Asia
3.5/5
Very Devil Wears Prada inspired. I loved the makeover she got from her colleague.
Dominic was... Well, he was an asshole. He wasn't annoying in the first part of the book, but he was very annoying during the third act breakup. Like come on, dude, do you have to be so stupid?? Should have gone to the therapy.
Ally was annoying too, especially when she didn't want to accept money from Dom or her friends. But nooo, she will do a striptease instead and dance for a VIP client in private instead of asking for help. Seriously. Ughhhh.
And then she's angry when Dominic pays for her things. But she still accepts the clothes he gives her. Ughhh it was so frustrating!!
The third act breakup was annoying i liked Dominic's grovel but I hoped Ally wouldn't forgive him that easily when she met him for the first time after the breakup. But I have to say, Dominic's gesture was very nice.
The amount of epilogues was overwhelming and not in a good way. I hate the surprise pregnancy trope in the epilogue (though I'm glad that the characters were older than the typical mid 20s) but that would be enough of an epilogue. We really didn't need a year and 10 years later epilogues too, they didn't add anything other than the wordcount.
The book dragged on too much, especially after they got together. I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop and couldn't enjoy the story
5/5
Aggstddsgsfgshs this is the perfect send off and the ending of a beloved series. You can feel the love the author has for this world in each sentence and paragraph. It feels like a warm hug from a friend you haven't seen in a while but you missed. And it's a beautiful story to be read on a warm day.
I wish it was autumn now and I lived on a Christmas Tree Farm with a pumpkin patch too. During a harvest festival where everything is warm and fuzzy and amazing.
I loved that the last book began with Stella and Luke's wedding. Their journey was beautiful and I'm glad to see it being continued. I love that all of the characters from the previous book appear here too.
Charlie and Luka are my favourite male characters from this series. I love them. Am I still salty that Luka didn't get his pov in Lovelight Farms? Yes. Am I happy to see Charlie obsessing over Nova? Hell yeah. That's what I love the most: male characters losing their shit and having their brains broken because of how much they want and love the female characters.
I've loved Charlie since the first moment I met him in Lovelight Farms and I'm so happy that he's getting his happy ending now. Nova is amazing, sassy and confident and I love her too. They fit together perfectly and I love how their personalities fit together and how happy they make each other.
This book will have a special place in my heart. It was amazing and I loved it.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Pan MacMillan for providing the arc to this book.
4/5
I really enjoyed this book. It was good and fun!
I liked the main couple, although FMC pissed me off at the beginning. She was a pushover; letting her boss and sister treat her like that, never standing her own ground. It was annoying. But I liked that she learned to fight for herself and became more open.
I wish we had MMC's point of view but we didn't need it to see how much he loved her. Though I'd love to know his backstory from his pov and how that shaped him, other than what he told Henley.
Her boss was a whiny bitch and I'm glad he faced consequences of his actions. The bickering between Henley and Greame was fun (but why did they need to have such strange names??) and interesting. I'm glad they finally met and she gave them a chance. Even if the third act breakup was annoying.
2.25/5
I didn't like it but I didn't hate it either. It was just there. The relationship was weak and I didn't feel the chemistry between the main couple. The author did a lot of “tell don't show” which I'm not a fan of and didn't dwell into their minds as she should. I wanted to see their motivations and feelings, but the author focused on what they did in every day life instead of focusing on their relationship. Like “next Tuesday they did blah blah blah” instead of showing how they felt during that weekend apart , how they coped, etc
I didn't like the use of pov either. I usually like the dual pov but only when it's one chapter from character's a perspective, the other from character b. But here? The perspective changed every few paragraphs and even there there was a time jump. Within one chapter. I didn't like it at all.
4/5
The first 80-90% was amazing. I loved it. And then the last 10% destroyed the book for me.
There was NOTHING in the earlier part even implying that Briana had been pregnant and lost a baby. Nothing. And then we get a surprise pregnancy trope at the VERY end and the surprise miscarriage in the past?? Excuse me??? Why??? Makes no sense. There's nothing in the story even implying that that had happened earlier. She only said she never had children with her ex-husband, not that she had been pregnant!
