Asia

4.25/5

Oh, this is the novel I was in the mood for. Horrible parents, the heroine freeing herself from them and making them pay (quite literally too!), and a hero caring for his loved one more than he cares for himself. He would do anything for her.

And that's exactly what this story delivered! Julia is trapped in her own house with neglecting parents who always suffer from illnesses and diseases. She can't decide anything by herself, she's forced to obey her parents. And she has a crippling social anxiety that prevents her from enjoying a London season.

That is, until she meets Captain Blunt who makes her feel brave. And desired. And for the first time in her life, Julia stands up for herself.

As much as I love a knight in shining armour saving his damsel in distress from time to time, which happens here, I love it even more when the damsel - even when she's in distress - allows herself to be saved and stands up for herself. And yes, Blunt did visit her first but it was Julia who proposed the solution.

I loved this book. The Beauty and the Beast is one of my favourite fairytales and this retelling is amazing. The writing is good, the descriptions vivid, the children are great. I'm glad at how everything happened and worked out.

2/5

I'm disappointed. The book started well and was promising but I was disappointed with the characters' choices. Frannie wanted very much to be thought a grown-up BUT she was still going by a very childish (for me) nickname Frannie instead of Francesca or Frances or whatever her full name was and she acted like a teenager who was all sunshiney and bubbly and giddy. It was too much.

Her mother was overbearing and stifling and controlling and I was rooting for Frannie to move out and go full no-contact with her mother. Would serve Daphne right. (also, they're both named Daphne and Frannie and her father's name was John. Bridgerton here we go lmaooooooo)

Mack was a grumpy grump who tried to be so masculine and manly but was too stupid to function. really, after so much time he still couldn't cook dinner for the girls and himself? Had to have frozen pancakes? Making them is not quantum physics. It just takes time to fry all of them, that's all.

Mack was pissing me off too. He wanted Frannie but he pushed her away, but was angry when she ignored him. like what the hell, dude? You broke her heart, told her you can't see her anymore and you had the audacity to be angry with her when she ignored you afterward? Of course, she did, any sane person would! You hurt her and she tried to keep it together the only way she knew how: by IGNORING YOUR DEMANDING ARSE. She was still polite and lovely with the girls but of course, she ignored you, you asshole. Why wouldn't she?

He wanted to eat the cake but to still own it as well.

Speaking of girls, there's no way a 4-YEAR-OLD os that is articulate, smart, and amazing that she knows what different types of love can be. Be for real. If you want to write kids at least make sure they're age and the way they talk and act is believable.

Also, the entire reason for his hesitance was “She's my boss's daughter it's forbidden” where Mack was freaking out about John's reaction to him dating Frannie and then... It all went nowhere? There was not even ONE SENTENCE about John's reaction. NOTHING. Oh, this is bad, I can lose my job, my boss can hate me, I can't do that to him blah blah blah... And then nothing. At all. Not even a mention of her father later on. It all fell flat and was completely unnecessary.

Another thing that annoyed me: a single father is so horrible at raising his kids and in the kitchen and who didn't get laid for a while, but here comes a woman who not only loves to cook (for him and his kids) but also is amazing in bed. And when he misses her, that's what he misses the most: the fucking sex. COME ON. UGHHH.

The fucking apology was so cringe-worthy, I hated that. Of course, Mack has to go to her work and stare at her in silence and then make his big speech next to her boss. And of course, there are other people around because god forbid they talk about their shit in private. But nooooo, let's have a man put social pressure on the woman so she's forced to forgive you, otherwise she's a bitch. And THEN not only they were around, but her boss's husband was also making stupid comments throughout and inserting himself where he wasn't wanted. Are you kidding me? Was that supposed to be romantic? Because it was cringeworthy and I had to take a break after that. So stupid.

And can we PLEASE normalize engagement until after AT LEAST a year of dating? Cause they only got together in February, broke up for a few days, and then that following summer he suddenly proposed and she said yes? NORMALISE LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS BEFORE ONE PERSON PROPOSES IN ROMANCE BOOKS, PLEASE, AND THANK YOU.

