⭐⭐.5/5 -- I went back and forth on my rating for this one so many times.. there's a lot that I liked, but the overall vibe of this rom-com had me roll⭐⭐.5/5 -- I went back and forth on my rating for this one so many times.. there's a lot that I liked, but the overall vibe of this rom-com had me rolling my eyes. Can we just get through a romance novel without pandering? Does anyone enjoy having a political debate in their head while trying to read a romance?
THOUGHTS: - When it comes down to reviewing books - something I’m emphatic about is trying to judge the quality of the writing vs. deciding whether I do or don’t like the book based on the content. Just because I don't like a book doesn't mean it wasn't well written. When it comes to The Boyfriend Candidate, the content was quite frankly annoying and purposefully meant to appeal to a specific type of reader. - While I am 100% behind the fact that the USA’s educational system is broken, in serious need of reform and higher budgets for teachers, supplies etc. .. that’s something I think feels like a soft no brainer that politicians throw around for clout but usually gets no where right? *climbing off my mini-soap box now lol…* --->>>
The problem I encountered while reading is that when I start coming across more touchy subjects ~ like what kinds of banned literature should be allowed in schools ~ it makes a book realllllly hard to rate. Am I reading a romance novel, or am I reading a poly-sci theoretical dissertation? Do the people who read my reviews think that a good review means I agree with the subject matter? Did I even enjoy it?
The fact that these highly debated political topics made their way into a romance novel meant to be an escapist-style read?? Just didn’t fit the bill for me to consider it truly ‘enjoyable.’ I’d also like to point out the irony of the party the author obviously supported getting mad that the other party was doing objectively shady stuff… while the candidate was LITERALLY doing the same thing to make himself look better. The hypocrisy of politics never ceases to amaze me… lol it comes from BOTH sides of the political spectrum in so many different forms it could be turned into a drinking game.
Maybe this is your thing, and you’ll be totally fine with it? So this is how I’m going to rate this book: - Writing Style: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 (Super easy to follow and parts were definitely fun. Literally booking the hubs and I’s next weekend getaway for wine country in Fredericksburg, Texas! ) Again, though, while easy to follow the plot, some of the subject matter was a littttle too distracting to really be considered a ‘fun’ read. - Character Development: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 - While the FMC’s character definitely grew in the ‘learning to stand up for herself category’ - the beginning, where she’s so timid and afraid to speak up, was ~ so cringe ~. That cringe factor persisted in the drama she willingly created herself. The 'I'm so meek and mild and can't stand up for myself' trope is SO overdone. - Content: ⭐️⭐️.5/5 - The Boyfriend Candidate, while a decent rom-com-Lifetime-movie-in-the-making, felt like an overall pandering mess. I loved that the FMC seems to genuinely care about her students, her role as an educator etc. it was heartwarming to read that because I can still remember the great teachers/librarians that I had! The rest of it though..? Meh, and the storyline has a soft ending that didn’t give me any warm and fuzzies?
I had high hopes for this one, and I think the author has potential! Maybe I’ll like her next work more? If you loved Ali Hazelwood’s Love on The Brain, you’d love The Boyfriend Candidate!
Merged review:
⭐⭐.5/5 -- I went back and forth on my rating for this one so many times.. there's a lot that I liked, but the overall vibe of this rom-com had me rolling my eyes. Can we just get through a romance novel without pandering? Does anyone enjoy having a political debate in their head while trying to read a romance?
THOUGHTS: - When it comes down to reviewing books - something I’m emphatic about is trying to judge the quality of the writing vs. deciding whether I do or don’t like the book based on the content. Just because I don't like a book doesn't mean it wasn't well written. When it comes to The Boyfriend Candidate, the content was quite frankly annoying and purposefully meant to appeal to a specific type of reader. - While I am 100% behind the fact that the USA’s educational system is broken, in serious need of reform and higher budgets for teachers, supplies etc. .. that’s something I think feels like a soft no brainer that politicians throw around for clout but usually gets no where right? *climbing off my mini-soap box now lol…* --->>>
The problem I encountered while reading is that when I start coming across more touchy subjects ~ like what kinds of banned literature should be allowed in schools ~ it makes a book realllllly hard to rate. Am I reading a romance novel, or am I reading a poly-sci theoretical dissertation? Do the people who read my reviews think that a good review means I agree with the subject matter? Did I even enjoy it?
