My reactions to Emily Henry’s books have gone down star by star each new release – to the point where I have so far managed to avoid Happy Place placeMy reactions to Emily Henry’s books have gone down star by star each new release – to the point where I have so far managed to avoid Happy Place place completely. But then I got an email offering me this one and . . . .
Not to mention I am well aware of how lucky I am to be someone who receives Berkley widgets so I’m not about to look that gift horse in the mouth.
The “funny story” (or meet/cute, if you will) here was a cute one. Daphne’s fiancé calls it off after realizing at his bachelor party that his lifelong BFF is really the girl for him, leaving Daphne scrambling for a place to stay in said fiancé’s home town after relocating herself halfway across the country for him. Miles has a place to stay (including an extra bedroom) and is the other dumpee – this time of the aforementioned BFF. Thus begins a co-habitation period and Daphne’s countdown clock to the big all-night Readathon for kids at the library where she works. After that event is over, Daphne can move away from Michigan with a clear conscience. But when an invitation to the wedding of Peter and Petra (barf, right?) arrives, Daphne makes a bit of a boo-boo and openly defines the relationship with Miles . . . into a romantic one.
Cute, right? You’re right. It is cute. This one will most likely make Henry fans swoon because all of the rom com feels will be felt. But I didn’t much like either of the main characters so it didn’t quite work for me. Note to Miles: It doesn’t matter how many people say you’re a “great guy.” If you are so easily distracted and get caught up in random conversations that make you late for scheduled dates/your job/whatever – you’re kind of NOT so great. Punctuality is a real thing for me – especially if you plan on some before dawn sort of excursion. Don’t come to me with coffee and an excuse, just GTFOOH. And note to Daphne: You are not a good friend. If you never let anyone in, they certainly aren’t the jerks for choosing to hang out with other people. And again, if you make plans with someone like me and then stand me up? You can GTFOOH too and don’t let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya on your way out.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Book #2 in my annual quest for a new coffee mug . . . .
Before I bash this one (just a lil’ bit), can we just take one moment to delight in all that is the perfect Autumn cartoon cover? Soooooo good.
Now forBefore I bash this one (just a lil’ bit), can we just take one moment to delight in all that is the perfect Autumn cartoon cover? Soooooo good.
Now for the bashing. First, Goodreads’ effing LIIIIIIEEEEESSSSSSS that the Kindle version of this is 368 pages. My copy was 441 and lemme tell you the perfect amount of pages for a rom com is 325 and not a paragraph more . . . .
Which leads to the absolute lack of character development whatsoever and a real slog for the first 100+ pages. Really, the only thing I ever got to know about Ari was . . . .
I’m all for sex positivity, but good lord, we’re talking about a grown ass woman and she had no other personality traits than being a bangbot????? Josh’s development wasn’t much better, but at least we got to climb around in his head a wee bit more.
I will never not read a book if I know there’s some sort of “Big” or “13 Going On 30” vibes. And the vibes here were vibulating when not only Charlotte wakes up and discovers she’s 30, but due to a kerplunking of noggins while decorating for the prom, her nemesis J. T. Renner has also come along on this strange trip.
I loved every single thing about this. If you have a youngster in your life who likes to read fun, light romances this would definitely be one I’d recommend as a Christmas gift. And if you’re an oldster who likes fun, light romances then it might be a winner for you too. This was my first time with both Amy Lea (I’m so excited I have an ARC of her upcoming release from Berkley) and Mindy Kaling’s book club. So far I’m a fan of both! ...more
As with many romance novels, this entire story wouldn’t even exist had Izzy simply asked Lucas “WTF?!?!?!?!?!” when she caught him mistletoe-ing her friend at the annual Christmas soiree. But, of course that didn’t happen so you get to spend the majority of the novel being frustrated until you get to the big “ohhhhhhhh, so that’s why” at the very end.
