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Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Judgment Road in Books
Sep 3, 2019
I've read quite a few of Feehan's paranormal books and enjoyed them so the chance to read a contemporary book by her? Sure, why not.
I enjoyed this more than I expected. MC's can be hit and miss for me but this one worked well for me. It had a touch of unusual talents, almost paranormal abilities, in some of the guys and I liked that. It was interesting in how connected they all were, how in sync... There were some dark themes throughout this book so it isn't for the faint hearted.
Add in the romance, and although he could be a bit domineering, I actually really liked that side of the story too.
Very intrigued about the rest of the members and the women/men who will claim them. Can't wait to read more.
I enjoyed this more than I expected. MC's can be hit and miss for me but this one worked well for me. It had a touch of unusual talents, almost paranormal abilities, in some of the guys and I liked that. It was interesting in how connected they all were, how in sync... There were some dark themes throughout this book so it isn't for the faint hearted.
Add in the romance, and although he could be a bit domineering, I actually really liked that side of the story too.
Very intrigued about the rest of the members and the women/men who will claim them. Can't wait to read more.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated My Life Next Door in Books
Sep 5, 2019
*I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
I'd been looking at this book for a while. I've recently noticed a love for YA Contemporary Romances. And this is that.
I liked it but I thought that their relationship progressed a bit too quickly in the beginning. One minute they were meeting for the first time and several pages later they were kissing and touching each other. I get that they'd been watching each other for years and felt like they knew each other but I kinda missed that awkwardness of it all--though admittedly that bit came later with the "family planning" aisle.
I'm still feeling torn over my rating of this. I wasn't blown away by it at all but the romance and connection between them, once it really got going was really sweet.
I'd been looking at this book for a while. I've recently noticed a love for YA Contemporary Romances. And this is that.
I liked it but I thought that their relationship progressed a bit too quickly in the beginning. One minute they were meeting for the first time and several pages later they were kissing and touching each other. I get that they'd been watching each other for years and felt like they knew each other but I kinda missed that awkwardness of it all--though admittedly that bit came later with the "family planning" aisle.
I'm still feeling torn over my rating of this. I wasn't blown away by it at all but the romance and connection between them, once it really got going was really sweet.
Books&Football (34 KP) rated Three Blind Dates in Books
Jan 23, 2018
Extremely Funny with an HEA
Noely Clark is a single, attractive host of Good Morning Malibu. She agrees to be set up with a blind date at a restaurant called "Going in Blind". Noely ends up going on three blind dates and its set up with a suit, a rebel and a jock. The dates are real and her interactions with the men are hilarious. The book has a tie in to the movie "You've Got Mail" which add a nice touch to the story. In the end, she can only choose one of the three men - who will she choose? If you like contemporary romance, this is a book that should not be missed.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated River Girl in Books
Dec 17, 2018 (Updated May 31, 2023)
Pauline is taking a river trip in memory of her sister, and to try to figure out what to do with her life. Her guide, Fiona, doesn't show up and so a replacement is assigned to her. Although sparks fly between them, Ellis has problems with his memory and blows hot and cold. The reasons for this are explained, and he gained my sympathy.
There is action, adventure and mystery in this story. The transition from one scene to another is sometimes a bit jolting, and the characters' feelings are very changeable, both to each other and in general circumstances.
A contemporary, a mystery, and a romance all rolled into one.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 24, 2016
There is action, adventure and mystery in this story. The transition from one scene to another is sometimes a bit jolting, and the characters' feelings are very changeable, both to each other and in general circumstances.
A contemporary, a mystery, and a romance all rolled into one.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 24, 2016
Merissa (11805 KP) created a post
Sep 29, 2020
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Royals in Books
May 3, 2019
Delightful romance.
So I’ll admit. The only reason I picked this book up is because the second book in the series, Her Royal Highness, looks like an adorable lesbian romance and I thought I should start at the beginning of the series. I’m glad I did, because Royals is a delight. Daisy is a spirited, no-nonsense teenager who doesn’t get the appeal of all this “royal” stuff, and she’s not one to mince words for the sake of appearances. As you can imagine, that ruffles a LOT of royal feathers! Add in a posse of noble ne’er-do-wells trying to get in trouble, and you’re in for some fun.
Interestingly, I’m torn now on whether to read the second book! Rachel Hawkins is a fantastic writer, so I have no doubt she’ll write a great second book, but the love interest in the next book, Princess Flora, did not make a great impression on me in this book. I was glad she only made a short appearance. It doesn’t sound like the next book is told from her point of view, though, so maybe it will be okay. The series definitely has a lot of potential, as there’s still several members of the Prince’s posse to tell stories about!
I do enjoy a good royal romance, and these are interesting in that they’re contemporary, so the royals are concerned with their reputation, and treated like massive celebrities, but have lost a lot of their intimidation factor and power when it comes to normal people. Daisy sees it more as an inconvenience than anything else, it seems.
One content warning – there was a scene with an unasked-for kiss that could have been called sexual assault if Daisy had been less charitable about it. It wasn’t malicious. But it was questionable. So beware if that’s something you want to avoid.
