The Bluff: A Book Review

The Bluff is my second Emma St. Clair book, and idk. I don't think her writing is for me? But I say that hesitatingly because I can imagine liking her writing if I'm in the mood for a silly, fluffy romcom, which apparently I wasn't in the mood for this week. But anyways. Her silly metaphors drive me insane, and I'm kinda getting annoyed of the Graham family and how mushy they are. I need some grit in my romance, so this all just felt too fluffy for me. 

I did like the character growth of both James and Winnie. I just didn't like how it didn't happen together in their relationship. The third-act break up was a bit dumb too, and I kept getting frustrated with James and how he handles things throughout the book. I liked the grump/sunshine trope, but James was too much of a grump with little-to-no redeeming qualities. 

That being said, the plot was entertaining, and I did feel like James and Winnie had great chemistry. I didn't hate this book—I just felt annoyed while being entertained at the same time. Is that possible? I still plan to read more Emma St. Clair books to give her another try. Hopefully my mood will be more forgiving next time!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 2
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Emma St. Clair and NetGalley, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

The Bodyguard: A Book Review

This book was unlike any other romance I've read before! It was cute, funny, and unexpected. 

What I loved:

– Texas ranch backdrop

– Female bodyguard protecting a famous & swoony actor

– Fake dating

– Slow-burn, adorable romance that was closed door

What I didn't love:

– Author's choice to have the MC speak directly to the reader like a conversation (it pulled me out of the story)

– MC's tendency to complain about her job ten pages after saying how much she loves her job

– Some plot points threw me for a loop, like the book was trying too hard to be silly in a serious situation

Overall, I thought it was a fun and enjoyable read. It did toe the line of being too much for me at first—too much complaining, too much silliness, too much awkward speaking to the reader, but the cute romance made up for it. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 5
Overall: 4

Thank you, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley, for the ARC!

Trigger/Content Warnings: stalker, car accident death, gun violence threat, suicide threat

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Coven: A Book Review

I love the idea of graphic novels, but I'm always disappointed with the execution. IDK if I'm just not finding the right ones or this genre just doesn't vibe with me. Either way, I didn't love this one. 

My biggest issue was the pacing. It was so slow and had tons of talking scenes. I would've loved to see more magic and action scenes, especially from a graphic novel. I also didn't really see a lot of character growth. The MC just did what her new teenage friends told her to do. And I also wish the world was expanded a bit more. It's a fascinating concept with secret covens of witches who have different powers, but it still felt lackluster. Alas, this one wasn't for me. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3
Plot/Movement: 2
Character Development: 2
Overall: 2

Thank you, Penguin Teen and NetGalley, for the ARC!

Content/Trigger Warnings: death and injury due to magic

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Would You Rather: A Book Review

FREAKIN LOVE MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE. If you do too, then you NEED to read this book. Good glory, it was perfect. It had all the feels, all the romantic tension, and all the wonderful couples communication. I'm a sucker for the trope where the guy loves the girl since the beginning, and Noah's cute words and actions for Mia melted me.

Some reviews mentioned that they felt frustrated with Mia's thoughts about not deserving love/marriage because of her chronic illness. However to me, I related to that part and thought her feelings about it (though flawed) made sense. Her character growth was incredibly strong, and Noah's was too. Them growing together and separately is the core strength of this romance!

Definitely pick this one up. So many sweet and tender moments. It deserves all the stars.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley, for the ARC!

Trigger/Content Warnings: chronic illness, transplant, car accident death (off page), brief open door(ish)

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Long Story Short: A Book Review

I'm not usually drawn towards YA summer camp books, but wow, this one is WORTH THE READ. It exceeded all expectations. I absolutely loved Beatrice, the MC. I definitely related to her social awkwardness, but I loved her dedication to trying new things and her ability to stand up for herself. I loved her story of finding out who she is and accepting that she can change and still be herself. And I loved her interactions with her two new friends, especially Mia. Their friendship is so wholesome and heartwarming. 

AND DON'T FORGET THE ADORABLE ROMANCE. The loathe to lovers was absolute perfection with all the teenage angst and crushes. I loved that Nik had some Mr. Darcy-inspired traits. And the Shakespeare camp backdrop was perfect for developing the romance! 

Don't miss this one! I devoured this in one day, staying up late to finish it. It's delightful, and the perfect summer read with lighthearted friendship, an angsty romance, and a heartwarming message. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Wednesday Books and NetGalley, for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!