The final book in the Chestnut Springs series and it brought the story to a satisfying close. I have enjoyed the series as a whole but it was not withThe final book in the Chestnut Springs series and it brought the story to a satisfying close. I have enjoyed the series as a whole but it was not without its faults which were all summed up in my feelings towards this book.
My biggest issue has always been that the characters all have the same personality. Beau and Bailey started off distinctive with Bailey coming from a troubled family that taught her to be independent and hardened to other's judgement, and Beau dealing with PTSD from his experiences in the military. However they very quickly descended into the exact same character types that we saw in the previous books. I reckon you could swap the names in any of these books and it would not make any difference at all.
Hopeless is much longer than the story warrants. Very little actually happens to justify a 400 page book. Also, as a random side note, every time Beau called Bailey "sugar tits" it gave me such a massive ick that I almost stopped reading.
But onto the positives... the world that is created in this series is wonderful escapism and the stories are entertaining to read. The spicy scenes are very well written (questionable dirty talk aside!) and I have enjoyed the time I spent with this series. ...more
This was a fluffy read but I really enjoyed it and think it would be the perfect book to read over the festive season.
It follows Sadie who makes a wisThis was a fluffy read but I really enjoyed it and think it would be the perfect book to read over the festive season.
It follows Sadie who makes a wish that she could re-do the last year and put right all the mistakes she made. When her wish comes true she tries to make better choices and be a better person but starts to find that things are not working out like she hoped. The time-travel premise was used to great effect with some awkward and funny moments and I thought the book did a good job of exploring whether some things are just meant to be no matter which path you take to get there.
The central love story between Sadie and her brother's best friend Jacob was hit and miss. I loved Jacob as a character but was never fully convinced that he and Sadie were a good match. It also felt a bit far-fetched that they could know each other since childhood and Sadie could suddenly develop feelings for him as an adult. There were some seriously cheesy moments in their relationship too but I did not mind it too much in the spirit of the book.
It's worth mentioning that the book does deal with some heavier themes of sexual harassment in the workplace which were handled well, though somewhat sensationalized. It added some much needed weight to Sadie's professional choices to balance out some of the fluffier storylines. ...more
I've had a mixed experience with Bridget Collins' books in the past. I loved The Binding, though was not so keen on The Betrayals, so I knew going in I've had a mixed experience with Bridget Collins' books in the past. I loved The Binding, though was not so keen on The Betrayals, so I knew going in that The Silence Factory could go either way. Sadly, it ended up being one I didn't really like.
The story is told in two timelines. The first is from the perspective of Sophia, whose husband James is searching for rare specimens on a Greek island and she has to deal with his increasingly obsessive behaviour and harsh treatment of her. The second is from the perspective of Henry, many years later, who becomes involved with the owner of the factory that spins silk from rare spiders which have magical and dangerous powers.
My rating is based on the dark atmosphere of the book, which is really well created and sustained throughout the story. Also, the narrative that focused on Sophia was excellent and I wished we had more of her diary entries. As for the rest, it all fell a bit flat in the end. Henry was underdeveloped, as were the side characters, so it was hard to care about any of them. Henry, and the men he surrounded himself with, were all rather unlikeable and it was hard to see who we were supposed to be rooting for. The story touches on the theme of unrequited love and sexuality but it does not explore it in any detail and is just one of the many narrative threads that didn't get the attention that was needed to flesh out the story and characters. ...more
I've previously enjoyed a couple of books by Christina Lauren so was disappointed to not really like this one.
The premise is a really interesting one,I've previously enjoyed a couple of books by Christina Lauren so was disappointed to not really like this one.
The premise is a really interesting one, though was part of a trend of a few books/TV series based around the same concept. In this book there is a newly developed dating app which uses genetics to match people together based on compatibility. The main character, Jess, takes the DNA test on a whim and finds out she is 98% compatible with the creator of the app, Dr River Pena, a man she dislikes due to his rude demeanor.