Interestingly, I’m torn now on whether to read the second book! Rachel Hawkins is a fantastic writer, so I have no doubt she’ll write a great second book, but the love interest in the next book, Princess Flora, did not make a great impression on me in this book. I was glad she only made a short appearance. It doesn’t sound like the next book is told from her point of view, though, so maybe it will be okay. The series definitely has a lot of potential, as there’s still several members of the Prince’s posse to tell stories about!
I do enjoy a good royal romance, and these are interesting in that they’re contemporary, so the royals are concerned with their reputation, and treated like massive celebrities, but have lost a lot of their intimidation factor and power when it comes to normal people. Daisy sees it more as an inconvenience than anything else, it seems.
One content warning – there was a scene with an unasked-for kiss that could have been called sexual assault if Daisy had been less charitable about it. It wasn’t malicious. But it was questionable. So beware if that’s something you want to avoid.
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated Billy and Me in Books
Jun 24, 2019
This is a very, very different genre than I usually read. It was romantic and contemporary and kind of cliche and gross. But I will admit that it was written well.
Despite the gooey topics, this book was easy to sit and read through. The writing was good, though some of the speech didn't feel particularly authentic. My main problem was how cliche this was. A young woman who loves classic literature andworks in a tea shop meets a movie star without realising who he is and falls in love... Yeah, it's kind of a stereotypical romance. I hate this sort of thing. It's tacky and just ugh. But there was more to it than just the romance, which was very good. Sophie had her own issues to deal with, stemming from childhood grief and caring for her mother. It even had a really tragic moment toward the end, that didn't involve the actor - Billy - much at all.
As I mentioned above, the language wasn't always particularly fluid. It sometimes felt like Fletcher was trying too hard to make it more romantic and emotional. Billy was pretty much 'perfect' and extremely romantic, probably extremely unrealistically so. He was likeable, still, just not very realistic.
Sophie herself was a bit... not annoying, but she's not my favourite protagonist ever. She was trying too hard to be unique and strong and independent and it just irritated me. I get what Fletcher was going for (I think) but I just didn't love Sophie that much at all.
Like most other contemporary novels (not that I've actually read many of them), Sophie's life comes together perfectly at the end. Well, not quite perfectly, but the ending was sickly sweet. But I'm a bit of a cynic. You might like this more than me.
Despite the genre and gross cutesy lovey stuff, I think this deserves 3.5 stars. The writing was good and I did actually enjoy reading it.
Despite the gooey topics, this book was easy to sit and read through. The writing was good, though some of the speech didn't feel particularly authentic. My main problem was how cliche this was. A young woman who loves classic literature andworks in a tea shop meets a movie star without realising who he is and falls in love... Yeah, it's kind of a stereotypical romance. I hate this sort of thing. It's tacky and just ugh. But there was more to it than just the romance, which was very good. Sophie had her own issues to deal with, stemming from childhood grief and caring for her mother. It even had a really tragic moment toward the end, that didn't involve the actor - Billy - much at all.
As I mentioned above, the language wasn't always particularly fluid. It sometimes felt like Fletcher was trying too hard to make it more romantic and emotional. Billy was pretty much 'perfect' and extremely romantic, probably extremely unrealistically so. He was likeable, still, just not very realistic.
Sophie herself was a bit... not annoying, but she's not my favourite protagonist ever. She was trying too hard to be unique and strong and independent and it just irritated me. I get what Fletcher was going for (I think) but I just didn't love Sophie that much at all.
Like most other contemporary novels (not that I've actually read many of them), Sophie's life comes together perfectly at the end. Well, not quite perfectly, but the ending was sickly sweet. But I'm a bit of a cynic. You might like this more than me.
Despite the genre and gross cutesy lovey stuff, I think this deserves 3.5 stars. The writing was good and I did actually enjoy reading it.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Fever (Songbird #1) in Books
Apr 11, 2023
This is the story of Ella, a character who loves Jazz but has absolutely no backbone to speak of. She is a people pleaser as she is afraid of them leaving her. Now, normally, a character like Ella would have me screaming at my Kindle to "grow a spine!" However, something about Ella drew me in. Perhaps it was the occasional glimpses of who she could be, given the right circumstances and encouragement.
Cole starts off as a bit of a player but soon falls for his 'shower girl'. The two of them not knowing who they were but in constant contact was amusing. Cole changes his mind from being a player to having an unknown girl be 'the one' for him but that is the only thing that is rushed. It progresses slowly and naturally between Cole and Ella.
David, I felt sorry for. He's really not the right guy for Ella but he was there when she needed him so he's not really the bad guy of the show either. He doesn't see Ella or consider her wants but then she doesn't open her mouth either so it's not all his fault.
This was a very well-written contemporary romance between two college students as they learn who they are, what they want and how to go about getting it. I loved the ending with Ella (no spoilers) - I thought it absolutely perfect and was so happy to see it happen.
