Search

Search only in certain items:

WP
Wrong Place, Right Time
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Wrong Place, Right Time tells the story of a woman who is, quite literally, in the wrong place at the right time. She makes a split second choice, and her subsequent choices are equally as important in leading her to a destiny that she was heading for all along.

This is a sweet little romance that was a really easy read. I could pick it up at random moments and dip in and out of it with ease, which I like to see in a book because, if we're all honest, we don't always have time to sit and read a whole book in one sitting. The emotion is strong and it oozes from the pages, embracing the reader in the anger, fear, upset and ultimately pure love that Kate experiences.

Kate, as a lead, is a strong character who is well complimented by the polar opposite men she is chasing after. The grass is always greener - or is it? She learns this the hard way and as a reader, you're willing to go along with the journey, even if you do shout at her from time to time for being so daft. And it's this realistic quality that makes it such an enjoyable read. Most people, if not all, could relate to some aspect of Kate's story, and that makes it all the more readable and hooks you in even more.

An enjoyable story, and a sweet happily ever after, this would be an excellent choice of book for a holiday read, sat by the pool with a sangria and dishy lifeguard to oggle.

*This book was first reviewed on Lily Loves Indie as part of a blog tour, for which an ARC was received in return for an honest review*
  
Follow the Snowflakes
Follow the Snowflakes
Angelina Kerner | 2020 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Previously I read some of the short romance books, and unfortunately, they kind of disappointed me, but I actually enjoyed this novella, maybe because I read it at the suitable time, or maybe because I could relate with some of the things which were mentioned in the book.

The blurb of this novella is pretty accurate, Cat accidentally meets a stranger in a car accident, and because she has a good heart, she helps him out. One thing leads to another and they spend more and more time together, but life throws in some pleasant surprises and twists for Cat. This is a sweet story, with pleasant characters and interesting twists. I enjoyed reading this novel because it was not too sweet, it had its edge in it, but at the same time, it was pleasant and romantic.

The author was born in Novosibirsk, Russian Siberia, and I did like the little details she proudly shared about her Russian heritage. Do not be fooled by the cover, even though this book is filled with pictures giving it a playful feel, it is a story for adults. I really liked the art at the end of the novel, and I think it is great if you have children, you can give it to them to colour in. Everybody wins!!!

The writing style of this novella is quite simple, with easy and understandable vocabulary. I liked the short chapters, it made this book really great one sitting read. The ending of this story rounded everything as I was suspecting, and for me, it didn’t leave any loose ends. So to conclude, it is a great read if you like Hallmark and looking for a quick, playful and Christmasy story which is pleasant, romantic and not over sweetened. Enjoy
  
40x40

Merissa (12339 KP) rated Cupcakes & Christmas in Books

Nov 27, 2020 (Updated Aug 14, 2023)  
Cupcakes & Christmas
Cupcakes & Christmas
RJ Scott | 2020 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
CUPCAKES & CHRISTMAS is a sweet, seasonal romance that actually takes place for the most part in October. Stick with me, it does make sense, I promise.

Justin and Brody are both chefs and have been asked to take part in a charity show that is featuring six season's winners. Justin won season one and although he still bakes, most of his time now is being an 'influencer'. He has imposter syndrome and doesn't think he'll be able to stay past week one. Oh, and he also had a crush on Brody when he watched season four. Brody is, as you may have guessed, the winner from season four. He has had his self-confidence severely knocked by his ex-husband and doesn't feel like he should be there, even though he desperately wants to win. Oh, and he had a crush on Justin from season one!

These two connect in an adorably sweet and awkward way. I loved how Justin stood up for himself against Erin. Both of them need to find themselves and they both help the other with that. Along with the aid of a magical snowman called Jeremy!

The pace is fast but both our guys know what they want. There are flies in the ointment but nothing is going to come in between Brody and Justin. I have never watched GBBO or been to Banff but this book made me want to do both.

A book guaranteed to give you the warm fuzzies in time for the Yuletide season, CUPCAKES & CHRISTMAS is a story I definitely recommend.

* 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!
Nov 27, 2020
  
The Viscounts's Christmas Temptation
The Viscounts's Christmas Temptation
Erica Ridley | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
☆☆☆☆

– Character/ Story Development
X Enjoyed Reading/ Would Reread
X Plot
X Grammatical Errors
X Overall Story

Review: This little novel is what every feminist wants to see in a romance book. My wittle feminist heart was so blown away with the story line and how the roles were kind of reversed. Lady Amelia Pembroke is in charge and running her household, single and getting to the ripe ole age of being too old to be appealing to any man. Yes, this is set back in the early 1800’s so not quite 100% a feminist novel. But there are many parts that are!

