As the book continues, Elsy becomes progressively more and more annoying. I lost even more respect for her as a FMC after she throws herself at the loAs the book continues, Elsy becomes progressively more and more annoying. I lost even more respect for her as a FMC after she throws herself at the love interest at the 50% mark. And as happens often with romances, I never really understand why each of these people really like each other. It feels like instalove. Some of the dialogue feels natural, some feels cliche and forced.
But I still enjoyed it more than the average contemporary romance. This author has some decent writing talent, and it’s still a fun and casual story. Short chapters, and an easy read. Feels a little lighter than The Dead Romantics.
This book has one of the best descriptions of what it’s like to be single: It’s like being stuck on the couch with a broken ankle, your crutches knocked out of reach, and in going through your mental Rolodex of people you could call, you realize that "every one of them has someone more important in their lives to take care of. You have to weigh how much of a bother you can be. And how much you can rely on them.”...more
Got halfway through the audiobook, and then it returned to the library unfinished. A few weeks later I finally got my hands on a print copy from the lGot halfway through the audiobook, and then it returned to the library unfinished. A few weeks later I finally got my hands on a print copy from the library. So the reading process was long and drawn-out for this one.
Scattered thoughts: --Pacing is not as fast as the first book. Many scenes, characters, and descriptions could have been cut to speed up the narrative. --A few throw-away lines about religion being nothing but a matter of "faith" grated on me. --Is this a love triangle? Whyyyyy. Wait. Strike that. A love… quadrangle? --I don't understand Kell's decision which creates the cliffhanger at the end. So out of character for him. Feels forced from the author. But also, now I feel I need to read the third book....more
Average fun rom-com. Some good character development. I liked how the main character grew and learned lessons about herself and others throughout the Average fun rom-com. Some good character development. I liked how the main character grew and learned lessons about herself and others throughout the story. Lots of kissing but nothing too explicit....more
Fun average rom com. Better than many others in the genre. Goes on slightly too long—there’s three endings. Some of the dialogue is a bit much. "SombeFun average rom com. Better than many others in the genre. Goes on slightly too long—there’s three endings. Some of the dialogue is a bit much. "Somber eyelashes"? "Eyes as hard as obsidian?" Really? But some of the dialogue is cute banter.
Relatively clean. Some kissing. No explicit sex scenes....more
Modern tech twist on a fantastical world full of assorted creatures. Reminds me a little of the Artemis Fowl books, but fewer gadgets and more focus oModern tech twist on a fantastical world full of assorted creatures. Reminds me a little of the Artemis Fowl books, but fewer gadgets and more focus on relationships surrounding a single location rather than solving a mystery or a crime.
There is a girl-girl lesbian romance that does not get explicit....more
Some of my favorite tropes: arranged marriage, accidental injury / snowed in (aka: "oh no, I can’t possibly leave, looks like I’m stuck here overnightSome of my favorite tropes: arranged marriage, accidental injury / snowed in (aka: "oh no, I can’t possibly leave, looks like I’m stuck here overnight with these handsome men"). Plus a cowboy/country/backwoods/mountain setting.
Lots of fun temporary mixups, misunderstandings, confusion over identity and intent, and so on. Engaging characters. Some of the descriptions are a tad too long. A few spots of repetition. An awkward word here and there. But still above average writing for the genre.
Relatively clean. Some kissing and suggestions. No explicit sex scenes.
In terms of character and writing: I like that Josh broke up with his old girlfriend for reasons other than his relationship with Hazel. I like that JIn terms of character and writing: I like that Josh broke up with his old girlfriend for reasons other than his relationship with Hazel. I like that Josh and Hazel became friends, first and foremost. I terms of plot: there’s a few too many coincidences surrounding people meeting each other on dates or setups. There’s a typical miscommunication trope at the end: the last 8 chapters could have been avoided if they would have just talked to each other. I don’t care for the cliche twist at the end.
Like most Christina Lauren books, there’s too much explicit sex. At about the 50% mark the characters do the typical thing and get drunk and give into lust. Lots of denial. Plenty of distraction. The usual upside down tropes of physical first, commitment later.
The guy reading Hazel’s lines in a girl’s voice sounds like he inhaled helium....more
Sweet, wholesome, clean, Christian romance. Some skilled characterization. Dialogue isn't the best, but also isn't constantly over the top. DescriptioSweet, wholesome, clean, Christian romance. Some skilled characterization. Dialogue isn't the best, but also isn't constantly over the top. Descriptions are enough to create background without being distracting. Set 100 years in the future with only subtle hints of future technologies and events.
Explores themes of insecurities, confidence, loneliness, and trust. Asks the all-important question: Is it okay to think a man attractive in a clerical? (I laughed aloud at that.)
Sequel please! A romance for Elizabeth? I must know how she manages to escape Zach’s clutches.
Giving this five stars just so the Goodreads algorithm will support the book. We need more books like this. Can we start a publishing movement of LCMS romance fiction written by pastors' wives? CPH needs to publish more of this kind of thing....more
Just like the past volumes: Gorgeous art, skilled design, engaging story. Persephone admits to her crush on Hades and finally tells someone of her hisJust like the past volumes: Gorgeous art, skilled design, engaging story. Persephone admits to her crush on Hades and finally tells someone of her history with Apollo. More Minthe and Hecate. Eros and Aphrodite enter the scene....more
Just like Volume One: Gorgeous art, skilled design, engaging story. Hades and Persephone get to spend more time together here, and it's adorable.Just like Volume One: Gorgeous art, skilled design, engaging story. Hades and Persephone get to spend more time together here, and it's adorable....more
Colleen Hoover appeared on my radar recently, as she keeps making bestseller lists. I picked this up wanting to try something short.
It's nothing more Colleen Hoover appeared on my radar recently, as she keeps making bestseller lists. I picked this up wanting to try something short.
It's nothing more than your average modern romance. Physical relationship first, emotional relationship later. Definitely not clean. The writing isn't bad, and the characters have some depth. But there's nothing memorable or really engaging. I don't think I've found a new favorite author/series....more
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