If there was even a mention in the first half of the book, I wouldn't be that frustrated. But there was NOTHING. And suddenly we learn that she was pregnant and lost it?? And now she's pregnant again?? And she fucking pushed Jacob away?? Because of that trauma?? Come on. It was completely unnecessary.
I cried while reading it, but it was still unnecessary. Though I loved that Jacob gave Briana his journal.
4/5
The plot was really far-fetched, especially the third act, but it was a fun book regardless. I love how obsessed Jack was with Sophie and how much he loved her. And I'm so happy that Sophie got to meet her uncle! I wonder if he was invited to the wedding? I wish we saw Sophie and Jack's wedding!
I'm sorry, Eliza did WHAT? I knew there was something fishy about the guy she liked but WHAT THE HELL, WOMAN?
4.25/5 and most of it is only for Sebastian (and Eve!)
So... the beginning was very interesting but as the book and plot progressed, I was only invested in Sebastian. I just love him so much and I'm so glad that there were a few chapters from his point of view. I just love him. And how much he loves Evie... Their reunion was AMAZING.
“Christ, it was undignified to pine over one's own wife.” That was hilarious! I love them!
Meritt was a great character but I would have loved to read more about her running her own company. What's going to happen next, is she going to leave it to her brother? I'm so confused since there was nothing about it once she started seeing Keir.
And the plot of her unable to have children... It was completely unnecessary given the epilogue. If the author needed a reason for her husband to die, it didn't have to be because he went to America after he learned that she couldn't have children.
4/5
I liked this book though I didn't love it. I loved how Tom discovered all his feelings but the love confession was abrupt for me. I'd love it if we spent more time in his head as he tried to figure out his feelings and if he finally knew he loved Cassandra but wasn't sure how to tell her.
Bazzle was a fun addition though I'd love more if Cassandra and Tom's reaction to being called mom and dad was similar to West's reaction when Justin called him dad. I LOVED this scene with West. It was amazing and I'm so happy for him!!
4.5/5
That was so good! I love West and I'm so happy that he finally got his happy ending! Phoebe was amazing and I'm glad that she fought for love!
I loved how West remembered about the book and tried to give it back. And I loved how much he wanted to help Phoebe. Amazing.
And there was so much Sebastian and Evie! I loved it!! Sebastian is my favourite of all (West is number 2) and I'm so glad that those two got to meet and are going to be a family now. I loved how Sebastian tried to Meddle and he finally got his chance haha. And yes, of course he was in his own club lol.
I really enjoyed this book. The ending was a little abrupt though, it's the only book without an epilogue and I hate it. But the book itself was so good!
4.25
This book was SO GOOD. I love a strong woman who takes no shit and a man determined to protect her and dying to get on his knees for her.
Garrett was a great character, I liked her since her introduction in Marrying Winterborne. Ethan was great too, though tbh I was more interested in his connections to Ravenels. Also, I really wanted to know if he actually took this house his father left him or did he sell it to West like he said. I assume he sold it, but still, I'd rather know for sure.
I liked their relationship and how early they confessed their feelings to one another. There was no stupid misunderstanding, only circumstances preventing them from being together. I'm glad that Ethan didn't lie that she means nothing to him or shit like that; he was very honest (and poetic!) about his feelings to Garrett and he didn't mislead her or deceive her. I appreciated it.
West!! Oh how I missed thee! And who was the red haired beauty he mentioned?? The one that hated him?? She wasn't mentioned in the first book, was she. Anyway, I missed West and I'm glad to spend time with him now. He was as delightful as I remembered. I love him. I can't wait to read his book soon!
And there was mention of Sebastian and Evie which is always amazing!!
5/5
I LOVE this book. I didn't think I would love a book more than Devil in Winter, but Devil is Spring is a smidge better.
Even if I still prefer Evie and Sebastian, Pandora and Gabriel are AMAZING. I adore them.