The good news is not only is that plot line not a dealbreaker for me but that this also features grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, a hotel in need of saving, a mission to find the owners of a lost and found Tupperware container of wedding rings and a culmination of events that all ends the following year with the aforementioned holiday event. It’s Hallmarky romance goodness and sweetly delightful. Beth O’Leary knows how to write a feel good story.
(In case you aren’t familiar, that’s a clip from When In Rome – a story about an unlucky in love woman who steals coins from the Fountain of Love in Rome and then finds herself pursued by multiple suitors which makes her doubt the authenticity of a love connection she thought she had made. It is delightful and I have a crush on both Josh Duhamel and Kristen Bell.)
This book isn’t necessarily like that one at all, but it did provide the same vibe. Amy has inherited the family curse that has befallen every female for as many generations back as anyone can remember. When she shares a first kiss she foresees how the entire relationship will pan out . . . . and it’s never been good. While attending the wedding of one of her best friends (there’s the only When In Rome connection – a wedding), she imbibes a bit too much and does some smooching with three different fellas – one who is for sure her happily ever after. The only problem? The next day she has no idea of who it was she kissed.
Okay, so this was nearly perfect for me. Although it’s obvious who Mr. Right is straight away, the getting there was so satisfying and I live for a quality friend group like what can be found in Bridget Jones or Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Highly recommended to hope(ful)less romantics.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley! ...more
Holy shit – a 5 Star read. This is not a test. Run do not walk to your local library or bookseller next Tuesday. Orrrrrrrrrr maybe only do
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Holy shit – a 5 Star read. This is not a test. Run do not walk to your local library or bookseller next Tuesday. Orrrrrrrrrr maybe only do so if you are a Saturday Night Live superfan? If you’ve been around my crap reviews at all, you should be aware that I am an SNL superfan who not only watches, but has gone on many a deep dive of the processes involved in making the weekly magic happen as well as reading/listening to celebrity memoirs of former cast members when I need something for Nonfiction November, but am too dumb to read most nonfiction. The only thing I have enjoyed more than my weekly hangouts with the Not Ready for Primetime Players for the past 35+ years was when the never disappointing 30 Rock was on the air (which, in case you live under a rock, was a fictionalized behind the scenes action of creating “The Girly Show” – an SNL knockoff). All that being said, Romantic Comedy could have been called “Liz Lemon Finds True Love” and I have no words for how much I loved it.
The first half (46%) is a breakdown of how “The Night Owls” (again *cough SNL cough*) comes together each week in order to appear live on your television. Like I said above, this is the make it or break part that will determine if this is your idea of a good time or not. I was practically crapping myself and most definitely Googled “did Curtis Sittenfeld work at SNL????” because it was so accurate. “Chapter 2” takes place a couple of years later and is epistolary format told via text messages (let me double down on my love and say epistolary when done well is also my jam). Then there’s Chapter 3 and an Epilogue but I ain’t a spoiler, so you’ll have to read it for yourself to find out what happens. Just now that unlike nearly every writer over the course of Covid, Sittenfeld didn’t shit the bed with her take on the pandemic.
The basic premise here is a potential love story revolving around “The Danny Horst Rule” – Danny being a fictionalized version of a The Night Owls writer/actor who somehow bagged an A-List babe who on paper would be considered way out of his league. (see Dan Akroyd/Carrie Fisher; Emma Stone/Dave McCary; Fred Armisen/Elizabeth Moss or Natasha Lyonne; Jason Sudakis/Olivia Wilde; Pete Davidson/pretty much everyone he’s ever fucked if you doubt this is a real-life thing – and note I’m excluding Colin Jost from this answer because he’s just as hot as ScarJo so the only thing that doesn’t add up with the two of them is the number of zeroes in their respective bank accounts.) Romantic Comedy turns the tables by featuring Noah Brewster, a superhot male rock star, possibly falling for the hilarious, but average TNO writer, Sally Milz.
I thought every single second of this was perfection. The only gripe I have is that my request for an early copy sat pending so long before I finally got approved, but since I got my greedy mitts on it a week early all is forgiven.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!!!!!...more
If I had known this was a recommendation from the BookTok world I would like to think I would have known enough to stay far away, buu
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It me!