If you have read any other of Melissa Pearl's books, then you already know you are in for a treat. If you haven't - and you like new adult contemporary romance - then I can recommend you start with this one.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
September 11, 2016
Cole starts off as a bit of a player but soon falls for his 'shower girl'. The two of them not knowing who they were but in constant contact was amusing. Cole changes his mind from being a player to having an unknown girl be 'the one' for him but that is the only thing that is rushed. It progresses slowly and naturally between Cole and Ella.
David, I felt sorry for. He's really not the right guy for Ella but he was there when she needed him so he's not really the bad guy of the show either. He doesn't see Ella or consider her wants but then she doesn't open her mouth either so it's not all his fault.
This was a very well-written contemporary romance between two college students as they learn who they are, what they want and how to go about getting it. I loved the ending with Ella (no spoilers) - I thought it absolutely perfect and was so happy to see it happen.
If you have read any other of Melissa Pearl's books, then you already know you are in for a treat. If you haven't - and you like new adult contemporary romance - then I can recommend you start with this one.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
September 11, 2016
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Heights in Books
Apr 27, 2018
The Heights—a contemporary imagining of Wuthering Heights
by Brian James
Genre: YA Fiction, Romance
Rating: 4, DNF
Ah. Again. A high rated book that I did not finish. “Haley what is wrong with you?” Haley stop talking to yourself.
Let me start with the positive: This book is all about the characters. James has taken characters that were only mildly relatable in Wuthering Heights and made them so realistic that you feel everything they feel. This is a mark of a good writer… but also a very painful book. The viewpoint alternates between Henry and Cathy, but it’s not distracting. It’s so easy to get inside their heads and live their lives. Almost too easy.
The negative: It was too painful to finish. I know what’s going to happen because I know the story of Wuthering Heights… and I don’t think I want to live through that. Because I know if I read it, it will feel 110% real. And I don’t think I could handle that.
This book has taken me two days to read… and each time I could only get a little bit farther before I had to stop because I was so angry at the characters for being stupid and prideful and selfish and mean and hateful, that I threw the book across the room. Twice.
I guess this sad love story is just not my kind of love story. Let’s hope I’m not jinxing myself (Haley you know you don’t believe in such things). If you love sad romance stories or love Wuthering Heights, you’ll love this—because this one hurt. I’ll save it for a rainy day when I need to force myself to break down and cry…
Content: Henry has a dirty mouth, but it’s not overdone. No sexual content, and all romance is appropriate
Recommendation: Anyone who wants a good cry… ages 13+
Cover: I know I usually don’t say anything about the cover… but really they could have done better. Henry (Heathcliff) is supposed to be dark skinned with dark hair. The guy on the cover looks nothing like him.
*angry and sad Haley now goes to the corner and pouts and finds a lighter romance to cheer herself up*
by Brian James
Genre: YA Fiction, Romance
Rating: 4, DNF
Ah. Again. A high rated book that I did not finish. “Haley what is wrong with you?” Haley stop talking to yourself.
Let me start with the positive: This book is all about the characters. James has taken characters that were only mildly relatable in Wuthering Heights and made them so realistic that you feel everything they feel. This is a mark of a good writer… but also a very painful book. The viewpoint alternates between Henry and Cathy, but it’s not distracting. It’s so easy to get inside their heads and live their lives. Almost too easy.
The negative: It was too painful to finish. I know what’s going to happen because I know the story of Wuthering Heights… and I don’t think I want to live through that. Because I know if I read it, it will feel 110% real. And I don’t think I could handle that.
This book has taken me two days to read… and each time I could only get a little bit farther before I had to stop because I was so angry at the characters for being stupid and prideful and selfish and mean and hateful, that I threw the book across the room. Twice.
I guess this sad love story is just not my kind of love story. Let’s hope I’m not jinxing myself (Haley you know you don’t believe in such things). If you love sad romance stories or love Wuthering Heights, you’ll love this—because this one hurt. I’ll save it for a rainy day when I need to force myself to break down and cry…
Content: Henry has a dirty mouth, but it’s not overdone. No sexual content, and all romance is appropriate
Recommendation: Anyone who wants a good cry… ages 13+
Cover: I know I usually don’t say anything about the cover… but really they could have done better. Henry (Heathcliff) is supposed to be dark skinned with dark hair. The guy on the cover looks nothing like him.
*angry and sad Haley now goes to the corner and pouts and finds a lighter romance to cheer herself up*
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Summer Heat: A Steamy Romance Collection in Books
Aug 2, 2017
Summer Heat: A Steamy Romance Collection
Summer Heat is a collection of short and steamy romances, absolutely perfect for the beach or when you are stuck in an airport! Just make sure you have some water with you as you might need to cool down. Every story is different, ranging from contemporary, to paranormal, to rock stars and the military. In my opinion, there is literally something here for everyone.
All of the stories flow, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. There is simply no story that I felt was a 'filler', and far too many to choose just one favourite! Absolutely recommended by me - for that perfect summer read; or if you want to remember those hot, halcyon days, when it is cold outside.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
All of the stories flow, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. There is simply no story that I felt was a 'filler', and far too many to choose just one favourite! Absolutely recommended by me - for that perfect summer read; or if you want to remember those hot, halcyon days, when it is cold outside.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!