Like father like son in some ways! And I LOVED that we saw Evie and Sebastian again!! Yessss!! And Westcliff too!! With all those subtle references to the Wallflowers series, I loved it all.
Gabriel was so obsessed with Pandora since day 1, I loved it. He was so enchanted by her and so down to please her. I loved the kiss on the beach, and HE TAUGHT HER OLD WALTZ TO HELP WITH HER BALANCE OH MY GOD YES. AMAZING.
I just loved this book. This time, it was Pandora who was hurt and Gabriel was watching over her. It was a nice reference to the time when Sebastian was hurt and Evie was caring for him. And she even mentioned that!
God, I love how much Sebastian loves Eve 30 years later. Hell yes. I love them.
4/5. But a low 4.
Okay I have mixed feelings about that book. I've read the first 90 pages in paperback but the translation was horrible. HORRIBLE. I could not focus on the book at all, I was distracted all the time. When I found the English version it all changed and I loved it.
But then I hated that Helen didn't tell Rhys the truth about her parentage until she had no choice. Like come on, just do it! I hate the secret identity trope because it's always “Oh, I must tell Character A about who I am. But they hate my kind/my parents/etc and ai don't want to lose them.” And it just adds unnecessary angst to the book. Ugh.
And then we didn't even get to see their wedding? In a book called MARRYING Winterborne you'd expect the wedding to 1) happen quickly and 2) be described on page. None happened here. Instead of eloping like normal people at the beginning of the book Helen insisted on waiting 5 MONTHS to marry Winterborne... Until she finally eloped at the end of the book like he wanted since the beginning. But was the wedding described? No, because why would it be? /s
The dragged out secret identity was annoying. I hate miscommunication with passion. And I was so ready for a secret wedding type of book instead! Ugh!
Next one: the return of Evie and Sebastian! I can't wait!!
3.75/5
It wasn't the worst but it wasn't my favourite either. I liked Devon but I didn't like Kathleen at all. She was horrible.
I liked everyone else more, especially West. He was amazing and his character growth was AWESOME. I loved it.
Helen and Rhys were intriguing. I'm really interested to read more and I'm excited about their book. Kathleen's involvement was unnecessary and as much as she wanted to help, she just made decisions for Helen all the time. I hated it.
I can't wait to read West's book.
3.75/5
That was an interesting book, ngl. The way Daisy hated Matthew but he was obsessed with her was classic but I love this trope every single time. I was annoyed that his secret was so dragged out until the end though.
It wasn't my favourite book but it wasn't the worst either. It was just... There. I preferred It Happened one Summer and Devil in Winter more. Not sure if I'll read the next series but maybe.
3.75/5
I'm torn.
On one hand the writing was amazing and I liked this book. But all of this dubcon (and it was dubcon) was too much and seriously what the hell did they do to my Sebastian. That was entirely out of character and I HATED IT. JUST WHYYYYYY. He was already a rake, Lisa, you didn't have to make him worse!!!
Anyway. I loved it when Hunt caught Westcliff and Lillian together and his comment about “once a week” lmaoo. Yes, throw Westcliff's words back at him!! It was so funny!
Though I really hated that every time Westcliff and Lillian kissed or did more, she was either trying to get out and leave, or SHE WAS DRUNK. COME ON, WESTCLIFF. THINK.
4.25/5
It was so good!! I enjoyed it!
Anabelle was an interesting character as was Simon. Their banter and relationship was very good, I couldn't stop laughing when they were arguing and bantering.
I liked the story too. I can't wait to read about Lillian and Westcliff too! And poor Evie, it gets better for her but it's hard to read about her living with her horrible family for now.
I loved how obsessed Simon was with Anabelle. From the first moment he saw her, he was so feral for her, it was amazing. And the lady doth protest too much, methinks, she was ALWAYS complaining but it was clear she was very intrigued by him as well. I loved how much Simon cared for Anabelle though, when she was sick, when he taught her to play chess, and bought her shoes... He was amazing. I loved it.
