Mini Thoughts
Hello, all!
I always say this when it comes to Liese's books, but you can't beat the representation in them. All of her characters are so diverse and inclusive. I also enjoy how she's using this series to put her spin on Shakespeare's works. This one took inspiration from The Taming of the Shrew, and it gave me 10 Things I Hate About You vibes with the paintball scene. While I enjoyed this, I wasn't sold on the characters. I didn't connect with Kate or Christopher at all. They had sweet moments, but I thought most of their interactions felt stiff. I had the same issue as with the first book, where some dialogue came off clunky and unnatural, but it was still a quick read, and I'd recommend it if you've enjoyed Liese's previous works.
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| Pub Date: 7-9-24 Adult - Fantasy |
The Spellshop- Sarah Beth Durst: Kiela has never been a people person, so her job as a librarian at the Great Library of Alyssium is perfect. But when a revolution breaks out in the city, Kiela must flee her sanctuary. Along with her sentient spider plant, Caz, and as many books as she could smuggle out, Kiela sets out for the faraway island she grew up on. When Kiela arrives, she notices that the island isn't what it used to be. The upheaval in the capital has meant that smaller islands haven't received the much-needed magic that keeps them prosperous. Kiela knows that using the magic from the books she stole is forbidden, but she's determined to help her home. She decides to set up a spell shop, and soon, Kiela finds herself opening up and finding a community of her own. But when the empire comes sniffing around, will Kiela lose the life she's starting to build?
First, can we talk about how gorgeous this cover is? I want to crawl in and live it in. Admittedly, I'm not the biggest fan of cozy fantasy. I've enjoyed some, but I usually find them boring. Sadly, that is what happened here. I like my cozy fantasies to still have some bite to them, but this was more slice-of-life. The stakes were so low that I needed help staying interested. Caz was the highlight and saving grave for me. A sassy sentient spider plant sidekick was everything I didn't know I needed. I also loved all the food descriptions. My mouth was watering every time a cinnamon roll was mentioned. It wasn't a bad book; it didn't work for me and my reading tastes, but it'd be perfect for fans of a slower-paced story.
First, can we talk about how gorgeous this cover is? I want to crawl in and live it in. Admittedly, I'm not the biggest fan of cozy fantasy. I've enjoyed some, but I usually find them boring. Sadly, that is what happened here. I like my cozy fantasies to still have some bite to them, but this was more slice-of-life. The stakes were so low that I needed help staying interested. Caz was the highlight and saving grave for me. A sassy sentient spider plant sidekick was everything I didn't know I needed. I also loved all the food descriptions. My mouth was watering every time a cinnamon roll was mentioned. It wasn't a bad book; it didn't work for me and my reading tastes, but it'd be perfect for fans of a slower-paced story.
Rating: 3/5
*Big thanks to the publisher for the copy!
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| Pub Date: 10-10-23 Adult - Contemporary |
Better Hate than Never- Chloe Liese: Katerina Wilmot and Christopher Petruchio can't stand one another. The pair have known each other since they were kids, and despite Kate's family treating Christopher like he's one of them, the only feeling Kate's ever had towards him was loathing. Kate has never spent too long in one place, but when she injures herself on a job, she's forced to come back home. After drunkenly admitting to Christopher that she's only been mean to him because she thinks he hates her, Christopher vows to squash the animosity. The truth is Christopher has been in love with Kate for years, but will he be able to convince her his feelings are for real?
I always say this when it comes to Liese's books, but you can't beat the representation in them. All of her characters are so diverse and inclusive. I also enjoy how she's using this series to put her spin on Shakespeare's works. This one took inspiration from The Taming of the Shrew, and it gave me 10 Things I Hate About You vibes with the paintball scene. While I enjoyed this, I wasn't sold on the characters. I didn't connect with Kate or Christopher at all. They had sweet moments, but I thought most of their interactions felt stiff. I had the same issue as with the first book, where some dialogue came off clunky and unnatural, but it was still a quick read, and I'd recommend it if you've enjoyed Liese's previous works.
Rating: 3/5
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| Pub Date: 6-20-23 Adult - Historical Romance |
Bookshop Cinderella- Laura Lee Guhrke: Evie Harlow has resigned herself to a life of spinsterhood, running her small bookshop. She's convinced herself that she's content with her small life, but a run-in with Maximillian Shaw, the Duke of Westbourne, has her rethinking everything. When Max tells Evie about a bet he's made with his friends to turn her into the talk of the season, Evie outright refuses. But when disaster strikes her bookshop, Evie finds herself with no other option. Soon, Evie is thrust into high society, wearing lavish dresses and dancing with charming men at balls. Evie always considered herself a wallflower, but under Max's care and attention, she blossoms into someone she never could've dreamed of. As the pair spend time together, neither can deny the growing attraction, but can two people from such different backgrounds last?
The author said, "I'm going to take She's All That but make it historical," and I'm a fan. It was fun and charming, and the writing was so easy to fall into that I read it all in one sitting. I loved how Max and Evie were from vastly different worlds but found some common ground. I liked how they formed a solid friendship before taking it to the next level. There was such fondness between them, and it was cute seeing them get tripped up by their growing feelings. It was almost endearing in its awkwardness. With that said, I did think the story overall was bland. Evie and Max were cute and had fun banter bits, but something was missing. The romance just felt tame. It was also a bit of a slow burn, which didn't help. It was a cute story, but I wanted a little more.
The author said, "I'm going to take She's All That but make it historical," and I'm a fan. It was fun and charming, and the writing was so easy to fall into that I read it all in one sitting. I loved how Max and Evie were from vastly different worlds but found some common ground. I liked how they formed a solid friendship before taking it to the next level. There was such fondness between them, and it was cute seeing them get tripped up by their growing feelings. It was almost endearing in its awkwardness. With that said, I did think the story overall was bland. Evie and Max were cute and had fun banter bits, but something was missing. The romance just felt tame. It was also a bit of a slow burn, which didn't help. It was a cute story, but I wanted a little more.
Rating: 3/5
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