Thursday, September 21, 2023

Love, Holly by Emma Stone

 

Love, HollyLove, Holly by Emily Stone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First and foremost, while this book does have a few scenes set around Christmas time, I don't really consider this a Christmas book. Unless you want it to be. Then it definitely is.

All three of the main characters face a good deal throughout the book. I wouldn't call this book "fluffy" by any means. There is a lot of grief and mourning and growth that takes place in these pages. It might be painful to read, or comforting, depending on your own life experiences.

Holly is such an intricate character. She has her flaws and her strengths and getting to watch her grow throughout the book was heartbreaking (because often times growth proceeds hardship).

Emma was probably my favorite character. I suppose older people in books are probably pretty fun to write. They can go through life at that point not caring how blunt or grouchy they are because they've lived long enough and have earned that right. Emma is just the right amount of grouchy old woman, wise friend, and flawed individual. Once you get to know Emma, I think you'll love her too.

And finally, Jack. He was living life a bit flat until Holly showed up and kind of imploded everything he knew. The thing I love most about Jack is that he is eventually willing to admit his mistakes and try to change his view once someone suggested it might be a wise idea.

The pacing was a bit off in a few places for me but overall this was a quick read and one that I think I'll think about beyond today.

Synopsis: Sometimes it takes a stranger to bring you back to yourself.

Ever since a car accident tore her family apart, Holly has been part of a lonely-hearts holiday letter–writing club. Each December, she writes to a stranger who is also spending Christmas alone, and receives a letter from another lonely person in return.

Usually, the letters go unanswered. That’s the point—the letters are anonymous, and the senders write whatever is in their heart. But this year, the letter Holly receives is different; not only is the letter full of a grief she knows all too well, but its writer, Emma, mentions a place that Holly has visited. When she realizes that she might actually be able to find the letter’s author, Holly becomes determined to reunite Emma with the estranged grandson, Jack, with whom Emma is desperate to reconnect.

When Holly finally tracks him down, she remembers that she’s met Jack once before . . . and the connection was electric. The spark between the two of them is still there—until a misunderstanding risks their burgeoning romance and his strained relationship with Emma, too. But Holly is determined; if she can fix Emma’s family, she might also be able to fix her own. Though as it turns out, Holly might have less time to put things right than she thought.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the review copy.

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Sunday, August 13, 2023

Best Friends, Backups and Something More by Ranee S. Clark

Best Friends Backups & Something More: A Sweet Sports Romance inspired by Jane AustenBest Friends Backups & Something More: A Sweet Sports Romance inspired by Jane Austen by Ranee S. Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Who knew I was a fan of Jane Austen inspired novels? ... Just kidding. I knew. I totally knew. So it will come as no great surprise that I absolutely adored this novel by Ranee S. Clark.

Eli was the perfect MMC and the relationship between Court and Eli was completely charming. These two started out as best friends but it wasn't years of pining away for one another. Instead, they met at point where they were both starting new lives and their friendship instantly bloomed. Eli thought he was just as instantly friend-zoned but he enjoyed Court's company so much that he was okay with that.

Instant Friendship, secret dating, a little match-making, protective older brother, sports romance is all found in this face-paced easy to read novel.

CW: mentions of gaslighting in a relationship

This is a super sweet, just kisses novel.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review of this book. And you should definitely read it too. 4.5 stars rounded up.


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Monday, July 3, 2023

Just A Football Star by Deb Goodman

 

Just a Football Star: a Sweet, Small-town Brothers RomComJust a Football Star: a Sweet, Small-town Brothers RomCom by Deb Goodman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If this story was a drink it'd be a chocolate milkshake! It's muddy and heavy but full of absolute goodness.

Oliver's story (Book 1 in this series) is more like a peach flavored sprite. It's light and bubbly and can be consumed in one big swig.

So if you go into this book thinking it's more of the same expect a bit of a rude awakening. Both MCs have a rough backstory that comes into play on several occasions. I had to read this in smaller doses because of the heavy nature of some of the conversations but it was still such a great read. 10/10 would recommend over and over again.

Alec has been dealt a heavy hand so far in life. Starting with parents that were seldom around, moving on to losing his girlfriend in a tragic accident and finally being forced out of the NFL due to a career ending injury, he's numb and barely making it through life. Until one day Oakley, a jaded but hard-working personal trainer, walks through the doors of the Longdale Resort and starts to change his life one excruciatingly painful rehab exercise after another.

Content: Loss of loved one, loss of life purpose, depression, small glimpse into a toxic relationship

There is a dog.

This is a sweet closed-door rom com.

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Tuesday, June 27, 2023

The Real Fake Fiance by Sarah Jane Woodley

 

The Real Fake Fiancé (Love in Mirror Valley #3)The Real Fake Fiancé by Sara Jane Woodley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you love a good friends to lovers story than this will totally be your jam.

Dee and Noah have been best friends for as long as they can remember and Noah, well, he's been in love with his best friend for almost as long.

When Dee's big city boss comes to Mirror Valley to assess her position and her app-baby, RightMatch, she is determined to see it succeed. At any cost. Even if that cost is dragging her best friend along for a wild ride of fake dating and engagement. But will their friendship be able to stay the same after this is all over. And does Dee still want it to?