2/5
That was so bad. I hate read it tbh. The writing was cringe, the sex scenes were repetitive and they honestly didn't add anything to the plot and the third act breakup was ridiculously over the top. I would have never taken Foster back if I were Avery. Not after what he said. Nothing he does later can fix it.it was horrible.
Why am I trusting tiktok recommendations? It was such a waste of time!!
3.75/5
I was expecting more, tbh.
Both characters were interesting. Link's possessiveness raised my eyebrows but in a good way, because of how much he was in love with Ava. Too bad he never explicitly told her though even if she knew...
I wanted more spice though, because the scenes we got were kind of skimmed over. But it wasn't bad? Except for the scene in front of the Syndicate, that was cringe as hell.
Ngl, Mama Mona was an interesting character. Props to the author for not going with Russian as so many authors do, but to read my mother tongue in an English language... Ngl, when I saw “kochanie” I thought this was a printing error, I didn't expect it!
I'm interested in what exactly it is that Damien wanted and how it's gonna impact the Sinners. But I'm not gonna read another book to find out. I wish it was explained in this book instead of the kind of open ending we've got.
The writing wasn't the worst but there were some typos and grammar mistakes. It wasn't as bad as that it pulled me out of the story, but it was definitely noticeable.
3.25/5
I liked this book until the last 30%. Even if the writing wasn't that great and the OM and OW drama was a bit much at times, and I don't like reading about college age kids, I still enjoyed it. Until the stupid third act breakup. And it wasn't even the breakup itself that I disliked. It was the freaking “grand gesture” at the end.
I hate public displays of emotions with long monologues when the girl is pressured to accept the guy (even if she loves him still), ESPECIALLY when there are cameras around. I hate public proposals too (it wasn't a proposal, don't worry). But I hated how Clay did this stupid show and it was supposed to be romantic??? No, thank you, not for me. It was cringe and it weirded me out. I hated that Giana took him back.
What I hated equally as bad, was that the whole “Clay's ex girlfriend needs to know the truth” wasn't even showed!!! It happened off-page!!! Just why?? I wanted to read it! She was so full of it and THEN when she got him back she KNEW he was miserable and she was sad! And I wanted to see her learning the truth! The “oh yeah she was upset but mostly by her dad” explanation was horrendous, I wanted to see that conversation and scene on-page. And instead it's just mentioned in one sentence? Fuck off. Seriously. If you write that much drama for the sake of a drama, DELIVER. If you wanna make the ex-gorlfriend a bitch, sure. If you make her be manipulated by her father and the guy she likes, SHE DESERVES TO HAVE THIS EXPLAINED TO HER ON PAGE. Hell, you had Clay's pov, you should have used it to tell Maliyah's story as it was happening. I wanted to see this. She deserved that much.
3/5
Honestly? It was boring. One bed after one bed after one bed and zero intimacy for the first 60%!! Unacceptable!
No, but really, it was boring. They almost didn't talk, Marcus's family struggles weren't resolved at the end and I really hoped for him at least BUYING HER WARM CLOTHES. And there was nothing. He even acknowledged that her shoes were destroyed while he was at his brother's house but did he buy her new ones? No, why would he!
Even the “Because you're my wife” scene was anticlimactic. For the whole book he claimed she was nothing to him but suddenly she's his wife when one man took her? And then he turned around and set her free when another showed up? I wanted to punch him.
The sex scenes were hot though.
3.25/5
This book was nice but kind of boring for me. While I Loved that Viggo loves reading historical romance and baking, there's not much more to him tbh. I was never that invested in his story.
Tallulah is struggling but she's also not my favourite. And the way she suddenly realized and accepted that she's in love with Viggo was out of character tbh. It felt jarring.
Idk, I loved the idea of two people with the past running a bookstore together, but this book was kind of boring. There were some funny moments but not that many to keep me very interested in this book. After Aiden's and Freya's book, I wasn't very interested in the younger siblings, maybe except for Ziggy.
