Netgalley review: Curves For Days by Laura Moher

August 23, 2023

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Summary of the book:

Alice Rose Barnes, who chooses to go by Rose, has a history of trauma that has made her wary of trusting others. She wins the lottery, which leads to a sudden influx of people trying to connect with her due to her newfound wealth. Feeling overwhelmed and unsafe, she decides to escape her old life and start fresh in Galway, NC, under a new identity.

In Galway, she manages to build a new life for herself, forming friendships and integrating into the community while keeping her lottery winnings a secret. Her interactions with the grumpy carpenter she hired to reno her new house, Angus Drummond, lead to an unexpected relationship. Angus is someone who values honesty and authenticity, which attracts Rose despite her decision to hide her millionaire status.

As the story unfolds, Angus helps Rose open up about her past trauma, and their relationship gradually evolves from initial tension to a more romantic connection. At the same time, Angus’s own challenges, particularly related to his experiences as a military veteran, are explored, adding depth to his character.

The novel addresses themes of trust, healing from past wounds, the impact of personal history on relationships, and the importance of authenticity in forming meaningful connections. The “slow burn” of their relationship suggests a realistic development of their feelings over time, while the gradual revelation of their secrets adds intrigue and emotional depth to the plot.

General Review:

This book was so amazing. I have read other books by this publisher, and they have not hit me like his. I loved the setup. I loved the setting. I loved the main characters so much. I love the secondary characters. It was impossible for me to find major fault with this one. It is a cozy, charming read with deep issues addressed and dealt with in ways that seem realistic and sweet. Can’t wait t read more from this debut author.

Characters:

Rose’s trauma is believable and relatable. As a plus-size woman and someone bullied in school, I found myself cheering her on so hard. I wanted to see her move past her trauma and find the connections she was looking for. While I understood why she was so leery to disclose her lottery winnings, I knew that it would be the downfall of her relationship with Angus. I loved Angus; he is my perfect book MMC. But Angus has some culpability here as well. He is so blinded by his own issues that he is not as forthcoming with Rose as he needs to be for her to see how important the absolute truth is to him.

As for secondary characters, I hate the ones Moher wants me to hate and love the ones that are so refreshingly kind and sweet and accepting of Rose.

Tropes and Triggers:

Slow burn, small town. Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Grumpy/sunshine, Forced Proximity

fatphobia, death, sexual assault/rape, bullying, PTSD, suicide (mentioned).

Quotes:

“Kissing Angus was… a lovely way of getting to know my sweet friend better. How can a man who could break me in half with his hands be so incredibly gentle? He tasted like… security and spice. And he held me like I was treasure. Wanted you to feel safe. Lordy.”

“There’s not a damn thing missing from you, Rosie. You’re one of the most complete people I know.”

Stars:

NetGalley Review: Once More with Feeling by Elissa Sussman

June 3, 2023

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Summary of book:

This is the story of Kathleen Rosenburg (Katee Rose) and Cal Kirby, who were previously involved in a scandal that resulted in the destruction of her career. Now, Katee has left her pop star image behind and is living an ordinary life as Kathleen Rosenberg. However, Cal reappears in her life with an opportunity to star in a Broadway show he’s directing written by her best friend specifically for her.

As the story unfolds, Kathleen is torn between her desire to pursue her dreams of performing and her apprehension about working with Cal again. Both characters blame each other for their past, creating a tense and ego-driven atmosphere during rehearsals. Despite their reservations, Kathleen and Cal find themselves drawn to each other once again, unable to deny the chemistry between them.

The story’s central question revolves around whether it’s a good idea for Kathleen to rekindle her relationship with Cal, considering their history of being burned by their past choices. This theme explores the complexities of second chances, forgiveness, and the risks involved in pursuing one’s passions.

The story blends elements of romance, drama, and the entertainment industry, delving into the challenges and pressures faced by celebrities. It also explores themes of personal growth, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness.

General Review:

I take handwritten notes for my Netgalley reviews, but this book literally has two lines in my notebook. I was so into Sussman’s book that I stopped thinking in terms of a review and just fell into this story. I stayed up until I was finished because I loved these characters so much and the story had so many of my favorite tropes and plot points. I enjoyed the Then/Now structure which gives what happened then tension to the story. Enemies to Lovers and Second Chance romance tropes are done so well here. The anger Kathleen has for a system that punishes her for her choices is so relatable and her anger at Cal for not stepping up for her drives the story in a way that is relatable and believable.

Characters:

Loved the fleshed-out main characters and unlike so many other stories found the secondary characters multi-dimensional and realistic. Harriet’s wrestling with the baggage of her friend and the man who holds her musical’s success in his hands was well done and totally human.

Tropes and Triggers:

Friends to lovers to enemies to lovers, Second Chances / Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Body shaming, Eating disorder

Quotes:

“His mouth found my throat and I found myself thanking whatever lovers he’d had between then and now, because this? This wasn’t a boy unsure of himself.”

“I just wanted you to know. That I love you. Harriet thinks I have been in love with you since we were kids and I think she’s right.”

Stars:

Author ARC Review: Keep Me by Summer O’Toole

May 31, 2023

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Summary of book:

Regenia Cortez worked hard to leave her father’s cartel connections behind. However, fate had other plans for her. As bodies start turning up with connections to her father’s criminal activities, Reggie finds herself pulled back into the treacherous and sinister world she had tried so hard to escape.

Uncertain of whom she can trust, Reggie has to deal with Roan Fox. Roan hired by her father to ensure her safety, has Reggie on edge. The lines between allies and enemies blur, and she struggles to discern his true intentions.

