3.5* While I found the narrative of this book engaging with mature, well-drawn characters, the execution was lacking for me in certain aspects.
The stor3.5* While I found the narrative of this book engaging with mature, well-drawn characters, the execution was lacking for me in certain aspects.
The story revolved around Tegan, who had a one-night stand the night before starting her new job, only to discover that her new colleague was her fling. This setup promised drama and romantic tension, but for me, the follow-through fell short. While the characters were mature and their interactions were considered, the narrative sometimes felt too slow, particularly due to the heavy emphasis on "safe space" and "therapy speak." While these elements were well-written and thoughtfully integrated, they diffused the romantic chemistry that I found myself craving in a romance novel.
One of the standout aspects of the book was the supporting cast. Characters like Robin and the dynamics between Gillian and Brooke provided a sense of found family that was both heartwarming and engaging. These relationships added depth and richness to the story, providing memorable moments that stood out even if the main romance did not always hit the mark.
The initial spark between Tegan and her colleague was palpable, but the transition from a one-night stand to a professional relationship, and back again, was where the narrative seemed to struggle. The sexual tension, while present, did not always mesh well with the serious tone that the story often took. This imbalance made parts of the book feel less compelling, as the parallel between the romance and the professional dynamics didn’t always align seamlessly.
Despite these points, "Informed Consent" had much to offer. The writing was strong, and Spangler’s ability to create realistic, likable characters was evident throughout. For those who appreciate a more introspective and mature romance with a focus on personal growth and supportive relationships, this book could be quite satisfying.
In summary, "Informed Consent" might not be for everyone, particularly those looking for a fast-paced romance. However, it offered a thoughtful exploration of relationships and personal dynamics that could be rewarding in its own right....more
It's always a treat to get back to characters you've liked in the past. Describing Rebecca and Cassidy's journey as an emotional rollercoaster barely sIt's always a treat to get back to characters you've liked in the past. Describing Rebecca and Cassidy's journey as an emotional rollercoaster barely scratches the surface. Each chapter poignantly illustrates that true love persists, no matter how challenging the circumstances....more
A predictable affair with a predictable ending. I don't have a problem with morally grey or flat out unlikable characters and their shitty behaviors asA predictable affair with a predictable ending. I don't have a problem with morally grey or flat out unlikable characters and their shitty behaviors as long as there is at least some meaningful point at the end. I failed to find one here.
What sounded like an intriguing narrative quickly revealed itself to be quite frustrating, centered around an unlikable protagonist whose actions lack purpose and depth. The novel begins with promising prose, infused with snarky slang and hot-headed attitude. However, this charm wears thin as the narrative progresses, becoming tiresome rather than engaging. Time passes ambiguously, emotions develop without explanation or depth, and the plot just stumbles along without clear direction.
What starts as a potentially compelling exploration of complex relationships descends into a hollow depiction of selfishness and indifference. The absence of any interior life or introspection from the protagonist results in a sense of detachment and I was soon questioning the purpose of the story as a whole. In the end "Green Dot" failed to deliver a meaningful point behind its characters' actions for me, leaving a sense of unfulfilled potential....more
I expected something both lively and mysterious to get me out of a reading rut. This book fell short of those expeWell, that was a disappointing read.
I expected something both lively and mysterious to get me out of a reading rut. This book fell short of those expectations, delivering a narrative riddled with clichés and lacking in depth. The novel follows Zoe, whose infatuation with her boss is overly emphasized to the point of caricature. Zoe sounds nothing like an adult, but more like a hormonal teenager who couldn't control herself.
One of the book's major flaws for me lies in the lack of scene-setting. Despite supposedly taking place within a city and a workplace environment, these backdrops are mere shadows, lacking any texture or substance.
The characters barely had any distinctive personalities, save for their superficial traits. Focusing on a character's "deep blue eyes" has become an excessively worn-out trope. Conversations between Zoe and Gwen were disappointingly simplistic, failing to provide the necessary context or backstory to enrich their personalities. Another thing that doesn't sit right with me is the choice of pet names. The term "silly girl" came across as demeaning rather than endearing, while Zoe's continued address Gwen as "Ms. Fudala" long after their intimacy was established conveyed a sense of detachment.