If I had known this was a recommendation from the BookTok world I would like to think I would have known enough to stay far away, buuuuuuuuut I did not and I’m a sucker for the cartoony cover so of course I read it. And here’s the thing. There’s nothing wrong with this book. If you love fake dating/friends to lovers/sportsball tropes, PG-13 smexuals and a what you see is what you get cutesie type of story, this one is probably for you. However, it’s becoming apparent the more romances I read lately that I want some more meat on the bones when it comes to plot. Old age – she’s a bitch, kids! This might have hit better for me had I been poolside getting my tan on during the summer rather than enduring never-ending Midwestern winter, but I have no sense and request all the things from the library and have to read them when my turn comes around.
If you know me you know I’m a sucker for the cutesie cartoon cover. While in hell at Sam’s Club this weekend I saw this one the rack amongst the sea oIf you know me you know I’m a sucker for the cutesie cartoon cover. While in hell at Sam’s Club this weekend I saw this one the rack amongst the sea of CoHo moneygrabs “re-releases” and wasn’t familiar with it. So I did something I don’t generally do and read the blurb. Now let me tell you, the forced roommate trope is one that rarely fails me. Especially when it’s 100% platonic and then they end up in an awkward bathroom or middle of the night kitchen situation like so . . . . ….
I immediately logged on to the library app to check this out on the Kindle only to discover there were 94 people in line before me. But the paperback was available for instant gratification so we headed downtown.
As I said - the roommate trope is one I love, but this didn’t up being a cohabitation story, it was “let me take you on fake dates to cure your writer’s block.” Boooooo you whore! That’s not what I wanted and the fact these two had zero chemistry didn’t help matters. Hopefully I’ll enjoy The Spanish Love Deception more when I get around to reading that one.
In my own defense please note that I just recently five starred My Favorite Half Night Stand and, although I’m only about 20 pages in, I have a feeling I’m also going to love Just Last Night. Buuuuuuuuut, three stars is about the norm for me when it comes to romances – especially when they follow the typical formula of:
1. Meet cute 2. Immediate hatred but total sexual attraction 3. Do the shibibiddy dibiddy – typically with squicky sex talk or a horrid pet name – in this case “hotness” . . . .
4. Miscommunication/failure to communicate/undisclosed secret gets revealed that causes a third act breakup 5. Make Up 6. Engagement/marriage/whoopsie baby (stars are deducted for accident babies – ain’t nobody got time for that)
There you have it. This was just okay for me. If you know me you know I often don’t read blurbs (especially if there’s a house on the cover). I just assumed this would be a battle of him/her house flippers and even upon starting I thought I was correct. That was not the case and what plot there was simply didn’t cut the mustard for me. And again, HOTNESS?
Holy crap it’s a 5 Star romance read for Kelly. We’re talking RUN – DO NOT WALK if you haven’t already snagged this one from your local lib
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Holy crap it’s a 5 Star romance read for Kelly. We’re talking RUN – DO NOT WALK if you haven’t already snagged this one from your local library or bookstore. The premise here is pretty simple . . .
I basically catfished my best friend.
You see Millie, Reid, Chris, Ed and Alex all work together in their various respective fields at UCSB and are besties for the resties. Although Millie and Reid did have a “half night stand” – it was simply because they both had an itch that needed to be scratched and they have agreed it won’t happen again. The annual Dean’s Banquet is coming up, however, and they all need dates so it is decided they’ll make online profiles. While Millie helps the fellas with theirs, hers is determined to be super “meh” so she makes another – using her middle name and an unrecognizable profile picture . . . . and then she matches with Reid.
I’m telling you, I looooooooved this. First, the friend group and their banter was so much fun. Millie and Reid were both smart and grown-up and didn’t act like idiots. There wasn’t an official third act break-up to peeve me off – it was simply delightful. This author duo doesn't always work for me, but I'm giving the highest of recommendations here if you like a good romcom.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!...more
I didn’t want to review this book until I had finally watched the Prime Movie version – which I finally got around to this weekend. You see, the premiI didn’t want to review this book until I had finally watched the Prime Movie version – which I finally got around to this weekend. You see, the premise of the print version was sure to be an absolutely adorable romcom: two different fellas are shopping at . . . .