I had such high hopes for this author! I really hope that the next books will be more interesting with better-written characters and plot, though I don't hold my breath.

2.25/5

This book was dreadful. Extremely boring. The characters were badly written and I didn't feel any chemistry between them at all. The book mostly focused on the locations and what attraction each city had instead of a romance between the protagonists.

Until Poppy got sick (4 years ago) I had not even one sign that Alex might have feelings towards her. There was nothing to work with. I would love to hear something from his perspective, maybe I'd have a different opinion, but there was nothing. He was only ever talking about Sarah (and Poppy was too) and all I knew was that Alex was in love with Sarah.

And I was supposed to believe he loved Poppy for 12 years? No. Absolutely not. I hated that.

The plot was so boring, I was forcing myself to read this book. I liked Beach Read so much that I had so much hope for this book but I was disappointed. this book was recommended to me multiple times and yet all I feel is boredom and a slight resentment.

I really hope that other books by this author will be my cup of tea, because this one was not.

3.5/5

I liked the first half of the book, maybe the first 60%? I liked their struggle to get home in time and their belief that they can do it. But then Andrew's cousins was weird and Molly invited herself to Andrew's house and it was awkward. I would love just one chapter from Andrew's pov because it kinda felt like Molly was all in and he was taking a back seat in their relationship if that makes sense??

I was hoping for something more I guess.

4/5

That was nice. I liked the characters though by the end they started to annoy me with how selfless and perfect they were. They became Mary Sue, both of them, always so good and kind and perfect. Could at least one of them have any flaws? Just one? Cause they seemed not to have any.

I liked their relationship progress and spicy scenes were nice too. The book was cozy, spicy, good and well-written. I'll definitely read something more by this author in the future.

3/5

Cute.

A little too fast-paced for me, but cute. Though there are some things I didn't like, like the second epilogue about the people never mentioned before - was that supposed to make me interested in the next book? Because it didn't. If any of those people appeared in the main story then maybe, but they came completely out of nowhere.

4/5

This book was very good. I loved Shay and Noah's story though there were some inconsistencies. Like Blue Gray? That came out of nowhere lol. But at the same time OH MY GOD LITTLE STAR????? LITTLE STAR??? I LOVED THAT. THAT WAS SO GOOD. SDFGFHGHJ

Shay deserved better than what people in her life ever gave her and Noah was there to deliver. I'm glad. He's a sweetheart too. And Gennie is so cute!!! Yes!

4.25/5

Claire and Graham - the people I hoped would get together and they did spectacularly.

I love this book and their story. They both have baggage they have to deal with but, they help each other, unknowingly. I LOVED Graham's emails and how he learned to open up and trust someone like that. And Claire's fight with herself and her inner demons was fascinating and I'm glad that she got there in the end. They both deserved to be happy.

When Claire found out about a firefighter being injured and her mind went straight to Graham - I felt that. it was amazing. And his reaction?? And THAT KISS? Oh, it was hot. The book was so well-written and realistic and I loved it.

4.5/5

Wow, this book was amazing. The characters were well-written and I appreciate the way Mia's illness was written. My grandpa had kidney problems too so I know how horrible that might be. While the medical expenses seems ridiculous since I'm not American, it gave those two a reason to marry.

Their backstory was tragic but it made them who they are. Poor Noah, blaming himself for Nathan's death. And Mia, finding out about adoption like that.

I loved that while both of them had fears keeping them from following their dreams, they both gre up, together and separately, to face their fears and became stronger for it. The last 30% turned me into a sobbing mess but it was healing, mostly. I loved that book.

5/5

Oh my God, this book. It's my favourite!!!! Ahhhhh!!!!

West and Sophie. I love them so much and I'm so glad that they finally got their happy ending! I love them!

Their story was heartbreaking and heartwarming, I was crying and giggling and kicking my feet with delight in equal measure.