The fact that these highly debated political topics made their way into a romance novel meant to be an escapist-style read?? Just didn’t fit the bill for me to consider it truly ‘enjoyable.’ I’d also like to point out the irony of the party the author obviously supported getting mad that the other party was doing objectively shady stuff… while the candidate was LITERALLY doing the same thing to make himself look better. The hypocrisy of politics never ceases to amaze me… lol it comes from BOTH sides of the political spectrum in so many different forms it could be turned into a drinking game.
Maybe this is your thing, and you’ll be totally fine with it? So this is how I’m going to rate this book: - Writing Style: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 (Super easy to follow and parts were definitely fun. Literally booking the hubs and I’s next weekend getaway for wine country in Fredericksburg, Texas! ) Again, though, while easy to follow the plot, some of the subject matter was a littttle too distracting to really be considered a ‘fun’ read. - Character Development: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 - While the FMC’s character definitely grew in the ‘learning to stand up for herself category’ - the beginning, where she’s so timid and afraid to speak up, was ~ so cringe ~. That cringe factor persisted in the drama she willingly created herself. The 'I'm so meek and mild and can't stand up for myself' trope is SO overdone. - Content: ⭐️⭐️.5/5 - The Boyfriend Candidate, while a decent rom-com-Lifetime-movie-in-the-making, felt like an overall pandering mess. I loved that the FMC seems to genuinely care about her students, her role as an educator etc. it was heartwarming to read that because I can still remember the great teachers/librarians that I had! The rest of it though..? Meh, and the storyline has a soft ending that didn’t give me any warm and fuzzies?
I had high hopes for this one, and I think the author has potential! Maybe I’ll like her next work more? If you loved Ali Hazelwood’s Love on The Brain, you’d love The Boyfriend Candidate!...more
Intrusive thoughts gone rouge meet slap-stick 'who-dun-it' in Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies! I don't think I expected this to be quite so Intrusive thoughts gone rouge meet slap-stick 'who-dun-it' in Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies! I don't think I expected this to be quite so bumbling or laughable, but with a satisfying end to Mack's Italian jaunt, Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies will be a perfect plane or pool-side read this year!
Most definitely a book you need to read with a physical copy or a really good audible narrator - the concept of 'footnotes' throughout was hilarious. Who among us doesn't include random tangents while they speak? So while our heroine, Eleanor, stumbles through a boozy tour of Italy with some of her book's greatest fans in tow... it feels like making a friend! (Especially when that friend is just as much of a mess as we are. ;) )
NOTES: - This book most definitely needs to be a physical format or with a really good audiobook narrator to make sure that all of the 'footnotes' make sense. Rating: 3.5/5 (Rounded up to a 4 - A great premise but the writing style and the inclusion of footnotes were a bit confusing at first. Once I got the hang of the storytelling, I was more immersed in the plot!)
**Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR ...more
It's like someone took all my fears and anxieties as the oldest daughter and made a romance novel to heal my inner child.. complete with marshmallow bIt's like someone took all my fears and anxieties as the oldest daughter and made a romance novel to heal my inner child.. complete with marshmallow boyfriends, adventures, and big.. cats!
As a high-functioning anxiety-ridden overachiever - life can be really... boring. A feeling our heroine Zoey Fong knows all too well as a medical school graduate turned cancer researcher. So when the opportunity for adventure comes after a lifetime of following 'The Plan' - she jumps on it - even though it might throw her life into a little (i.e major) tailspin.
What follows is the unraveling of a lifetime of self-recriminations and finding what true love and contentment really means! And Davy? One of the sweetest, most down-to-earth portrayals of social anxiety in men I've ever read. So cute and a great read if you're looking for the softer side of a hero!
NOTES: - Asian literature - Women in STEM lit! - CWs: severe childhood illness - Spice Level: 2/5 - There are some open-door sexy moments - but overall, this just felt incredibly charming! -Overall Rating: 3.5/5 (Rounded up to 4) - I think this was cute and would be a great audiobook/gift basket book if you need a quick and easy romance! The cover is adorable, and I'm definitely putting it in a couple of goodie bags for the summer!
**Thank you to Harlequin & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR ...more
A perfect parable for true crime lovers everywhere! When you go looking... are the answers you find really ever worth it?
Rabbit Hole is a prime examplA perfect parable for true crime lovers everywhere! When you go looking... are the answers you find really ever worth it?
Rabbit Hole is a prime example of what happens when you allow yourself to be waylaid by something you don't really want answers to. Your life, relationships, and job might start to really fall apart if you don't let things go...