I’ve never really been a fan of historical romances but The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation has really brought about a new love for a new genre! This novel was short, simple, and all around sweet. I was left wanting more and more with each turn of the page and I fell in love with Lord Sheffield every darn time he came into the picture. He stole my heart just as fast as he stole Lady Amelia’s.

The only thing that I have against this cheesy novel, is that there wasn’t really any story or character development/ background. But it also worked really well for this story.

Reasons why I rated it 4 stars:
1. No character development
2. Story was amazing and easy to get into.
3. Background on the characters was non-existent.
4. I enjoyed the romance between the main two characters.
5. The novel had a bit of a feminist feel to it, which is really nice to see in this romance style.

“We should go,” he said gruffly, his face inscrutable.

“Why?” Her heartbeat thundered. She gripped his arms tight to keep herself from twining her own about his neck.

He lowered his mouth to her ear, brushing it with a feather-soft kiss. “It isn’t safe.”

Her answering shiver had nothing to do with the cold. She had never stood so close to any man, had never fought the urge to press herself even closer.

“What could happen?” she whispered.

He cupped her face in his hands. “Anything.”
  
SM
Slightly Married (Bedwyn Saga, #1)
6
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
I don't have too much to say about this first (actual) entry into the Bedwyn/Slightly series. The pacing was good, the hero and heroine were nice and likable characters, and their romance was sweet and charming. The only thing I had a problem with were the loves scenes, they just felt 'off' and didn't quite fit into or with the flow of the storyline. Especially the second one, which struck me as odd. Otherwise it was a nice and easy story to read.

I don't dislike Freyja as much in this book, but for setting a series on a whole family of six, why did Ms. Balogh write them so unlikable? Or at least, they don't make me want to read the next book immediately, as I feel it should be. I am interested in Wulfric's intended and how she is able to break through to him. <i>That</i> ought to be something! :P

Now that I've read three in a row in the series (this and the two 'prequels'), I think I'll take a break. I've heard that there is a bit of repetition and it's better to break them up. :)
  
The Body Finder (The Body Finder, #1)
The Body Finder (The Body Finder, #1)
Kimberly Derting | 2011 | Thriller
8
7.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Okay, so I didn't fall in love with this book right away. For awhile, I thought I was going to rate the book 2, maybe 3 stars. However, about 2/3 of the way into the book, it became really good, and it definitely got boosted to 4 stars.

I loved, loved, loved the relationship between Jay & Violet. I thought it was really sweet =) I loved how protective he was of her, not in the "she's a girl so she can't take care of herself" way but because he genuinely cared for her.

The character of Chelsea made me laugh. I loved her sarcasm =)

It did have a hint of Mean Girls in it though. The character of Claire reminded me a lot of Amanda Seyfried's character in the film. And there is the mention of a Queen Bee.

I loved the plot as well. I've never read anything like it. I like the way the author brought together the elements of suspense, crime, romance, and paranormal. They all blended very well.

I'd definitely recommend this book. It does take a long time to get going, as I've said before, but once it does, it definitely drags you in!
  
Return to Paradise
Return to Paradise
Simone Elkeles | 2010 | Romance, Young Adult (YA)
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Meh...I guess I was expecting more romance and a grovelling Caleb after the way he left her in the last one and we didn't really get that. No it was all arguments and then apologies and then more arguments.

If I'm honest I was going to give it two stars up until the epilogue, and then one bit bumped it up half a star or so because Caleb from [b:Leaving Paradise|17558140|Leaving Paradise (Leaving Paradise, #1)|Simone Elkeles|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1363610968s/17558140.jpg|531712] appeared and made good on something he said in the first.

As for some of the other characters. They really grew on me, Lenny definitely had by the end after some of the stupid things he'd said and done in the first part of the book. Julio wasn't such a bad guy. Kendra...huh. <spoiler>Leah did the right thing. Lou and Maggie's mum getting together was nice.</spoiler>

I wasn't all together impressed with this but there were some quite sweet bits and some rather hot bits that made it worthwhile if you want to read how Maggie and Caleb's story ends.
  
American Girl on Saturn (Saturn, #1)
American Girl on Saturn (Saturn, #1)
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The start was a little iffy for me, it didn't flow smoothly and I got a little confused but when the boys of SAS showed up I didn't care so much anymore.

I enjoyed the gentle romance of Chloe and Milo. It was sweet and I loved the fireflies and treehouse and midnight meetings... sigh. I also enjoyed reading the cammeraderie between the guys and by the end, the girls and guys together. Like an extended family.

There was just a point about 65% where I started to lose interest. It seemed to be a lot of the same stuff going on and I got a little bored and then the drama hit--the one where boy and girl have a big misunderstanding--and I wanted to hit both of them. I know something had to happen but it was just so cliché.

I was pretty happy when they resolved the matter but by then I'd sort of lost interest in the story and was just skimming the text, looking for interesting bits.

Not a bad book but one not quite to my tastes.