One for a generic Christmas present for his girlfriend, the other for the Queen Mary of all Tiffany’s gifts for his. They find their bags doing the ol’ swippy swappy during an accident. Then it’s all about how to correct that epic boo-boo while realizing maybe who they thought was “the one” actually wasn’t until the end when . . . .
Like I said, super cute premise, but the book left a lot to be desired. Mainly it was the pacing. The story moved at a snail’s slog only to really ramp up to 100MPH at the very end. The book version also had me feeling super sorry for the intended recipient of the ring for most of the story as well. She really needed to be presented as a bad choice right from the beginning in order for this idea to work. Good news is, the movie version was just as cute as I hoped it would be and while Reese Witherspoon’s book club selections often leave me shaking my head, she (and her production company) are real good at the screen versions of romcoms. Maybe skip the book and just watch this one instead....more
@girlwiththepinkskimask wasn’t lying, kids. This right’chere was a real Bangersaurus Rex! There I was reading literal masturbatory gingerbread Christm@girlwiththepinkskimask wasn’t lying, kids. This right’chere was a real Bangersaurus Rex! There I was reading literal masturbatory gingerbread Christmas stories while she has been attempting to do God’s work and recommending this sucker on the daily.
Let’s start off with some full disclosure: I requested every single Christmas romcom from NetGalley that was available. I did not read blurbs, I did not look at Goodreads’ ratings or reviews. I just went in knowing I wanted a heaping plate as well as seconds and thirds when it came to smooching under the mistletoe. I had no idea Holiday Romance would end up pretty much a “had me at hello” moment when the two leads (acquaintances via him - whose girlfriend is about to break up with him and her - who is friends with said soon-to-be ex) are seated next to each other on their flight back home for the holidays. Then they coincidentally meet AGAIN for their flight the next year. You know what that is????
That’s the ol’ “When Harry Met Sally” and it is a favorite.
So long story short, ten years have gone by with these two travellers occupying each other’s space for their hop back across the pond for the holidays. She’s the grumpy, he’s the sunshine. When flights get cancelled she decides to let her Grinch heart grow three sizes and uses all of her banked up frequent flyer miles to do whatever it takes in order to get him back home to his family in time for Christmas. And then she starts catching feelings.
This one will make you feel all floopy inside. The banter is great, the smex isn’t squickalicious, the “break up” in the third act only lasts about twelve nanoseconds. Go get it.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley! ...more
The time where I fake it ‘til I make it by barfing Christmas spirit all over the house once the clock strikes midnight on November 1st. This year I doubled down on my crazy by requesting eleventy-two Christmas rom coms from NetGalley and what better way to kick things off than with my go-to gal Lyssa Kay Adams and the Bros we’ve all come to love.
This time around it’s Colton and Gretchen’s turn. He’s a country music superstar, she’s an immigration attorney with her own pro bono clinic. The two had a spicy one-off at their pals’ wedding and Colton has been pining ever since. A potential business deal and some undeniable mutual attraction draws these two back together a year later in a flip on the grumpy/sunshine with the female lead playing the part of a Grinchy Scrooge. It delivers when it comes to witty banter and most importantly the smexytimes . . .