THOUGHTS: - Rabbit Hole definitely felt like one of the saddest books I had read in a long time. Perfectly detailing what happens when someone is in a full-on downward mental spiral - it's almost a painful read. I think for many, though... if you've ever gone through a rough patch and you couldn't seem to get out of that perpetual grey.. this book details exactly how that feels. - THE CONTENT: This book is dark - but not so dark that someone who likes psychological thrillers but can't handle slashers couldn't read it. My feelings while reading tended more towards morose and sad - not shock and revulsion lol BUT - if you love true crime - you'd really love this! (I'm not a true crime gal and I still really enjoyed what K.Brody was trying to create. ) - CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: Our main character Teddy was crafted perfectly! If you've ever been around a friend/family member - or even an acquaintance - that's quite literally ruining their own life -- you know that helpless feeling of wanting to shake them to do better? It was almost cathartic to read because there's nothing the people around Teddy really could've done.
↑↑ Update - Finished December 22nd, 2023 ↑↑
This is gritty and sad in the beginning... crazy what people will do to each other!
↑↑ Update - Started December 12th, 2023 ↑↑
NOTES: - Family drama - CWs: add!ction, depression, broken families, adultery
**Thank you to Soho Crime & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR ...more
It Takes A Rake is the story of what happens when a woman cares more about her career than finding a suitable match!! Women in STEM, and in Miss BeckeIt Takes A Rake is the story of what happens when a woman cares more about her career than finding a suitable match!! Women in STEM, and in Miss Becket's case, architecture - aren't commonplace at all - but neither are the type of truly kind, honorable, or hard-working men (AKA nice guys)\ like the honorable Leo Lockland that she's trying SO hard to avoid!
**Thank you to St. Martin's Paperbacks & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR ...more
If you loved the passion, intrigue, and all things Scottish from Outlander - you love Curiosity Killed the Duke!
I read this in exactly 3 hours becausIf you loved the passion, intrigue, and all things Scottish from Outlander - you love Curiosity Killed the Duke!
I read this in exactly 3 hours because I couldn't put it down and just needed some Regency-era spice! I love a feisty heroine who makes a man work for it!!
**Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR ...more
Magical realism is one of those genres that takes a certain amount of mental ingenuity to enjoy - and if you love a bit of a challenge, you'll enjoy tMagical realism is one of those genres that takes a certain amount of mental ingenuity to enjoy - and if you love a bit of a challenge, you'll enjoy this 'going-home-again' mysterious romance!! Bond's take on characters being forced to confront their demons and come to terms with the current status of old relationships was refreshing and done in such a way that I immensely enjoyed this lighthearted read.
Even though it's technically a romance - I found the art history/underbelly of the art world scene to be fascinating! If you love art - pre-order this for 2024, and you won't be disappointed. I'm mentally classifying The Frame-Up as a perfect break between steamier reads and a mystery!
NOTES: - Set in Kentucky - so I automatically felt at home reading!
**Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR ...more
Sexier than Bram Stoker's Dracula or the Cullen's of Twilight and with a delicious darkness like the Kate Beckinsdale Van Helsing movie! Highly enjoyeSexier than Bram Stoker's Dracula or the Cullen's of Twilight and with a delicious darkness like the Kate Beckinsdale Van Helsing movie! Highly enjoyed this foray into a vampire fantasy world again, since fae and shifter romances have become so popular these days!!
Not only was The Duke Know Best narrated well - but I TRULY loved these characters. There was so much growth, and felt very much Pride & Prejudice styNot only was The Duke Know Best narrated well - but I TRULY loved these characters. There was so much growth, and felt very much Pride & Prejudice style with their misconceptions about each other. Such a fun and relaxed commuter listen!
**Thank you to Bolinda Audio & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR ...more
This historical romance had NO business being this good. I love pretty much all historical romances. It's hard to mess up poofy dresses and gallant meThis historical romance had NO business being this good. I love pretty much all historical romances. It's hard to mess up poofy dresses and gallant men who know their way around London - BUT .. the idea that our heroine has had to fight for the life she's had sucked me in right away. I will be watching out for Book 2 in this series and reading ASAP!!
The romance in this first book of the series is great - but I never forgot that there was also a mystery running in the background? Totally didn't see the ending coming until it was right in my face, and then it all made sense!!! All parts of this story wrapped up so well!!
**P.S. I'm pretty sure I know who the second book will be about, and I'm desperate for her story!!
From page one - this is a perfect WWII feminist feeling novel! I've read so many stories about women's roles in history, and none of them felt quite aFrom page one - this is a perfect WWII feminist feeling novel! I've read so many stories about women's roles in history, and none of them felt quite as high stakes! Katja's heroism jumps off every page!
