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The Beach House: A Shimmer Pointe Romance (Book 1)
The Beach House: A Shimmer Pointe Romance (Book 1)
Sterling Keyes | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry, Romance
7
9.2 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
the scene (2 more)
the idea
good romance novel
needs more backstory (1 more)
needs to be more drawn out
Honest Review
Contains spoilers, click to show
Full Disclosure: I won a copy of this book in a Smashbombs giveaway. It came signed by the author, with a handwritten note, and a signed bookmark. It was so cute and I loved it upon arrival.
However, I should also mention I am a bit of a cynic at times. For me, this book read way too fast.
~SPOILERS~
Girl goes to a beach house, girl meets boy, they go out, they end up together. There's also an ex who shows up but it's not even an issue. I would have liked a slower building romance, that maybe felt a bit more real. Also, as for the writing style, I wanted more show and less tell. Overall though, I think it's a pretty cute book and would be a good beach read.
  
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Kristina (502 KP) rated The Quickie in Books

Dec 7, 2020  
The Quickie
The Quickie
James Patterson | 2007 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry, Philosophy, Psychology & Social Sciences, Travel
8
7.3 (8 Ratings)
Book Rating
BookReporter.com says, "Action? Check." Very true. It was pretty action packed. "Suspense? By the carload." Fact, the suspense, twists, and turns just kept coming. "Romance? Yes." Now I know why their answer is so vague and only one word - anything that could be considered romance occurs before the 11th chapter (and these were some short chapters!). "Erotica? Let's just say that it's not limited to the cover." Error, error! What Patterson has written couldn't even touch the average erotica novel - I've written more erotic scenarios. I know erotica isn't James' forte and it didn't take away from the story, I was just disappointed in this part of BookReporter's review. I can tell you I never would have predicted the ending and there was no way I could have foreseen some of the shocking revelations within the book. It's shocker after shocker. Once again, Patterson has managed to write another brilliant suspense!
  
The Poison Season
The Poison Season
Mara Rutherford | 2022 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
If an outsider somehow makes it onto Endla they’re given a choice of death: the Forest or the lake.

Leelo was born and raised coexisting with the Wandering Forest located on the small island of Endla, and as much as she loves her community, she struggles with the fact that because her brother is an incanto, one without magic, he will be exiled by his next birthday.

When Leelo sees an outsider on the verge of drowning, she knows what she’s supposed to do - but in an instant, Leelo betrays everything she’s ever grown up. This leads to discoveries and consequences for both Leelo and the outsider, Jaren. But, as they grow closer, Leelo begins to question every fabric of her life.

I really enjoyed the premise of this novel - a creepy, evil forest that kills outsiders? Sign me up! Mara Rutherford did an amazing job at world building in this novel and establishing Leelo as a character. Because of how established she was, when Leelo begins to question her beliefs and lifestyle, it makes the book all the more interesting. It also gives you a bit of a chance to piece together your assumptions of the puzzle pieces Leelo is gathering and it was kind of fun to be able to say, “I knew it…”, when some of it came together.

The romance aspect of this novel is kind of what I would expect from a YA - not exactly instant love, but it was kind of close to it. But, Leelo and Jaren were sweet and I actually enjoyed their relationship and how they learned about each other and though it felt a little rushed, I still was rooting for them.

Overall, I think anyone who loves a good fantasy romance would greatly enjoy this book. And, even if you don’t like romance novels, I still think fantasy readers would enjoy the world building Rutherford has done.

*Thank you Inkyard Press for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review