Along a Breton Shore: A Book Review

My feelings about this book can be summed up with it's not you, it's me. I can seriously see how people would love this book. It has lots of tension with the French Revolution background and the plot of fleeing fugitives, and the enemies to lovers has a delicious slow burn. There's lots of deeper meanings explored too, like the cost of liberty and determining right and wrong in a revolution and rebuilding a country. Honestly, there's not much to dislike about this book.

However. Somehow it didn't speak to me? I was enthralled with the first couple chapters, and then I just got . . . bored. The tension almost disappeared for me, and I wasn't ever excited to pick it back up. I'm not sure if I wasn't in the mood for a historical romance, or I just didn't connect to the characters like I wanted to. I was also really unhappy with a plot twist in the ending, and that sealed the deal for me. I really, really wish I could have loved this one. But after reading three Arlem Hawks books, I don't think she's the author for me.

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

Thank you, Shadow Mountain, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: death and violence, injuries, kisses

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

Practice Makes Perfect: A Book Review

This book is ADORABLE! I loved so many things about it:

- male main character bodyguard

- the flower shop

- social anxiety rep

- dating practice

- sizzling slow burn with steamy moments, but closed door!

- deeper profound moments for the characters

- constant honest communication

This book checked all the boxes for me, and I loved how it was a quick read that I could fully immerse myself in. I can see myself rereading this every summer!

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

Thank you, Ballantine and NetGalley, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: past parent deaths, toxic childhood with emotional abuse recounted, kisses

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

How to Kiss Your Enemy: A Book Review

Jenny Proctor's writing is like coming home for me. I instantly forget I'm reading, and I'm transported to Stonebrook Farm with all my favorite characters from previous books. The characters are always so relatable, emotionally mature (a big must for me), and have a lot of growth both inside and outside of the romance through the book. I know that Jenny Proctor's books promise an adorable, sweet romance with depth and feeling. 

I don't ever think I've read a cooking-related romance before, and this book was fabulous to start with. We have rivals-to-lovers with lots of banter and serious conversations, and both of them figuring out their jobs and their relationships. I love Lennox and Tatum's slowburn through the plot, and I love how they communicate every step of the way. 

Even though something was missing for me to give it five stars, I still very much enjoyed reading this. It's a fast, heartwarming read, and I absolutely can't wait for Flint's story next.

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

Thank you, Jenny Proctor, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: parent death from cancer, kisses

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