**Thank you to Harper 360, HQ Digitalw & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR ...more
The Regency Vows series is ending with a bang! If you love a mature women's regency romance - or sisters who would do anything for each other - then tThe Regency Vows series is ending with a bang! If you love a mature women's regency romance - or sisters who would do anything for each other - then this is the one for you! *insert cry-face emojis*
**Thank you to Atria Books & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR ...more
Family thrillers take on such interesting twists and turns - especially when there's money involved.. but The Heiress takes the cake for the reveals. Family thrillers take on such interesting twists and turns - especially when there's money involved.. but The Heiress takes the cake for the reveals. Set in the sleepy mountains of North Carolina... there really just is something about the misty Blue Ridge.
Everything I thought I understood throughout this book came crashing down one chapter after another most spectacularly. It's not often that I really like a book so much that my mind doesn't start skimming through the pages? But in Hawkin's latest... you really have to pay attention to every chapter's intended audience!!!
Up there with another of my favorite family-based thrillers like The Maidens - The Heiress is one I'm going to recommend to all of my fellow thriller readers down here in the South!
**Thank you to St. Martin's Press & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR ...more
Is there anything better than sassy nonagenarians living their best lives? - I think not!! As I have never personally feared aging.. only living a lifIs there anything better than sassy nonagenarians living their best lives? - I think not!! As I have never personally feared aging.. only living a life without purpose - The Excitements is a perfect dual-timeline reminder of how to live your life to the fullest!!
A QUICK INTRODUCTION: in the case of the Williamson sisters, who lived through some of the worst parts of our world's history in the last 100 years -why shouldn't they have some fun..? Or.. excitement? Nothing much seems to happen to elderly people.. or so it may seem. But in reality.. both sisters led daring lives as WWII spies in their youths. As they aged and continued to master those skills for the greater good.. mysteries and secrets began to unfold.
REVIEW: While one might argue there's something inherently romantic about all stories or history - I'm a big fan of non-romance fiction every now and then. I think it truly puts other romantic tales into perspective and reminds us of what's really important/what we can look forward to as the years go by.
The books I love the most are the ones that leave me feeling a little in my feels when they're over, and this one definitely left me with the warm fuzzies. (Also, I desperately wish I could hug these two old English broads!)
**Thank you to William Morrow & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR ...more
Enthusiastic fist-pump to the air for a strong heroine of the Victorian Era!! It takes so much courage to admit when you're wrong and need to change -Enthusiastic fist-pump to the air for a strong heroine of the Victorian Era!! It takes so much courage to admit when you're wrong and need to change - and when characters go from driving me CRAZY to making me want to give them a hug - I know the author did their job well. Our heroine, Lady Anne Deveril, exemplifies everything I want to see in a woman who realizes the fallacy of her thoughts and owns up to them!
I loved this so much that I immediately ordered the second book in the series (another friend had already bought me the first one)!
P.S. I'm reading the first book, The Siren of Sussex, now and I don't feel that the books have to be read in order. I truly have no idea what's going to happen based on The Lily of Ludgate Hill! (I prefer series like this sometimes...makes it so easy just to pick up a historical romance and enjoy it for what it is!!)
**Thank you to Berkley & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR ...more
I really... really... struggled to finish this. I think the premise is really good - and somewhat reminds me of Normal People by Sally Rooney?
I thinkI really... really... struggled to finish this. I think the premise is really good - and somewhat reminds me of Normal People by Sally Rooney?
I think it was me though - just that I wasn't quite in the right frame of mind to read this. When reading character studies - you need to be in somewhat of an atmospheric mood. Upon finishing, I think I just felt grey, and my anti-depressants can only do so much friends... ...more
Reading books that make you happy regardless of the genre is why I'm so happy I got back into reading, and Royal Scandal is one of those! If you ever Reading books that make you happy regardless of the genre is why I'm so happy I got back into reading, and Royal Scandal is one of those! If you ever loved spy novels as a kid or series like Twilight, Divergent, etc. (or the energy of Lizzie McGuire) - this series gives me much of that same fun, adventurous, nostalgically cozy, completely engrossed feeling! I wanted to curl up with an orange-cicle dream pop and flop into a bean bag chair. This is truly a FANTASTIC young adult/new adult series, and I've loved it every step of the way!
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THOUGHTS: - This is so much more than just a YA mystery. The writing in this series is spectacular and makes me want to recommend it to everyone I know. Forever on my comfort reads list.. Aimee Carter's writing just made me so happy!! I really can't explain it but I wish I could read this series again for the first time because it brought me so much joy!!! (That feeling is so rare for me! Both books in this series so far have pulled me out of reading slumps!!)