I quite like an enemies to lovers trope and this was like a soft version of that but the problem was that there was no chemistry between the characters at all. They were both really bland with no intriguing qualities to make you feel invested in their love story.
I've also found one of my bug bears in books is when parenthood is unrealistically portrayed. Jess' 7 year old daughter speaks like a teenager and never seems to complain or be upset about anything at all, even when a total stranger picks her up from school. The child is conveniently passed from person to person to fit Jess' story and it just felt weird that a 7 year old would be so unemotional about everything.
It is a shame that the premise of the book was not explored in a better way as it could have been so good. ...more
This had so many hallmarks of a good rom com and I think it would work well adapted into a movie. The story follows Josh who, after a bad break up, deThis had so many hallmarks of a good rom com and I think it would work well adapted into a movie. The story follows Josh who, after a bad break up, decides to spend a year making all his decisions by flipping a coin (a bit like The Dice Man but lighter). When he meets a girl he likes, but then loses her in a crowd before getting her name, he goes on a search across Europe to track her down.
The story was cute and had some memorable scenes though the pacing was a bit off. Josh does not spend long in the countries he visits so unfortunately there was some stereotyping used to "set the scene", such as Oktoberfest in Berlin and brothels in Amsterdam. I would have liked a bit more depth to these parts of the book as they were the most interesting.
Josh seemed rather naive and immature for someone in their 20s and acted more like a teenager. Sometimes this was endearing but most of the time it bordered on annoying which made it difficult to root for him. Also the chemistry was lacking between the love interests. For the early stages of a new relationship it was fine but I did not feel that spark that made it believable that Josh would go to such lengths to track this woman down.
Overall I would say this is worth reading for an entertaining, light and cosy story but it didn't have the emotional impact I was hoping for. ...more
I am enjoying this series but can feel my enthusiasm waning as I go along.
I love the setting of these books and the cast of characters that grow as tI am enjoying this series but can feel my enthusiasm waning as I go along.
I love the setting of these books and the cast of characters that grow as the series progresses. The spicy scenes are very well written and there is enough drama and humor to keep me entertained. However one of the issues I started to notice was that the female characters all have the same personality and blend into each other.
This book follows Winter and Theo and I had high hopes that this one would stand out as Winter was established in the previous books as an "ice queen", with sharp wit and a fierce independence. That characterization was there very strongly at the start of the book and I liked that, but within a few chapters she morphed into the same person as the other female characters, full of insecurity, overly innocent and quick to upset. It was frustrating to see that happen.
I liked the set up of Winter and Theo's romance, though some of the heavier aspects of the story were glossed over a bit too quickly.
With one book to go I will finish this series and hope that it ends on a high. ...more
I liked the novelty of this book as it tells the story of a break up in reverse. Each chapter takes us further back in time to the origins of the relaI liked the novelty of this book as it tells the story of a break up in reverse. Each chapter takes us further back in time to the origins of the relationship between Theo and the female narrator, who I don't think we ever learn the name of. It was interesting how, knowing the way that the relationship ends, impacts the way you view everything that came before.
The book deals with some heavier themes when outlining the main character's upbringing. One aspect is huge but only briefly mentioned towards the end of the book, which felt a bit strange. It either needed more details to understand how their history influenced the way the character is when we meet them, or could have been left out completely. The depiction of a toxic mother was excellent though and perhaps one of the best I have seen in a book.
While the format felt like a fresh way to tell the story of a break up, it did have its limitations. Firstly, as we go further back in time, the writing is too "knowing" and is clearly told with hindsight. I felt it would have been better to keep each chapter in the moment to get the full effect of each stage of the relationship. Secondly, because it's told backwards, characters we meet at the beginning e.g. friends, disappear and are never mentioned again which felt odd. Thirdly, and this is perhaps the biggest one, Theo is immediately unlikeable when we are introduced to him in the midst of the breakup so it was hard to care about the nicer moments from him earlier in the relationship. I was just thinking the whole time that the protagonist was better off without him. ...more
I'm really enjoying this series and love the world that Elsie Silver has created. Each book expands the family of characters we follow and the dynamicI'm really enjoying this series and love the world that Elsie Silver has created. Each book expands the family of characters we follow and the dynamics between them are fun. I loved Jasper and Sloane as a couple and their story was very sweet with some darker aspects to their lives that were handled well.
