Beautiful romantic story! I loved the 90s vibes. The story starts out in fall and hits all the major holidays which felt so cozy to read in Oct/Nov.
CBeautiful romantic story! I loved the 90s vibes. The story starts out in fall and hits all the major holidays which felt so cozy to read in Oct/Nov.
Cliff is a total sweetheart with a sarcastic sense of humor and a general warmth to his personality. Michelle is more of a black cat personality, she struggles to let her walls down and be vulnerable.
I loved watching these two become friends and then fall in love. Their flirty banter was top notch, the tension between them gave me butterflies. Some tears were shed at the end as Michelle came to terms with her grief and the reality of finally being KNOWN and loved just as she is.
Also…Rocket?? I think he’s my new favorite dog in a book of all time.
My new favorite hockey romance. This had everything I love about this genre. The premise was so perfect the cocky player with the bad reputation and tMy new favorite hockey romance. This had everything I love about this genre. The premise was so perfect the cocky player with the bad reputation and the coach’s rule following people pleaser daughter.
I was smiling with glee through the whole thing. The plot took me by surprise multiple times and I adored seeing the interactions between the Appies players. Emma and Van felt like fated mates which is hard to do in a contemporary romance. I loved how they brought out the best in each other.
Van’s sisters were amazing, I love a good side character and these three girls brought so much sass to the story. I loved their fierce loyalty for their brother, I hope we get to see more of them in future books!
I’m speechless at how this adorable summer romcom made me laugh, CRY, and fall in love.
A unique marriage of convenience with lovable characters who trI’m speechless at how this adorable summer romcom made me laugh, CRY, and fall in love.
A unique marriage of convenience with lovable characters who try so hard not to fall for each other. Phoenix who is a straightforward, masculine guy that acts like an actual real life man! Holland and Phoenix really dislike each other at the beginning but by the end their chemistry is undeniable. Their nicknames and the way they pranked and teased each other was so adorable!!
I switched back and forth between the audio and kindle and I highly recommend both but the audio is so well done. Both narrators did an excellent job!
Gracie Ruth Mitchell is one of my favorite authors because her characters feel so genuine and they behave in quirky silly ways that I love. She’s also not afraid to tackle hard topics. This one included PTSD and grief in a way that brought me to tears. The way she weaves mental health into this story is so perfect and satisfying. My heart needed to hear this story so thank you Gracie Ruth Mitchell!
Fav quotes: “Despite all his strength, he still needs someone on his side. I will be that person. ‘I’m not leaving you,’ I say in his ear, barely a whisper”
“Something deep in my soul whispers that these tears have been a long time coming—that I’m witnessing the destruction of a dam she built around her broken heart years ago.”
“His voice is reluctant as he continues. ‘I’m not a romantic man, Holland. I don’t buy flowers or write poetry. And I’ve never been shown what a healthy marriage looks like. But you’re mine. I’ll keep you safe; I’ll treat you well.’”
These quotes make this book seem very serious but trust me there was silliness and teasing, pranks and banter and nicknames. That’s what made it so special in my opinion. It was the whole package!
Eloise wears her heart on her sleeve and can’t stop talking. Gray doesn’t like using words and hates opening up to people. It’s a match made in heavenEloise wears her heart on her sleeve and can’t stop talking. Gray doesn’t like using words and hates opening up to people. It’s a match made in heaven. This book was adorable and such a perfect spring read but can definitely be read at any time. Courtney Walsh is a new favorite for me! All of her books make me feel so happy but they still have just the right amount of depth. ...more
I’ve never read a book like this before, the premise was so original. The plot kept me wanting to see what would happen next the whole time. I couldn’I’ve never read a book like this before, the premise was so original. The plot kept me wanting to see what would happen next the whole time. I couldn’t put it down. I feel like this book is plot AND character driven which is rare. Emotional, romantic, heartfelt.
This book was beautiful. A raw, honest depiction of love and endurance.
The main characters were madly in love but carried baggage and struggled with how to be there for each other when life got hard.
I really loved how strong Miranda was and how protective Jack was. Their romance was so beautiful with the dual POV and memories of being in love previously. The flashbacks kept the story so engaging. The romantic tension between them was intense but Ashley still kept it closed door which I appreciated.
I loved how Richard shared so much wisdom with Miranda and she took his advice to heart.
This is a book about fighting for love, the work that it takes but also the ease with which it comes. Ashley used the imagery of a new garden to show how marriage takes tending, weeding and care. But the bounty is worth it.
I typically do not enjoy miscommunication but in this story it felt very genuine. In real life miscommunication happens all the time when we try to hide from our feelings and pain. And I felt like that came through in a very genuine way in this story.
Ashley’s characters feel so real! All of the little details of their conversations, actions and thoughts make them come alive.
