Book review: Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter

Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I started reading this book, I immediately thought, "Oh yes, this girl is me." Liz is a rom-com movie buff waiting for her romantic hero, and her journey felt so relatable. Initially, I didn't want her to go for Michael, but soon it became clear that the trope was enemies to lovers with Wesley. Oh god, Wesley! He is funny, and so is Liz. My favorite laugh-out-loud moment was when Liz texted Michael from Wesley's phone about his hair. I couldn't stop laughing!

Wesley is so charming, and I'm falling for this guy just like Liz. But most of all, I connect with this hopeless romantic girl looking for the love she saw in movies. I was really hoping she'd pull her head out of her ass and see that Wesley is the one!

I found myself crying over the bond between Liz and Helena. Liz embracing the woman she thought was replacing the memories of her mom and finding a dependable friend in her is so touching. Helena reminds me of a practical and clear friend I have, yet she's soft and emotional.

This was a great book. It had everything: relatable characters, angst, confusion, and a happily ever after at the very end. Liz accepting Michael's promposal felt a bit stupid, and Wes making her go up to the piano room after that moment wasn't the best decision either. But this book made me cry, and that's always been a sign of a 5-star rating of the highest kind for me.

Long live romances with build-up and PG-13 content!

View all my reviews

Book Review: Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey

Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I recently read "Hook, Line, and Sinker" and found Hannah to be quite relatable, which was something I missed in the last book. Her character resonated with me in a way that felt genuine and grounded.

However, Fox was another story. He is such a hard head. I understand that sometimes it's difficult to break free from the notions you've set for yourself, and it's natural to need some help from others to figure it out. But Fox just keeps going back and forth on the same thing. It was frustrating to see him struggle so much with whether he wanted to shed his carefree image or not.

The only saving grace for me was the relatability with Hannah. Beyond that, the book felt dragged out and didn't hold my interest as much as I hoped.

Done and dusted. Not worth going back to it.
3 stars

View all my reviews

Book Review: It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was cute. Sweet.
The parts where Brenden was involved were intense, I don't think of any other word when he was involved. I understood the part why and how Piper started falling for him, but his side was not too convincing. Just that? He hadn't seen a girl/woman in 7 years and now this beautiful out of townie made him suddenly see 'new things'. Him falling for her wasn't lead-on properly or maybe because I kept picturing Alexis from Schitts creek here, I wasn't convinced. I don't know, I feel a bit cynical here. Piper was let down by a lot of people in her life, and Brenden doing the same kinda was a turn off. He went all huff and puff after all the build up of 'I'll be there for you' 'You depend on me'.
At the same time I too would give everything I have for a person like him to forgive and go back to, I guess.
The build up for Hannah and Fox seemed cute too. I might give it a go, or maybe not.
The steamy part didn't disappoint at all. That part was GOOOOD! I personally couldn't connect with Piper because of her initial nonchalance, ambition lessness and airheaded-ness (She was!). I could connect to her feeling of being categorised as 'incompetent' by everyone and being questioned if she was capable of doing stuff at all. That part was heartbreaking, when she thought everyone cancelled upon her and she was not worth giving the chance. At that part I wanted this Rom com steamy book to turn into a feminist rant of how she will gain her confidence back and give a finger to everyone who ever doubted her. But anyway. Ending with the mixed feelings about this book.

View all my reviews

Book Review: You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When this book started, I was rooting for Naomi to dump Nick's ass and fly far away to some distant country and start a new life away from his and his family.
But when the book progressed and I saw Nick in a new light when she realised that maybe he isn't what she thinks he really is... Seeing the picture from his angle as well. I started feeling sympathy for this pumpkin of a person, who was struggling himself.
It was quaint, watching them falling back in love honestly. I didn't want to put the book down. The explanation of intimacy of understanding one another in this book was beautifully portrayed. I saw myself in this at so many places. The emotions were well written, the analogies of colors, description of every mundane was done so beautifully.
I guess I never had felt this desire to stop and reread so many of the lines again while reading for the first time because the meaning being conveyed was too intricate and beautifully put.

View all my reviews

Book Review: The Roomate by Rosie Danan

The Roomate by Rosie Danan
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I didn't finish this book because it wasn't that gripping. It was too stretched out about stupid things and content or essence ( which people don't think the romance genre usually has) was missing.
Nope. Not for me.

View all my reviews

Book Review: Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas (The Hathaways #5)

Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, Beatrix Hathaway, how I've waited for your story, intrigued by your eccentric style and that mysterious "problem" of yours! Lisa Kleypas didn't disappoint in *Love in the Afternoon*. The flow was so good, like a comforting cup of tea on a rainy day—it just sated my bookish soul.