Forced into each other’s lives, Reggie and Roan soon find themselves entangled in a web of deception and danger that runs deep. They realize that the situation is much more complex and far-reaching than they had initially believed.

As tensions rise and the stakes grow higher, Reggie and Roan give in to the pull they have toward each other, even as their own personal demons threaten to tear them apart. Their circumstances make it difficult for them to trust each other fully.

Yet, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, one thing remains constant—Roan’s unwavering determination to keep Reggie safe. He will stop at nothing to protect her, even if it means confronting his own troubled past.

In their fight for survival and justice, Reggie and Roan are pushed to their limits. But their shared strength and resilience allow them to overcome the darkness that threatens to consume them. With their lives hanging in the balance, they are determined to find the truth, protect each other, and finally break free from the suffocating grip of the past.

General Review:

I know this book has all kinds of warnings, but Summer O’Toole means them when she lists them. So before I say anything else about his book make sure you read the TWs/CWs and pay attention.

I have repeatedly talked about tropes and/or themes that I generally do not like except when a singular author writes them. Super dark and degradation are included on this list. Summer O’Toole’s Fox Family Syndicate Series is my exception. This third installment in the series is so very good. I think the key for me is that O’Toole writes a dark romance with an interesting and compelling mystery. I want to know about the bodies. I want to know who The Warden is. And creating a story that expands beyond the DR in a way that is equally interesting makes this story (and series) a favorite.

Additionally, I was not sold on the idea of incorporating a playlist into the actual book. But it is done in a way that works and adds to instead of distracting from the story.

Finally (and maybe this is not fair), Roan not being Finn cost it a star. Finn4Eva! 😊

Characters:

Roan Fox is not a cinnamon roll or even an alphahole. The term I have been using is that he a burnt marshmallow. Crispy and hard on the outside with a soft gooey inside that can still burn you. Reggie Cortez is tough and smart and wary. And mostly the secondary characters are just that. Interesting but not distracting.

Tropes and Triggers: From the author’s page: Dead bodies, Parental Loss, PTSD, Night terrors, Mentions of off-page suicide, Pregnancy (not between main characters), Off-page death of a pregnant woman, Parental neglect/abuse, Near death experience, Mentions of off-page alcohol abuse, Smoking, Physical abuse, Graphic violence/murder against women, Allusions to rape, Human trafficking, Bombs/Explosives, Guns, Graphic consensual sex, Mutual masturbation, Gunplay, Breath play, CNC

Quotes:

“So no, Cortez, I don’t want to touch you – I want to fuck you, own you, ruin you.”

Show spoiler

“Wake up, please I need you. If you wake up for me I swear I’ll fucking marry you. I’ll take you skydiving. I’ll love you with every breath I breathe, every second of my life. Please just come back to me –”

“I’ll always be your monster, you only have to be my light.”

“Little Menace.”

Stars:

Thanks to Summer O’Toole for the ARC review opportunity.

Netgalley Review: The Book Proposal by K.J. Micciche

April 18, 2023

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Summary of book: Gracie Landing, a romance writer, is going through a difficult time with a recent breakup and writer’s block. To cheer herself up, she turns to alcohol and ends up emailing her high-school crush, Colin Yarmouth. To her surprise, Colin responds with a friendly and flirty message, sparking an unlikely friendship between the two. As they get to know each other, Gracie becomes inspired by Colin’s own experiences with heartbreak and with his encouragement incorporates his story into her work-in-progress. However, she has no idea that borrowing Colin’s story could have negative consequences on her life, career, and chances at finding love. How this impacts Gracie’s relationship with Colin and how her use of his story affects her writing and personal life is the crux of the story. Will she be able to navigate these challenges and find happiness, or will her actions lead to further complications?

General Review: For me, this book would have been better if there had been more of our couple and less of the secondary plots and characters. In the beginning I really didn’t like Gracie and I think that in trying to make her relatable Micciche made her a TMI mess. As the story progresses and you get less of that and more insight into her career development and Colin’s family life the better the story gets. I also wish there had been more focus on developing their relationship before they were lovers. As the story progresses you begin to root for them more and more and I really liked the third act resolution was not immediate.

Characters: Everyone is a hot mess. Gracie grows on you as the focus is less on her TMI screw ups and more on the character flaws. Colin is pitiable and pretty much from the start you want him to walk away from his friends and family. Which leads me to my biggest complaint about this book. I hated all the secondary characters. Not in the good way but in the “I wanted to skip over pages that included Dom and Colin’s Dad and the rest” kind of way.

Plot: I liked the plot of the story, struggling writer finds story with her childhood crush and it leads to romance and chaos. Literary plots are a favorite of mine, but I would have liked more of this and less flashbacks and softball.

Tropes and Triggers: Second chance (sort of), Divorce, cheating (not MCs), bullying, emetophobia warning

Quotes:
“He laughs. ‘You’re ridiculous.’
‘You love it,’ I say.
‘I just might,’ he says.”

“All I’m trying to say is that I really care about you, Gracie. I feel like I screwed up the chance to get to know you in high school, and I don’t want to screw it up now.”
“That’s the thing, Gracie.” He looks deep into my eyes. I’m hoping it never ends.”

Stars:

Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC review opportunity.

Review: Shenanigans by Sarina Bowen

March 14, 2023August 24, 2023

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Fun accidental marriage, hockey romance. Added twist FMC also plays hockey, and MMC is also a billionaire. Places other Brooklyn books on my TBR pile.

Series: Brooklyn Hockey #6

CW: Violence, Sexual assault, Alcohol, Sexual harassment

Sarina Bowen