I must admit that this book did make me realise that the female characters across the series so far all seem to have the same personality. This was really noticeable in the scenes that featured all of them as the dialogue could easily be interchangeable between them and you would not notice a difference.
I also still maintain that the books don't need to be as long as they are but they don't drag so there's still plenty to like along the way. ...more
4.5 stars as I enjoyed this one more than Flawless and I gave that book 4 stars. So far, this series has been very entertaining and easy to read. Ther4.5 stars as I enjoyed this one more than Flawless and I gave that book 4 stars. So far, this series has been very entertaining and easy to read. There is something so accessible about Elsie Silver's writing that it immerses you in the story from the first pages.
I loved Cade and Willa as a couple. They had great chemistry so it was easy to root for them. The addition of Cade's son was nice, though I did feel like that kid acted way too old for the age he was supposed to be at times, especially with the things he said.
The books do an excellent job of setting up the story for the next ones in the series too. We are given just enough hints about peripheral characters that it creates intrigue, so I am already looking forward to picking up Powerless. ...more
What an epic end to a brilliant series. This book was a culmination of everything that the story had been building towards across all six previous booWhat an epic end to a brilliant series. This book was a culmination of everything that the story had been building towards across all six previous books. There was such a big cast of characters by the end but this book gives them all a satisfying conclusion to their individual stories. The growth of the protagonist Aelin was excellent too.
At just under 1000 pages this book is huge and, as suspected, it did not need to be that long. The first and last thirds were excellent but there was a lot in the middle that could have been reduced down. Also, I realised when reading it that Maas is not so good at describing big battle scenes where there's a lot going on. I was pretty lost in those moments trying to picture what was happening. She is much better at writing one on one conflicts and building tension.
The writing has its flaws but I have to give 5 stars for the characters, world building and the fact that this kept me hooked the whole time. ...more
I really enjoyed this book though I do think that the hype around this series did set my expectations a bit too high. It was a cute romance with endeaI really enjoyed this book though I do think that the hype around this series did set my expectations a bit too high. It was a cute romance with endearing characters, some of whom I know come to the forefront in the other books. I liked the setting too, in the world of bull-riding, and the characters felt perfectly matched to that environment.
Another nice touch was the playlist at the back of the book with a selection of songs that capture the mood of the story. I have to say that, listening to these, they are perfect choices.
I think the one thing that stopped me giving this 5 stars was that, after a build up of sexual tension that lasted almost two thirds of the book, the payoff felt a bit underwhelming. I don't remember a single thing about the spicy scenes. Luckily, there were other memorable moments to make up for it, but it was a shame.
I have heard that the next book in the series is a fan favourite so I am looking forward to reading that next. ...more
DNF. I bloody love a good cowboy romance but this was just bad.
The two main love interests were so painfully bland, I found it impossible to care whatDNF. I bloody love a good cowboy romance but this was just bad.
The two main love interests were so painfully bland, I found it impossible to care what was happening to them. It felt like the author was aiming for an "enemies to lovers" trope but there was absolutely no reason for these two characters to even have an issue with each other, let alone be enemies, so it all felt flat and pointless.
Also the storylines within the book just didn't make sense. For example, we learn at the beginning that Tait has been estranged from her father for many years and there are lots of hints at a traumatic past. But when she arrives back at the family ranch everyone is friendly and inviting and years of conflict are resolved within one conversation. Either the family in the book were so toxic they were gas-lighting me as well as Tait, or it was just a poorly developed storyline.