The plot's mystery felt flat as well, it lacked intrigue, complexity and it suffered from scarcity of suspects. The identity of the antagonist became glaringly obvious early on, robbing the narrative of any suspense or tension. Additionally, depicting law enforcement as incompetent and misogynistic undermined the story's credibility even more.
Overall, this book failed to deliver on multiple fronts which left me disappointed. I'm obviously in the minority here, but I'm really surprised that something so poorly written has received such a high rating....more
In my experience, there aren't that many authors that can write longing, passion, pain and love quite as well and as masterfully as McKay. The evolutiIn my experience, there aren't that many authors that can write longing, passion, pain and love quite as well and as masterfully as McKay. The evolution of the relationship between Magdalene and Sam was beautiful and more intimate, there was much more to this book than just a retelling. I also loved the little nod to another well known and beloved character, Audrey Avens....more
This felt like a YA novel that's trying to pass for an adult romance. The two MC's were bickering like teenagers throughout the whole book. It was repThis felt like a YA novel that's trying to pass for an adult romance. The two MC's were bickering like teenagers throughout the whole book. It was repetitive and with limited vocabulary, the extent of adjectives used to describe the two women was basically confined to cute, bitch, and princess. Why was Diana suddenly so obsessed with Sabrina was a mystery. The dom/sub dynamics were comical and it barely even scratched the surface of two very complex issues - the importance of the oil industry and the environmental impact it's having on our planet. ...more
An age gap romance between two artists who go through an emotional turmoil before finding their way towards each other. We get a cameo appearance of anAn age gap romance between two artists who go through an emotional turmoil before finding their way towards each other. We get a cameo appearance of another previously known couple - Brook and Cassie from Bryant's Temptation novel, still going strong and with an additional family member. I wish this was a double POV novel. Josie’s raw passion for life, love and art were refreshing and balanced out the more serious issues but I was much more interested in Olivia's struggle to overcome her devastating loss, grief and the guilt of her newfound happiness. Although I missed the spark between the two women, this was still an enjoyable summer read. Also, the cover is gorgeous.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review....more
A psychological analysis of one suppressed, tortured soul living in a dysfunctional family. A novel that makes you think, critiques society, sheds a lA psychological analysis of one suppressed, tortured soul living in a dysfunctional family. A novel that makes you think, critiques society, sheds a light on aggression and juggles with the roles of power and submission....more
A nice quick read but unfortunately the drama and lies that set the atmosphere in Champagne Problems, where Sophia and Emily's relationship started, cA nice quick read but unfortunately the drama and lies that set the atmosphere in Champagne Problems, where Sophia and Emily's relationship started, continued in this follow up as well....more
Bland and mind numbingly uneventful. "I don't know" was the most common phrase used by Natalie and perfectly described her character in it's entirety.Bland and mind numbingly uneventful. "I don't know" was the most common phrase used by Natalie and perfectly described her character in it's entirety. There was barely any character growth or resolution to the very predictable twist. ...more
A perfect ice queen romance with great characters and a lot of depth. There are a lot of layers, some hard topics that were discussed and a fair amounA perfect ice queen romance with great characters and a lot of depth. There are a lot of layers, some hard topics that were discussed and a fair amount of humor to take you through the unpleasant moments of Beatrice's past. Her heart took it's time to melt down and with each wall tumbling down you could feel all the joy, sadness, love, and fear that the author captured excellently.
Merged review:
A perfect ice queen romance with great characters and a lot of depth. There are a lot of layers, some hard topics that were discussed and a fair amount of humor to take you through the unpleasant moments of Beatrice's past. Her heart took it's time to melt down and with each wall tumbling down you could feel all the joy, sadness, love, and fear that the author captured excellently....more
I loved the first book but I couldn't really immerse myself into this one. Something felt off with this second installment. It started strong but someI loved the first book but I couldn't really immerse myself into this one. Something felt off with this second installment. It started strong but somewhere along the way it lost it's momentum. The drama around the character from London's past felt unnecessary and weird. At the end, everything wrapped up too quickly and neatly. ...more
A beautifully written slow burn romance. Both characters were so sweet and relatable with their respective insecurities and fears, it was just lovely A beautifully written slow burn romance. Both characters were so sweet and relatable with their respective insecurities and fears, it was just lovely to watch them overcome them and fall in love....more
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