- Do you ever land on a cliffhanger and then want to throw your Kindle?!! Because that's what I did at the end of Royal Scandal. The way this ends is fantastic. It's big, it's loud and convoluted... There were things I picked up along the way but Carter's writing is giving Sarah J Mass energy with that last quarter blowing up everything you thought you knew!! This one isn't even out yet, and I'm dying for the next book. This story shall live rent-free in my head until the next book comes out, which I hope happens so soon!
- I love our heroine - but I love the side characters too. It's easy to love a heroine who doesn't want fame or riches, I think? But what's harder is to love characters that you feel deserve a lil' struggle? Carter pulls off, making you want to be friends with the mean girl and having a crazy level of compassion for those struggling with mental illness in a way you might never have considered.
**Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR
Merged review:
Reading books that make you happy regardless of the genre is why I'm so happy I got back into reading, and Royal Scandal is one of those! If you ever loved spy novels as a kid or series like Twilight, Divergent, etc. (or the energy of Lizzie McGuire) - this series gives me much of that same fun, adventurous, nostalgically cozy, completely engrossed feeling! I wanted to curl up with an orange-cicle dream pop and flop into a bean bag chair. This is truly a FANTASTIC young adult/new adult series, and I've loved it every step of the way!
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THOUGHTS: - This is so much more than just a YA mystery. The writing in this series is spectacular and makes me want to recommend it to everyone I know. Forever on my comfort reads list.. Aimee Carter's writing just made me so happy!! I really can't explain it but I wish I could read this series again for the first time because it brought me so much joy!!! (That feeling is so rare for me! Both books in this series so far have pulled me out of reading slumps!!)
- Do you ever land on a cliffhanger and then want to throw your Kindle?!! Because that's what I did at the end of Royal Scandal. The way this ends is fantastic. It's big, it's loud and convoluted... There were things I picked up along the way but Carter's writing is giving Sarah J Mass energy with that last quarter blowing up everything you thought you knew!! This one isn't even out yet, and I'm dying for the next book. This story shall live rent-free in my head until the next book comes out, which I hope happens so soon!
- I love our heroine - but I love the side characters too. It's easy to love a heroine who doesn't want fame or riches, I think? But what's harder is to love characters that you feel deserve a lil' struggle? Carter pulls off, making you want to be friends with the mean girl and having a crazy level of compassion for those struggling with mental illness in a way you might never have considered.
**Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR...more
I love how fast I can read this series and be entertained!! I also loved the blend of Nordic vibes in this story. The cold icy landscape made a fun baI love how fast I can read this series and be entertained!! I also loved the blend of Nordic vibes in this story. The cold icy landscape made a fun backdrop to this story and the icy monster Sorinda found!
I honestly wasn't sure if I would love this story because it wasn't about Alosa - but once I started reading Sorinda's tale, I was immediately entranced. There's just something about a private novel that I can't help but love!! I especially find it enjoyable when we have such strong heroines. Even if they're working through their own emotional issues from past trauma - or navigating new types of relationships - I appreciate reading those stories of their growth.
The idea of the open seas and adventure is always appealing... but then to add women's friendships and a dash of romance on top? **SO FUN!!!**
**Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Feiwel & Friends & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR ...more
The difference between those rose-colored glasses of nostalgia & pragmaticism. If you're reading this for the romance.. you might be disappointed.. buThe difference between those rose-colored glasses of nostalgia & pragmaticism. If you're reading this for the romance.. you might be disappointed.. but then you'll be happy you read it anyway because that's not the point. The point is that we all have to make choices and look at our lives where they are now, and THAT's what I love about our heroine Rachel.
Rachel is a lawyer whose marriage is slipping by until she starts realizing that she and her husband aren't as connected as they used to be. Upon realizing that her latest misfortune.. the press leak of private photos and letters of her childhood first love (who just happens to be a movie star now), is a result of her husband's greedy habits - Rachel starts taking a really hard look at her life. What has she been living with in terms of satisfaction? Is she really happy? And if she's not happy... what's a woman to do?
When I started reading this... I was hoping for a specific outcome in Rachel's life.. but as I progressed quickly through the flashbacks of the past and Rachel's present struggles, I realized that her romance(s) aren't the main point of this book. She's worked hard, become successful, and is raising two children -- those things, in combination with figuring out what kind of woman she wanted to be, are what defined her. Not what man she 'chose'.
NOTES: - CWs: gambling addictions
**Thank you to Union Square & Co. & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR ...more
Southern Lady Reads (Crazy Busy-Will Catch Up!)
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