While I don't like flashback scenes, they worked here flawlessly. God, West's father is the worst, isn't he? We already knew that but this book just solidified it more. I wanted to punch him.

West was one of my favourites and his story was heartbreaking, especially since he didn't know the full story. But I'm so happy that he didn't give up and fought for Sophie, as soon as he learned that not everything is lost. I love that he was there for her when she needed him and she was there for him as well. Her character growth was amazing and I so glad that she finally let go of the fear and started living the life that she wanted.

And the glimpse of the future of all the group was so good, I'm glad that they're all happy.

2.25/5

I didn't really like it. The characters felt flat and not well-written. And the ending came out of nowhere. What to you mean he wants to propose? They only kissed once? And what's up with his mother? I was hoping for a confrontation and we got nothing?? She suddenly changed her mind?? Why did she get an allergy? Why would she change her mind? Honestly it's so stupid. Why was the whole setup there to make her the bad guy when the resolution was so dumb??

I won't be reading any other books by this author. I don't like the writing or the series.

4.5/5

I loved it. It was so well written and I loved the plot! While it was too insta love for me, I loved it regardless.

Calladia and Astaroth were AMAZING. Both as individuals and as a couple. I loved their relationship progress and character growth. Calladia deserves someone to love her just the way she is, and boy, was Astaroth ready to deliver. He was so gone for her since the beginning, I loved it.

Calladia's final talk to her mother was amazing too. I was waiting for that and I'm glad that she goes no-contact with her. She deserves a break from the toxicity and a chance at happiness.

HE CALLS HER WARRIOR QUEEN! How cute is it??? I love it! And he loves going down on her which is just the best quality a man (or a demon lol) can have imo. ALSO HE'S A SWIFIE HELL YES.

There were so many good quotes but I think my favourite is this:

“I'll never get enough of you,” he said against her lips. “The sun could die and the stars could fall and the earth could rip itself apart, and none of that would matter, so long as you were in my arms.”

1.75/5


I love Pride and Prejudice retellings but this one wasn't for me. I didn't like the writing style at all, it wasn't for me. Everybody always treated Lissie like a doormat and she took it as though it was normal.


I didn't see any chemistry between the main characters at all. Also, Pride and Prejudice exists in the universe and yet nobody is like “hey this sounds familiar” or “we have similar names”, nothing? 


Also, what's up with that ending. Will the characters be happy? What happened to the restaurant? Will Lissie get her dream job? Did she finish her play? Come on, give us something.


Thank you, NetGalley and Third State Books for the ARC.

3.25/5

The premise was interesting. The actual book. Not so much. I liked the vibes more than the actual plot.

The writing wasn't for me and I was quite disappointed about a lot of things. It was so hard to root for Odin. he was being such an idiot the whole book! There's this quote in this book from odin's perspective that sums him up perfecly. ““Oh.” Dating my wife-to-be. It makes sense. I should have thought of that. Why didn't I think of that?”

EXACLY, yOU MORON. WHY DIDN'T YOU? Oh my god and it was like that all the time. He ignored her when she came there alone, he didn't tell her in advance anything to warn her, and don't even get me started on the engagement ring fiasco. Oh my god, I wanted to strangle and shake him and punch him repeatedly. He wanted to marry her because he told the world what happened between them years prior without even warning her, but hot pissed about her having her own agenda? Asshole.

The only redeeming thing about Odin I found was how into her he was from the beginning. Being scared but aroused, comparing her to Valkyrie etc. But I was really disappointed about his arc.

Which brings me to Camille. I liked her and was on her side (and she finally began wearing colors! I was hoping this would happen!) but one thing I was really hoping for which we never got was a confrontation with her father. He hated her and put her down and we never saw her standing up to him with Odin by her side. He was just gone and we never got a closure about it. I wanted it to happen and was very disappointed when we didn't get that.

In all, the premise was good but the book wasn't my favourite. Writing was very simple - sometimes too simple - and I just wasn't very into that. I won't be reading any more books in the series.