The only thing I liked about this book was the cover which is cute. ...more
3.5 stars. This one took me a lot longer to get into than a lot of the previous books in the series. Following events after the death of Henry VIII I 3.5 stars. This one took me a lot longer to get into than a lot of the previous books in the series. Following events after the death of Henry VIII I initially felt rather frustrated that I was being forced to focus on the young woman who ends up being Queen Mary's fool rather than Mary or Elizabeth themselves.
However, as the story progressed I could see why Gregory made that choice as the main character, Hannah, has the ability to move between the courts of Mary and Elizabeth and this allow us to see both sides of their rivalry through the eyes of someone torn between the two.
As is quite often the case with books in this series, it is a much longer book than it needs to be, but once I was invested it was hard to put down. The final third of the book in particular was excellent and I liked seeing Hannah's growth and maturity over the course of the book.
Overall, not my favourite of the series so far but still an entertaining and well written read. ...more
I really liked the concept of this as a fun retelling of Frankenstein but sadly the overall story was quite a let down.
The story follows, Angelika, sI really liked the concept of this as a fun retelling of Frankenstein but sadly the overall story was quite a let down.
The story follows, Angelika, sister to Victor Frankenstein, who has failed to find a suitable man to marry as all of the men in her village are intimidated by her intelligence. So she and her brother decide to create a perfect match for her using body parts from the morgue. Their creation is a man named Will who has no recollection of his past and no interest in Angelika.
Firstly, I can't say I was really sold on the idea of Angelika as this intelligent and strong-willed woman, as the way she behaves is incredibly ignorant. Also her repeated attempts to throw herself at Will despite him saying over and over that he is not interested in her, just made me cringe.
Secondly, I felt absolutely no chemistry between her and Will. From the way the start of the book focuses so much on the perfectly sized penis Angelika chooses in the morgue I thought there would at least be some steamy scenes and sexual tension later on but their relationship just felt flat.
I read to the end mostly out of morbid curiosity to see how a romance story of this nature would play out, but I am not sure if it was worth the time. ...more
This was probably my least favourite of the Broke and Beautiful trilogy but I always enjoy Tessa Bailey's writing so there was still plenty to keep meThis was probably my least favourite of the Broke and Beautiful trilogy but I always enjoy Tessa Bailey's writing so there was still plenty to keep me entertained.
The story had echoes of Fifty Shades of Grey, with the controlling and overprotective Russell and his dominant tendencies, and sheltered, virginal Abby who is nicknamed "angel". I really wanted to like Russell but I couldn't get past the fact that his possessiveness, disguised as over-protectiveness, would be a major red flag in any real relationship. I had no time for his fragile masculinity around Abby's wealthy background either.
However, I did like the friends-to-lovers trope and Abby's character growth throughout the book. The friendship between Abby and her room-mates was consistently positive and supportive which was nice to see. And, as always, the sex scenes were on fire. ...more
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this book more than the first in the series and I think it is because the characters and the set-up for the relationship were mor3.5 stars. I enjoyed this book more than the first in the series and I think it is because the characters and the set-up for the relationship were more exciting and the plot had higher stakes.
This series has made me realise how Tessa Bailey is not just the "Michaelangelo of dirty talk" but also is great at writing meet-cutes between her love interests. I found the dynamic between Honey and Ben really fun and believed in their chemistry from the start. As always, the spicy scenes were excellently written and the plot packed in enough drama to keep me invested throughout.
The main thing frustrating me in this series is how quickly the female characters run away at the slightest hint of a problem. I know there has to be tension in the plot but the over-reactions are a bit much at times and come off as immature.
I am looking forward to reading the third and final book in the series which was set up nicely in this book. ...more
This book has such an interesting premise and it was executed perfectly.
The story follows Alice who from the age of 8 is able to see colours around pThis book has such an interesting premise and it was executed perfectly.
The story follows Alice who from the age of 8 is able to see colours around people that indicate that person's moods and emotions. Raised by a toxic mother, Alice's struggles in childhood are exasperated by the confusion and overwhelm of being able to read everyone around her.