The ending was dragged out too. The number of times they said “I love you” was way too many as tough the author wanted the ending to be dragged out without anything of substance happening. Idk, it wasn't my favourite book in the series but it was somehow a nice last book in the series? Though I wish we've seen more of the rest of the siblings by the end and learned how their lives changed since we last saw them. I'm missing that.
This book wasn't the worst but it definitely wasn't the best either.
4.5/5
I loved this book so much. It was so good.
Ziggy was a wonderful child in the previous books and to see her growing up was fascinating. Her story was so amazing. She and Sebastian are so perfect for each other, though I wish Sebastian was in Ren's book too. I was so confused when he showed up as his best friend when he wasn't in Ron's book. But I loved their friendship here.
I never knew I'd love fake friends so much but this was just delightful. I loved Ziggy and Seb's relationship, and the way that they both called each other by their full names. Amazing. The way they teased each other while being aware and respectful of the others needs was so amazing. I loved it.
I'm slightly disappointed that Ziggy's underwear didn't make an appearance later in the book. I was convinced that Sebastian would use it and I'm sad that he didn't haha.
Sebastian is one of the best book boyfriends btw. THE BOOKSTORE DATE??? HIS COSTUME? I melted. He was incredible. I loved it so much!!!
4/5
That was so cute, I loved it! Both Oliver and Gavin were amazing. Grump and sunshine, opposites attract, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, age gap... I love all of these.
I wish we learned more about Gavin's past throughout the book, not just in the 90% mark. And I wish we saw more siblings, not just Viggo. But I LOVED how sweet Oliver was with Ziggy!! Even when it happened in less than a perfect time for him and Gavin hahaha.
Freya and Aiden have a daughter!!! Ngl, I thought they'd name her Lyra, after the constellation they talked about during the honeymoon (and the gift Aiden gave Freya for their 10-year anniversary!). That name was perfect for her! But she's so cute and amazing!
So many weddings! Willa and Ryder FINALLY got married and so did Frankie and Ren! Ngl, I'd prefer more details but I loved that Frankie and Willa are now officially Bergmans. Amazing.
I love seeing the couples from the previous books in this one. The time jump in this book scared me haha, but it works! It's much more interesting to read about a 24 year old Oliver than, let's say, 18.
I'm glad that there was no third act breakup at 90%. Instead, there was a reconciliation. I'd prefer if there would be no breakup, but Gavin needed this time to work on himself.
3/5
That was boring. I didn't enjoy it, I was just waiting for this to end.
I love Rooney and I love Axel. And I enjoyed their longing in the previous books but their story didn't work for me. I love a marriage of convenience and longing and mutual pining and everything about it, but this book wasn't it. I was bored. I wanted to like this but I couldn't enjoy it as much as I wanted.
Don't get me wrong, the characters were amazing. But the story was boring. half the time I forgot they were married because they just didn't act like that. There was no bed sharing, no living in the same (tiny) space, no longing to spend more time together, no living together... They were practically strangers and when one of them was like “they know me like nobody else does” i was like “how?” Because it didn't feel like it.
As usual, the third act breakup was unceccessary. They could have stayed and talked instead of react. And the fact that they NEVER told their family that they're married? Unforgivable. Even when asking for their advice, Axel kept it from his brothers. because if he did tell them, there would be some comments about it. But I bet that this will be common knowledge in the next book, which is frustrating. Willa and Rooney were amazing friends in the first book and I wanted Rooney to tell her in this book. Ryder and Willa would support Axel and Rooney. Bu instead, their marriage had been kept secret and never revealed. I hated that.
What I didn't hate and found incredibly hilarious though was earlier in the book when Willa and Ryder came to visit. I loved how Rooney and Axel tried to hide things from them, their walking down to his cabin, the cold soup, their rings, this whole scene was hilarious. I just wish that at the end of the book, the secrets were revealed.
I'm disappointed by this book. I hoped for better. That being said, the characters were well written and I loved them. And their rescue dog and cats? Adorable!