I received the ARC from NetGalley and Three Birds Press in exchange for my honest opinion.

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.

4.25/5

That was so good!!!! Age gap, brother's best friend, SPICE, forced relationship, fwb, regency? My God, it's the book for me.

I LOVED this. Trem and Henrietta are so good and well-written. Trem was such a good book boyfriend. He saw Henrietta in a robe and became a man obsessed (in a good way!). Completely unhinged, lost all of his marbles just to have a chance with her. He was literally “her or nobody else” but he was also super respectful and loving!!

I loved it. The spice was spicing and I loved each and every scene The pearls? THE PEARLS??? I'm blushing. It was amazing, holy shit.

Hartley was such a whiny guy but I'm glad that he was present throughout the whole book. While I wanted to punch him, repeatedly, it was nice to have a conflict that was not “the older brother doesn't approve of the relationship”.

Which, I have to say, the fact that John didn't approve later on pissed me off and is one of the reasons why it's not full 5 stars. When he first learned about their relationship and was so happy and I thought that it was such a good change and I was so happy that this book doesn't have a brother who doesn't approve of the main couple. But then it changed and it annoyed me.

Also, the whole Mary subplot. Henrietta is too good of a person - I wouldn't forgive the woman who abandoned me and never tried to reach out to me for so many years. Henrietta has a better heart than I do that she forgave her.

The book dragged on for me in the latter part. I loved it all but this whole Mary subplot dragged on for me and it was too long.

My favourite line: “What in the devil's arsehole are you doing here?” she hissed at him, the fury in her voice making the hairs on his arms stand up.

DEVIL'S ARSEHOLE?? I'm gonna use it.

My favourite scene: the pearls. Iykyk.

Amazing book. One of my favourites this year.

4/5

I enjoyed it very much. Etta is well-written and while I have never written any letters to my crush, I read about my feelings for someone else in a letter to my friend - a letter that my own mother read, so you can only imagine my embarrassment. So I can perfectly well sympathize with Etta regarding her letter to Freddie - if I were in her situation, I would do anything to retrieve the letter - including fake dating his cousin (or a friend).

Gerard was such a good character, he immediately became my book boyfriend. I loved his passion and ambition and I loved his friendship with Etta and Anne. He really thought that he had never had any feelings for Etta, but every time he talked about her and remembered their childhood, it was Etta he spoke of and how much he admired her. Every single time. It took some time for him to finally realize the truth, but when he finally did, he was all in.

The necklace was beautiful but the letter?? At the end?? I'm swooning, it was so cute and amazing, if anyone wrote to me something like that I would agree to marriage as well. He deserves it.

My favourite line: “You are the song of my soul, Etta. I will love you to my last breath. I will love you forever.”

I enjoyed the book and I was honored to be able to read it. Thank you, NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for sending me the ARC. All opinions are my own.

4.25/5

That was so cute. I love Layla and Caleb and was waiting for their story. It was such a fluffy book, I really enjoyed it. The scene, where Layla sees Caleb in the Hawaiian shirt, was so good. And I loved that even when they were only practicing, everything was real. Their relationship felt natural even when by the end of it I wanted to shake Layla.

I loved the friendship between Layla and ms Beatrice, it was a surprise and I loved it!

Caleb was so cute and he loves Layla so much, and he's so gentle with her!!! Amazing!!

4.5/5

This was so good!!!!

I LOVED them oh my god. Evie and Beckett were so good together! I loved them separately and together. I liked how they grew and allowed themselves to trust each other - though I really wanted to punch Beckett in the face at the end there. What an idiotic behaviour lol.

Josie is the real MVP for me, I loved her so much. Amazing.

Becket's grand gesture was amazing, I loved it.

I loved this book though I slightly prefer Lovelight Farms and now I'm super disappointed that while both Beckett and Evie got their chapter, Luka never got his except for the epilogue. Not fair!

4.75/5

Wow. Holy shit. I've been waiting to read this book and I'm so happy that I wasn't disappointed. It was so good.