I do love a good fake dating story and the Volleyball Boys were one of my favorite parts. Glad that Noah and Dee could get their happily ever after!

I don't have an entire playlist for this book but here's a few songs that I think fit the bill:
- I've Been Thinking about You by Mariah Carey
- Home by Edward Sharpe
- Can't Fight This Feeling by REO Speedwagon

Thank you so much to the Author for the free eARC in exchange for this review which is completely my own thoughts.

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Friday, June 23, 2023

I Think He Knows by Katie Bailey

 

I Think He Knows (Donovan Family #2)I Think He Knows by Katie Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nailed it.

Friends to lovers is not my favorite trope so I am always a little hesitant when I pick one up; however, this was a friends to lovers done right!

I enjoyed the heck out of Lana Mae and Carter. Carter's ability to just completely love Allegra makes my heart melt so much. I really wish Target would start selling adult unicorn sleeping bags because that would have been the topping on the cake of this book for me!

This is a bit more serious than "So That Just Happened" since there is quite a bit more tragic backstory but there were still a good amount of laughs and I am absolutely ecstatic that Lana Mae finally got her happily ever after.

Thank you so much Katie Bailey for the ARC I absolutely enjoyed it.

This is a closed door rom-com.


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Friday, June 9, 2023

Faking It With My Best Friend by Kate O'Keeffe

 

Faking It With My Best Friend: A Friends to Lovers Sweet Small-Town Romantic Comedy (Second Chance Café Book 2)Faking It With My Best Friend: A Friends to Lovers Sweet Small-Town Romantic Comedy by Kate O'Keeffe


Gabe and Ryn are freaking adorable. I absolutely love them together.

Gabe does not understand why Ryn is always falling for the bad boy that will, without a doubt, eventually take her heart and smash it. He doesn't get why she doesn't realize she deserves so much better than anything they can offer.

Ryn has always had Gabe's back and always will.

In a small town, with meddling ladies, it's hard to get out from under the scrutinizing gaze where everyone thinks they should be together. At least once a day they field questions and statements about how they should be together.

But they're just friends. Friends forever. Just Gabe and Ryn. Ryn and Gabe. Both totally awesome, attractive, people who definitely do not have feelings for each other. .... Right?

This is a classic friends to lovers story with a bit of jealousy and longing and ... friendship!

Thanks so much to the author for the eARC!

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Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Me & Mr. Just Right by Kaylee Baldwin

 

Me and Mr. Just Right: A Sweet Romantic ComedyMe and Mr. Just Right: A Sweet Romantic Comedy by Kaylee Baldwin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am completely infatuated with the Forrester siblings. So much so I really don't know who I love the most. They were the icing on the cake. The cherry on top. The creme de la creme.

You have Jules, the grumpy lawyer. Bennett the adorable and a little heartbroken eternal optimist. Haydn, the outdoor photographer and "glue that holds them all together". And then you have Rosie: the youngest Forrester who is always scheming in one way or another.

Thanks to Rosie's scheming Lia finds herself in a bit of a Goldilocks scenario. She planned to get away from the spotlight and decompress--what better way than spending a week on an uninhabited island? Except the Forrester brother's also planned a trip to their family cabin that same week. On that same island. Soon she is well on her way to finding her her mr. juuust right.

The way the brothers seamlessly insert Lia into their lives made my heart melt. The way they helped her find herself again was heartwarming all while being their silly selves. I was laughing the whole way through.

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Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Strawberry Fields for Never by Kate Watson

 

Strawberry Fields for Never: An Enemies to Lovers Sweet Romantic Comedy (Sweet as Sugar Maple Book 1)Strawberry Fields for Never: An Enemies to Lovers Sweet Romantic Comedy by Kate Watson


Imagine being on the brink of broke when suddenly you snag a multi-millionaire marketing client for your self-started business. The only catch: you have to sign the contract today and you have to spend significant time on-sight so you can really get to the heart of what makes the company tick.

Oh, and you have to convince the owner's grandson that the place is worth sticking around for.

Wow. Jane and Tripp, what a ride!

While Strawberry Fields for Never is marketed as an "Enemies to Lovers sweet romantic comedy", I personally would call it a friends to lovers where they made a bad (first) second impression. There was some snarky banter but it always felt more to me like flirty friends banter than enemies.

I really appreciate a relationship where both people can support the other. Tripp and Jane were a bit like night and day but they complimented each other in all the right ways. Jane needed that love and support. She had to grow up way too early in life and has taken on the "mother" role even when maybe she shouldn't. Tripp who has never quite felt good enough was able to find that in Jane. Together they were both able to work through their traumas and hone their strengths. And when they messed up they had their friends to get them back on the right path.

Speaking of friends: The friend groups in this book were one of my favorite things, I wish I'd been able to have more of them! I can't wait to read about Millie and Duke.

Also ... there were baby llamas. So ...

This is a sweet and swoony romantic comedy (i.e. no spice/closed door)

Thanks for the chance to read an eARC Kate Watson! It was a pleasure.

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