire new pov that aha nothing to do with the main couple, it's not wanted nor needed. If you want to set up the next book, leave context clues and easter eggs throughout the plot instead. It's much more satisfying that way.

3.5/5

I enjoyed this story more than the previous one but less than the first book in the series. I liked the characters and I felt sorry for Isobel about her ex-boyfriend, what a wanker. Rafe was awesome too and I hated that he'd been cursed! But I'm glad that everything worked out.

The community coming together to help Isobel and the house was AWESOME. I loved it. And I'm glad that Isobel befriended Emma and Ari both!

FINALLY A CAT FAMILIAR. She was as glorious as I hoped lol.

4/5

Coral is a performer who dresses as a mermaid, who got her own show in a hotel. MMC, a real estate developer is in trouble because of an interview. He's smitten with her since the moment they've met at the airport.

I enjoyed the book. The writing was a little corny at times, but it wasn't horrible. I liked the relationship between Coral and Jamie, even if the insta-love/insta-lust made my eyes roll. But I liked their banter. And the fact that the main character is a mermaid-performer? My inner child was screeching with excitement.

Honestly I was afraid this would have an open ending, since they didn't start to fake date until 52%, but I'm glad they figured their shit out and this book has a happy ending.

Thank you, NetGalley and Sugar Beaver Books for providing me the ARC for an honest review.

3,75/5

I quite enjoyed it, although I wish it was written better.

I liked both Penelope and Phillipe, they were interesting characters - especially Phillipe's backstory with the Reign of Terror, which I've never seen in the regency romance before. But the relationship was lacking something, I didn't immediately cheer for them.

With Phillippe calling Penelope “a dear child” at the Fayre it seemed weird to me that he would be suddenly so in love with her - especially considering such an age gap between them. And the first half of the book was quite boring tbh, there were too many descriptions for me and not enough plot going forward - and at the end it was too rushed. I wished we saw more of stolen moments between Penelope and Philippe during the house party, as well as more chapters from Philippe's point of view. I wished for his pov especially after his uncle told Penelope the story of Phillipe and his father - I wondered what Phillipe thought and felt during that time, and perhaps that he could confide in Penelope?

So while the book was interesting and the plot was intriguing, the writing and execution could be better. I expected more tbh.

I'm not into Santa, but that was hot and I enjoyed it. The kinks were great although I wish the book was longer!

4/5 Very kinky, very spicy, very good.

4/5

That was fun. Nothing groundbreaking but I wasn't bored so that's a plus. The characters were interesting enough that they made the book enjoyable.

That was nice, I enjoyed it.

4/5

I liked it. A little Hansel and Gretel, a little Beauty and the Beast and we get Shatter the Dark. I loved the characters and the plot, and we even got a little Wolfish Charms scene! Though I was looking forward to Lianna running away and Bowen bringing her back we never got that, too bad that the author didn't include that. But I loved it anyway.

Annie was so cute and I'm glad that she found a family with Bowen and Liana! And I loved the main couple!