First of all, I love Stella and Luka. They're amazing. Stella is so messy (me) while Luka is a perfectionist but he never, NEVER holds it against her and wants her to change. He simply straightens her shoes. And folds her clothes. And cooks her dinner (oh my god, is there anything sexier than a man who cooks you dinner and dances with you in the kitchen??). And he loves her with all his being. Oh my God, I'm swooning just thinking about them. I mean he couldn't sleep thinking of her, so he drove 4 hours just to get to her house in the middle of the night. Amazing.

They were so lovely together. They just fit. And I really loved how close they were and despite all they still remained the best of friends.

For a fake dating book, there wasn't much fake dating involved and I loved it. They're just so in love, everything was so natural, nothing was forced or awkward. I loved how gradual and yet immediate it all was, but not sudden. And not weird. Just perfect.

I also loved Lyla and Beckett (a hunk of a tattooed man who loves cats? SIGN ME UP), as well as Mabel and Dane. I just loved the entire community, even if they love to gossip lol. Lyla was so sweet (and I really want to eat everything she makes) and Beckett was so amazing, I loved how much they supported Stella (and Luka) and the farm. And how much they helped her once they learned the truth.

I loved the Evelyn reveal - both of them, with Beckett and the videos. It was so well done and Stella really needed this push lol. And now I'm very interested in another story in the series. I loved this one.

The only thing I didn't like (which is why it's not 5 stars) is the lack of Luka's pov until the very end and how much in denial Stella was there at the end (though thankfully it wasn't for long). I would have loved more chapters from Luka's perspective throughout the book. But I loved what we got and this was such a good book, I won't shut up about it for sure.

4/5
This was such a good book. I've only read Lord and Lady Spy by Shana Galen before and I wasn't sure about this paranormal romance with curses and magic, but boy, I have loved it.

When he was thirteen years old, King stole from the witch who cursed him and the two of his friends. Now at age 30, the witch is back and gleefully awaits his punishment. And the curse works: King loses his house, his title, and his wealth, and his estranged father is accused of treason. He has nowhere to go while everyone invades his house to reclaim the money he owes them.

One of the people is Violet, the owner of the tavern King destroyed the evening prior. He not only started a fight, but in the battle, her employee was hurt, and her supplies and furniture were destroyed. oh, and she has two little brothers to take care of, whi;e the gang leader demands taxes as well. King, hoping to escape everyone, goes with her.

Boy, I loved the chemistry between Vi and King. He was lazy, demanding, whining, and thought himself better than everyone else, and I LOVED his transformation into a caring, dependable man who was willing to risk his life to keep Violet and the boys safe. Violet was resourceful, witty, intelligent, and hardworking and I loved how much she bossed King around. He needed to humble himself before her and boy, did he deliver.

And the amazing nickname he had for her too!! So good!

While the witch and her sister weren't as prevalent in the book as I hoped for, I liked it. And the witch's sister was a surprise too, one that I hope will be continued in the sequel. I hope we get to see the sequel again from King and Violet's perspective (somehow, I don't think I can read Rory's story and not cry), especially because he was the one who received the note (though maybe his friends received next parts as well? Who knows?) and I would love to see more adventures from King and Violet's perspective.

Joshua and Georgie were so cute too! They are precious and I love them.

I cannot wait to read the sequels, I know they will be amazing as well.

Thank you, NetGalley and Draginblade Publishing for providing the ARC in exchange for the honest review.

That was... Interesting.

It was the first BDSM book I've ever read so i have no idea how accurate the depiction was. Though I liked how Noel took care of Holly after each scene and act. How he washed her hair and her body, fed her, praised her, and cared for her. It was sweet.

There was one scene that made me extremely uncomfortable but I guess it was good for the character as she needed it?? I guess?? It was hard for me to read though lol.

The wax scene was hot, I loved that.