My only complaint is the usual one with the unnecessary conflict that causes a break-up/almost instantaneous make-up at the end because god forbid the two main characters actually speak to each other like dang adults. I realize I’m in the minority when it comes to this opinion and that it is a driving force behind what sells books so it will be included for the remainder of time. This one was extra annoying, though, that the lead was just going to walk away from her entire life. Way to be a real shitty representative for your at-risk clients, Gretchen! All in all, though, these Bros and their Hoes are my peeps so 4 Stars.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ...more
If you know me you know I don’t generally read past the first book in a series. This summer has been a bit of an exception to that own personal rule oIf you know me you know I don’t generally read past the first book in a series. This summer has been a bit of an exception to that own personal rule of mine and I really could not wait to get my hands on a copy of Husband Material. Fans of the Happily Ever After versus the Happily for Now will most assuredly be the ones who enjoy this more than I did. Unfortunately for me, the various antics and escapades involving over-the-top scenarios of a venue falling through, a groom being suspected of cheating, a dress being left behind, etc. as our leading duo navigate their way through their friends’ nuptials were all a little (*cough lot cough*) exhausting for me. Luc and Oliver lost more than a bit of their initial charm this go ‘round as well and were often downright unlikeable (at minimum, the two needed to break up and seek some serious therapy and medication before attempting an adult relationship ever again). All that being said, the homage to one of my favorite romance films of all time . . . .
Was truly a delightful surprise and I will definitely be first in line once again as the series continues in the way I enjoy most – with a focus on a new character as the lead in future books. (I mean amnesia trope? Yes please. Twice.)
For the most part, when it comes to Alexis Hall . . . .
“I totally thought you were a serial killer when I moved in, you know.”
First things first, major props to the author for capitalizing on what had “I totally thought you were a serial killer when I moved in, you know.”
First things first, major props to the author for capitalizing on what had been a lot of us ladies’ dirty little secret pre-pandemic when we all decided to let our freak flags fly and openly declared our love for . . . .
This title was certainly a “you had me at hello” moment. And it’s probably my fault for reading this wrong, but I spend a solid chunk of my time reading about things like . . . .
So when I’m promised a blurb where Phoebe who has returned to the familial home in order to prepare it for sale after a parent’s death thinks her neighbor might be a serial killer, I want a little more of the serial killer part. Even if neighbor Sam didn’t end up being a killer himself, another neighbor could have been. Worked for one of my favorite all-time films about peepin’ the ‘hood . . . .
Instead the “serial killer” thing was a very brief awkward meet/cute which quickly morphed into a summer session of hiding the salami. I think most will like this more than me, but I’ve become pretty hard to please when it comes to Rom Coms and despite the clever title this one ended up standard fare with an unlikeable (because of “reasons”) leading lady who meets a cardboard cutout magic peen and ends up with a happily ever after for now.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!...more
You might recognize the name Penny Reid from her ever-so-popular Winston Brothers series – or what I more commo“Falling for you was like gravity.”
You might recognize the name Penny Reid from her ever-so-popular Winston Brothers series – or what I more commonly refer to around my house as . . . . .
When I saw Ms. Reid had a new offering up for the taking I was all over it and have been waiting impatiently for my library hold to come around. If you follow me, you might have noticed that I’ve not been imbibing the pornies like I used to. Part of that is due to mood (summers for me = porn and beachy trash / winters = thrillers and not beachy trash), but part of it is also that they alllllll seem to rely on some sort of stupid miscommunication/failure to have a conversation at around the 75-85% marker that makes me want to take my Kindle and just . . . . .
Who has earned the moniker “Training Wheels” because every single girl he has ever dated has immediately found her future husband as soon as they end things. After yet another one has bit the dust causing Rex to return to his hometown for the nuptials he decides to go drown his sorrows. And of all the gin joints in all the world, he just so happens to stumble into Abby’s place of employment. Now Rex may not remember Abby, but she’s harbored a crush on him ever since kindergarten. After a 20 years late meet cute involving drunken pukery, Rex makes Abby an offer she can’t refuse. FAKE MARRIAGE!!!!!!! Complete with a hefty payout and a pre-nup covering Abby’s butt should things go South in the hurry. And you know what that means? WUV – TWUE WUV . . . .
“Been together since high school?” “Preschool,” Rex said before I could speak. “She was a fast runner.” He gazed down at me with dazzling pretend adoration. “But I finally caught her.”