If you enjoy Making Faces by Amy Harmon and I Got You by Stacy Williams I think you will love this book.
I highly recommend you add this beautiful story to your TBR!! It has heavy themes but a happy ending and will make you feel all the feels along the way. Read if you love romantic books with meat and themes of redemption, unconditional love and forgiveness.
Pub Date: 4/23/24 Thank you Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the eARC.
I had to take a few days and gather my thoughts after reading this bookPub Date: 4/23/24 Thank you Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the eARC.
I had to take a few days and gather my thoughts after reading this book. This was my 2nd Emily Henry book and I really loved it. From the very first chapter I was completely enthralled in her characters and storytelling. Being told solely from the FMC Daphne’s perspective made me feel like I was her and her struggles were so relatable to me.
The insecurities she felt, and the difficulty she had feeling like she “fit in”, her buttoned up persona that desired to be more spontaneous but found it hard to make that leap, her relationship troubles with her family and her “almost” in laws, and of course her love of libraries and books.
The ache she felt for a place to belong and to feel wanted and chosen was so beautifully written and made it even more special to watch her “found family” come together.
Ok mushy deep feelings aside… this book was so funny. The snarky internal monologue she had about the terrible situation she found herself in by no fault of her own was so perfect.
And then there’s Miles… oh my goodness. This guy is her polar opposite and exactly what she didn’t know she needed. He SEES her in a way that no man ever has and the chemistry between them is so undeniable that it never felt like a rebound and you couldn’t help but cheer them on! He’s the eternal optimist to her pessimistic self and the guy that can make a friend anytime anywhere without even trying while she is the girl that watches with awe from the sidelines. I absolutely love couples like this who are opposite but bring out the best in each other.
The setting was perfect for a spring or summer read with the adorable small town full of sweet side characters. Scenes at the beach, library, wine bar, and farm stand. Delicious food and wine…It made the story so cozy.
This book was one that I did not want to put down. I laughed. I cried. I was smiling at the very last line which wrapped the whole book up so perfectly and brought everything full circle.
I highlighted so much of this book… here are a few favorites:
“For someone with the innate social charm of a mounted fish (me), watching Miles befriend this stranger felt like seeing Michelangelo paint the Sistine Chapel: impressive, but also dizzying. Like any second, he might fall off his ladder and splatter on the marble below.”
“I remember loving a story. Feeling like I was living it. Being, even as a child, bowled over by how something imaginary could become real, could wring every emotion from me or make me homesick for places I’d never been.”
“Things were allowed to be complicated. They were allowed to be messy. We were allowed to disagree and argue and even hurt each other, on occasion, and it didn’t mean it was time to let the revolving door of life carry us away from each other. Sometimes things are hard. They just are.”
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
CW: F words, multiple open door scenes, recreational drug use...more
Camping and kayaking with a thoughtful tattooed bartender whose “just a friend”…need I say more?The Quit List was romantic and steamy while remaining Camping and kayaking with a thoughtful tattooed bartender whose “just a friend”…need I say more?The Quit List was romantic and steamy while remaining closed door. Jax and Holly were reluctant to fall for each other and became friends instead but it soon turned into much more. I was giggling through this whole book. Jax was a cinnamon roll but with a tough possessive exterior and Holly was a sweetheart people pleaser who became a doormat until a certain mountain man gave her the confidence she needed to stand up for herself. This book was adorable and I can’t wait to read everything Katie Bailey writes!
Deeply romantic, it made me feel contemplative and misty. I was teary eyed for the last 3rd of this book. Truly a beautiful and poetic love story wortDeeply romantic, it made me feel contemplative and misty. I was teary eyed for the last 3rd of this book. Truly a beautiful and poetic love story worthy of the hype....more
After reading Lakeshire Park and Miss Newbury’s List by Megan Walker last year and loving them both I was so excited to receive this ARC.
Graham and AAfter reading Lakeshire Park and Miss Newbury’s List by Megan Walker last year and loving them both I was so excited to receive this ARC.
Graham and Anna have always seen each other as enemies but a little forced proximity causes them so see each other from a new perspective. This is a perfect summer read with the cozy small town seaside setting!
Graham is an underdog working hard to provide a better life for his family. He bears a heavy burden for his age but Anna brings out the best in him and becomes an ally over time. They are both stubborn and have a lot of pride but they learn to let their guard down for each other.
I appreciated their healthy communication. Once they let their walls down they are open and honest with each other and respect each other as equals. This book made me smile and feel so happy. Such a lovely swoony regency romance.
Things I loved: -sassy banter -playfulness/teasing -exploring the cozy beach town -library visit -the most abordable game of “words” -playing on the beach -the most tension filled waltz -us against the world -“can I keep you forever?”...more