Beatrix's journey into love and self-discovery is both hilarious and heartwarming. Kleypas weaves romance and humour together like a master storyteller, making Beatrix's quirks and charms utterly irresistible.

The chemistry between Beatrix and her hero is off-the-charts, sparking with wit and genuine emotion. And let's not forget Kleypas's knack for bringing the Regency era to life—it's like stepping into a Jane Austen novel with a modern twist.

After finishing the book, I felt like I'd just had a fabulous chat with a friend—fulfilled, content, and slightly giddy. *Love in the Afternoon* is a must-read for anyone who loves historical romance served with a side of wit and charm. It's a book that'll leave you smiling and wanting more.

View all my reviews

Book Review: Married by Morning by Lisa Kleypas (The Hathaways #4 )

Married by Morning by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was again a better and more profound than the previous. One because it started in the last book, two because it has elements of mystery and surprise and a bit thriller, three because the love hate relationship was hot. And the Leo- Cat relationship has been boiling since book 2, it should have been worth reading, which it was. This book honestly did not disappoint.

View all my reviews

Book Review: Tempt Me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas (The Hathaways #3)

Tempt Me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A bit of let down after the first two ones, specially because there was very little of the Hathaway Family quirks. Second because the male lead was frustrating. Third because the female lead's reactions were somewhat misplaced or not very convincing.

View all my reviews

Book Review: Seduce Me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas (The Hathaways #2)

Seduce Me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

EDIT: After reading the whole Hathaway series, I want to say that this was the best book of the series, but it only made sense after reading the first one. The buildup of that book satisfied the reding experience of this one. This is way better than the Bridgerton Series. 

This was better than the previous one in the series. The writing is impeccable and captivating.
This series seems promising enough to be made as a Netflix original like Bridgerton. All the characters are such individuals with their own story and struggle, promising and interesting. The male lead in this ❤️ and their sensual experiences are so well described.
The only thing that irritated me was the point when an important character is under death threat and the other guy has the audacity to divulge into his lustful thoughts in the tensed time.

View all my reviews

Book Review: Mine Till Midnight Lisa Kleypas (The Hathaways #1)

Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a fan of historical romance, "Mine Till Midnight" by Lisa Kleypas captured my heart from the very first page. Set in 19th-century England, this novel introduces readers to the captivating world of the Hathaway family, each member bringing their own unique charm and complexity to the story.

Amelia Hathaway, the heroine of the tale, instantly became a character I admired and rooted for. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her family made her a standout protagonist. Watching her navigate the challenges of life, from managing her siblings to grappling with her own desires, was a journey I was deeply invested in.

The romantic tension between Amelia and Cam Rohan, the darkly mysterious half-gypsy, added an extra layer of excitement to the narrative. Their chemistry sizzled on the pages, making every interaction between them electric and unforgettable.

Lisa Kleypas's writing style is enchanting, painting a vivid picture of the historical setting and bringing the characters to life with depth and emotion. The plot twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, eager to unravel the secrets and mysteries woven throughout the story.

Overall, "Mine Till Midnight" is a delightful blend of romance, drama, and intrigue that kept me captivated until the very end. It's a book I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a compelling historical romance with well-developed characters and a swoon-worthy love story.

View all my reviews

Book Review: Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The author had me hooked on this line:

"I rolled my eyes and waited. This year was going to be my villain origin story, I just knew it."

This male protagonist, I can't help but fall for him. It's not because he fits the typical alpha male stereotype or because he's conventionally attractive. It's because he's relatable. His anxiety and vulnerability are portrayed with such nuanced detail and accuracy that it feels like I'm looking into a mirror. He overthinks the smallest details, feels uneasy around new people, finds solace in familiar songs and shows, and gets caught in loops of social anxiety. He's me - the anxious one.

What's truly heartwarming is how he opens up and exposes his innermost thoughts and feelings, sharing his journal with someone special. This is a monumental step, especially for an introvert. He invites her into his world, giving her the power to either break him or love him, depending on her choice. It all feels incredibly personal, almost like a mirror reflecting my own insecurities and fears.

The story doesn't just stop there. I found myself empathizing with Briana too, understanding her trauma from past relationships and her struggle to trust again. The emotional depth of both characters takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride of feelings - from relatable anxieties to moments of courage and vulnerability, it's a journey that hits close to home.

In conclusion, this book is an emotional rollercoaster that beautifully captures the complexities of human emotions, anxieties, and the delicate dance of trust and vulnerability in relationships. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a story that resonates on a deeply personal level.

View all my reviews