In lots of ways, Alice's ability to see colours felt symbolic of hyper-awareness, a common consequence of growing up in a toxic household. The way Alice is so in-tune with the emotions of people around her and the exhaustion of processing all that, felt very well observed.
The development of Alice's character was excellent and you can see how the events of her childhood influence the person she is as an adult. Her journey of trying to resist her special ability to seeing the ways it can benefit her life and relationships was fulfilling to follow.
The book covers the whole of Alice's life but the significant time jump in the last 50 pages felt quite abrupt and made everything that was covered in the final pages feel quite rushed. I would have preferred better pacing so the later years of her life could be more fleshed out. It had a beautiful ending though and the imagery used in the final scenes will be particularly memorable.
Thank you to Readers First for the copy of this book....more
Not my favourite Tessa Bailey book I have read so far but still a fun and light-hearted romcom.
The biggest issue I had with the book was the immaturiNot my favourite Tessa Bailey book I have read so far but still a fun and light-hearted romcom.
The biggest issue I had with the book was the immaturity of the main character, Roxy. I loved her wittiness and independence but her over-reactions to minor situations started to grate on me after a while. For instance, in one scene when Louis opens his door looking sweaty, she immediately assumes he must be sleeping with someone else and storms off. In another, Louis doesn't invite her to a family dinner (bearing in mind they have been dating for like two weeks at this point) and she storms off again and blocks his number from her phone.
Despite the irritations, as far as romcoms go, this was a fun read and Bailey certainly knows how to write excellent sex scenes. She has been nicknamed the "Michelangelo of dirty talk" though I must admit that I am often thinking how cringey the dirty talk would be in real life. It works in the context of her stories though and I am always happy to be swept away in the romance of it all. ...more
I have mixed feelings about this book but, for the most part, it was a fun read with plenty to keep me entertained throughout.
I admit I did roll my eI have mixed feelings about this book but, for the most part, it was a fun read with plenty to keep me entertained throughout.
I admit I did roll my eyes at the protagonist who fits the stereotype that seems to be prevalent in women's fiction and romance books at the moment, much to my irritation. That is of a woman in her thirties who is failing at everything. Stella, who we meet in this book, is unemployed, has no money, has just been dumped and is in self-sabotage mode. Not an easy character to root for.
It was actually the side characters who I enjoyed reading about more than Stella, particularly her elderly neighbour Harold and her new boss Marjorie who deserve their own stories.
This book is very easy to read so I got through it quickly but it did not need to be over 400 pages long. There was a lot of "filler", particularly concerning Stella's family that could have been cut out. Also, the story is told in third person but we are in Stella's head so much, it felt a bit jarring when the perspective shifted to other characters.
As with most romance books, the plot was very predictable. The man who Stella meets in a pub and falls for is a walking red flag. I am not sure if the signs were supposed to be so obvious or not but it did make for a rather anti-climatic ending to the book.
I liked the other relationships in the book, outside of the central romance, such as Stella's friendship with her roommate Billie and the support network Stella builds around herself. It was mostly these things that kept me reading and where the book really shone. ...more
I read this book in tandem with Empire of Storms and am really glad I did as I am not sure I would have liked it as much if I had read it in publicatiI read this book in tandem with Empire of Storms and am really glad I did as I am not sure I would have liked it as much if I had read it in publication order.
Tower of Dawn follows, mostly, side characters from the previous books in the series and makes them the main characters. Mostly notably, Chaol who I had really started to dislike. This book is a redemption story for him but also explains a lot of the things happening away from Aelin which I assume will be important in the final book of the series.
I loved getting to know some of the characters better, especially Yrene, who has a brilliant arc in this book. The story also expands the world in such a good way and develops the magic and politics from the previous books.
The ending of this book is perfect in connection with Empire of Storms so finishing them both at the same time feels like the best way to prepare for reading Kingdom of Ash. ...more
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