I wasn't a fan of the dialogue and dirty talk during sex scenes though. Idk, I found it all basic and lacking something. There were too many screams and exclamations, but not enough description of how it made them feel except for "the orgasms tore through her/him" or that her mind was empty , or how wet she was. That was too little for me. I wanted to read about heart thumping in their chest, how they were short of breath, how their skin was on fire from touch, the awareness of the other person's proximity etc. So I found the writing mostly disappointing.

Also, what the heck was that ending? So they have kinky sex for 5 days and they're suddenly in love and want to get married?? After 5 days??? Are you kidding me?? At the beginning, Noel was still grieving his wife and wasn't ready to commit. And now, 5 days later he suddenly wants to marry Holly?? Come on. Like, seriously. Be real with me for a second. He grieves his wife. She gets dumped by her long time boyfriend (of 3 years!!) via text and then, 5 days later, they're suddenly so in love and ready for marriage???? No. Absolutely not. It took me out of the story and immediately lost another point.

And then the epilogue dragged, it was so long and yet nothing happened. This epilogue was only there to set up the next book in the series but I didn't like it lol. Could have been done over the phone.

Also, I was convinced that it would be Theo who'd get the next book, seeing as his adventures were mentioned throughout the book, and Evan's troubles in the epilogue came out of nowhere. I much preferred Theo being set up as the next protagonist.

That being said, I won't be reading anymore books in the series, the writing is not for me. And seriously, a proposal after 5 DAYS????

4.25/5

This was one of the most interesting and well-written books I've read this month. Both characters are well written and I felt for Mae this whole tile. I don't typically like love triangles but this one was written so well with a twist, that we know who is the right guy from the beginning.

Mae time looping was great and I loved her reactions every time i happened. And when she finally stopped being so careful and keep the tradition going, instead of going with the flow (including telling everyone about the little things that would happen when she met them!! And her throwing out Lisa's baking, which was incredible) and letting herself breathe was so good. I loved her friendship with Benny, he was such a sweetheart, and I loved that she had someone to confide in!

The revelation when Andrew found out the truth was devastating in a real way. I understood his hesitation even though it broke my heart to read how much he distanced himself from Mae afterward. He needed time to come to grips with what happened and I don't blame him, though i wish he at least reassured Mae that he doesn't hate her lol.

It's the first book by Christina Lauren and I will definitely read more of their books. They're writing style is simple but great and I loved how enthralled I was with the story. The epilogue was also so sweet as well, I loved it. Mae and Andrew were so sweet together and I loved how real this was.

I also liked that it was Theo who saved Mae instead, though he acted shitty afterwards. Glad he apologized though.

2.75/5

The ending was beautiful.

I liked Emily and Mark, though I was hoping for more romance. It seemed like they were apart longer than they were together. Noelle was great. I hated Myra and Catherine. I mean why was there even Catherine's pov?? Unnecessary.

I waited for Noelle and Emily to stand up to Myra. Like, really stand up to her, tell her what they want and how she's not in charge of their life anymore. I was disappointed at the lack of that confrontation - I needed that closure but we didn't get it. And I needed Emily to stand up to Dan as well but he's still trying. Like who is still buzzing him into her building? She should get a restraining order at that rate tbh.

The writing was hard to get into, tbh, I was forcing myself to read this book at times. It was mostly “tell, don't show” which I don't like.

I'm glad that Noelle and Troy got the wedding they wanted

3.5/5

It wasn't my favourite but it wasn't horrible either. Tbh I'm kinda ambivalent about this whole thing.

It was obvious who Ollie was since the beginning but I loved him, he was so sweet to Grace and so respectful! Ngl, Grace made me laugh with “close your eyes while you're taking my shoe off, you cannot see my ankle” lmao.

Grace's cousin was sweet, I liked her. I don't care how much Grace's father loved her, he still gave her hand o an earl 20 years older than her with no hesitation. And then he thanks her for her “doing her duty because her sisters deserve happiness”? What of Grace's happiness? Seriously, fuck that dude, you don't do that to someone you love. period.