I’m giving this one allllll the Stars for the characters’ aforementioned ability to use their words, for not including a whoopsie pregnancy and for the shout-out to the Knitting in the City guys and gals. You done good, Penny Reid. ...more
Well, aside from the references to “old tyme rock and roll” and “classic rock” which featured songs by Nirvana, Fall Out Boy, Thirty Seconds to Mars, etc. . . . .
If you like Young Adult romances – the trope where someone pretends to be something they're not and ends up discovering how to be comfortable in their own skin – that everyone has a story behind their choices (sometimes even the school bully) – ride or die pals – and the magic of first love, this one might be for you . . . .
When life gives Nora lemons, she writes it all down and sells it to Hollywood where A-list actors will star in a movie version. What she doesn’t know When life gives Nora lemons, she writes it all down and sells it to Hollywood where A-list actors will star in a movie version. What she doesn’t know is one of said A-lister Leo will want to squat in the “Tea House” in her backyard for a week after filming wraps. Good news is he’s willing to pay her a thousand bucks a day for the accommodations. As the week progresses, Leo realizes he’s quite inclined to live like a normal instead of as one of the sexiest men alive and Nora realizes she doesn’t mind having his company. And then of course romance happens – because duh.
This was just what the doctor ordered. The perfect mashup of chick lit and rom com that actually had some real humor . . . .
“Stop smoldering the other unsuspecting middle-aged ladies around here. Come on.”
Nora Goes Off Script even contained a couple of not insufferable children (and generally I despise all children that are not my own both in real life and in my fiction).
If you’re looking for some lighter fare for the poolside this summer . . . .
My ability to read romance novels seems to be on the fritz recently and sadly for this new release, it wasn’t an exception to the rule. Despite having a pretty decent meet/cute moment, the majority of my notes include things like “eye roll!!!!!” after reading . . . .
I caught a whiff of his scent lingering on the collar. Apparently, this man’s neck smelled like an afternoon spent with old books stacked on wooden shelves as icy rain cracked against the window, with hints of spicy pine and a fireplace that roared with hot flames and flickering coals. It was heady and decadent, steady and dark.
And “NOPE!” after reading . . . .
wiping my mouth with the paper napkin that I’d tucked into the collar of my shirt
Or “please no daddy issues” after reading . . . .
My stomach churned at the thought of digging into my ancestry. There were some things we just didn’t talk about in my family, the main one being my birth father.
Or “ummmmm wrong that’s fucking ridiculous it’s we go together” after . . . .
“Do you know any of the songs at least?” I asked, truly horrified. “Something something summer romance, something something at the high school dance?” he guessed, shimmying slightly in his seat, dancing along to a totally botched attempt at “Summer Nights.”
And “oh, fuck off” after . . . .
“You mean we’re not watching Sixteen Candles?” I placed a chaste kiss on the edge of her neck, where it sloped up to meet her chin. “I mean, that movie is wildly problematic by today’s standards, so hell, no.”
And “soooo dummmmmmbbbbb” after . . . .
Also I broke up with Hayes last night even though we were only together for like 24 hours. It was bad.
Or “this is so not comparable to Nora Ephron” throughout pretty much the entire thing. ...more
If you fall into the latter category You Deserve Each Other may just be the type of February 14th read you’re looking for.
The premise here is Naomi and Nicholas are engaged with impending nuptials right around the corner, but Naomi is only feeling about 40% in love still. She assumes Nicholas feels the same and that they are simply going through the motions of getting married mainly out of a feeling of obligation. And also because neither one wants to be responsible for paying for all of the non-refundables that come along with the day you start celebrating wedded bliss . . . .
There’s a bit of enemies to lovers and a bit second chance at romance. My friend Jennifer said it read as a Sally Thorne fan fic to her and it didn’t quite work, but I had the complete opposite reaction. If you’ve been looking for a new Hating Game this might be right up your alley.
I’m giving it 4 Stars instead of 5 because I thought Naomi was sort of a twat throughout a lot of the story and Nicholas’ only real fault was that he allowed himself to be henpecked by his mother. God forbid the two ever talked about that issue so they could get on the same page before they were ready to throw in the towel on their happily ever after! ...more
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