Mini Thoughts
Hello, all!
It's Different This Time- Joss Richard: June Wood has spent the last five years trying to forget her life back in New York City. She told everyone she moved to LA to pursue an acting career, but really, she was running from a broken heart. Now, one email brings her face-to-face with the last person she wants to see. June and Adam were strangers turned roommates turned friends turned something more, but neither has seen or spoken to the other in years, so they're shocked to learn that they're the new owners of 74 Perry Street, the West Village brownstone they used to rent. There's only one loophole: they would need to live there for a month while the paperwork goes through. The pair didn't leave on good terms, so they are reluctant to become roommates once more, but neither can deny free real estate. As they both try to navigate their new dynamic, they're forced to confront the past and the truths they've kept hidden for so long.
I've been hearing a lot of buzz surrounding this book lately, and it's more than deserved. It felt like every '90s romcom set in NYC and an Olivia Dean song all rolled into one. Admittedly, I was a little wary going in because I don't believe romances should be over 400 pages, but I was hooked and ended up reading this in a day because I couldn't put it down. I found both of our MCs to be so likable, and I loved their dynamic. I also liked getting flashbacks from the start of their friendship because it helped solidify the mutual yearning they had for one another. There were some plot points that I felt were a little convenient, but I ate this book up and can't wait to see what Richard comes out with next.
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| Pub Date: 10-7-25 Adult - Paranormal Romance |
Mate- Ali Hazelwood: Serena Paris coming forward as the first Human-Were hybrid was supposed to repair the rift between the two species, but instead, it painted a target on her back. To avoid being captured and used for political leverage by the Weres, Vampyres, and Humans, Serena has no choice but to seek help from the one person she knows is bound to protect her-- her mate. Koen Alexander is the Alpha of the Northwest pack and used to having total authority. He is fiercely protective of those under his care, but especially so of his mate, regardless of whether she doesn't reciprocate his feelings. As the pair are thrust together, they realize enemy Vampyres and Weres aren't the only ones threatening Serena's safety. Serena doesn't remember much about her past, but when it comes knocking on their doorstep, secrets are brought to the light that jeopardize everything.
I almost didn't pick this up because I didn't love Bride, but everyone kept raving about it, and I love AH, so I wanted to give it a shot. One thing I know for sure is that werewolf romances definitely aren't for me, but I still had a lot of fun reading it. Most of my enjoyment boiled down to the characters. I liked Serena and Koen so much more than Misery and Lowe from the previous book. I loved watching Serena push Koen's buttons and how he swore he didn't care for her, yet he was dropping everything to care for her. They were adorable, and their banter had me kicking my little feet. The plot was interesting, just a little too long, but other than that, this was a surprisingly delightful read.
I almost didn't pick this up because I didn't love Bride, but everyone kept raving about it, and I love AH, so I wanted to give it a shot. One thing I know for sure is that werewolf romances definitely aren't for me, but I still had a lot of fun reading it. Most of my enjoyment boiled down to the characters. I liked Serena and Koen so much more than Misery and Lowe from the previous book. I loved watching Serena push Koen's buttons and how he swore he didn't care for her, yet he was dropping everything to care for her. They were adorable, and their banter had me kicking my little feet. The plot was interesting, just a little too long, but other than that, this was a surprisingly delightful read.
Rating: 4/5
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| Pub Date: 9-30-25 Adult - Contemporary |
It's Different This Time- Joss Richard: June Wood has spent the last five years trying to forget her life back in New York City. She told everyone she moved to LA to pursue an acting career, but really, she was running from a broken heart. Now, one email brings her face-to-face with the last person she wants to see. June and Adam were strangers turned roommates turned friends turned something more, but neither has seen or spoken to the other in years, so they're shocked to learn that they're the new owners of 74 Perry Street, the West Village brownstone they used to rent. There's only one loophole: they would need to live there for a month while the paperwork goes through. The pair didn't leave on good terms, so they are reluctant to become roommates once more, but neither can deny free real estate. As they both try to navigate their new dynamic, they're forced to confront the past and the truths they've kept hidden for so long.
I've been hearing a lot of buzz surrounding this book lately, and it's more than deserved. It felt like every '90s romcom set in NYC and an Olivia Dean song all rolled into one. Admittedly, I was a little wary going in because I don't believe romances should be over 400 pages, but I was hooked and ended up reading this in a day because I couldn't put it down. I found both of our MCs to be so likable, and I loved their dynamic. I also liked getting flashbacks from the start of their friendship because it helped solidify the mutual yearning they had for one another. There were some plot points that I felt were a little convenient, but I ate this book up and can't wait to see what Richard comes out with next.
Rating: 4/5
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| Pub Date: 4-7-20 Adult - Contemporary |
You Deserve Each Other- Sarah Hogle: To the outside world, Naomi and Nicholas are head over heels in love and can't wait to walk down the aisle in a few short months. In reality, Naomi is hopelessly sick of Nicholas. She would love to call off the wedding, but whoever does must foot the bill for the lavish she-bang. When the pair realize they're both equally miserable, they proceed to try to get the other to back out first. But in between all the pranks and sabotage, Naomi and Nicholas find their spark again and realize that once free from all the self-inflicted pressure, the only person they want to spend forever with is each other.
I've heard good things about Hogle's writing, so I was excited to check it out. It reminded me a bit of Sarah Adams, who I love. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me. I thought the premise was fun and a little goofy, but I couldn't stand Naomi. I found her rather annoying and thought her actions were too juvenile. I also didn't feel any connection between her and Nicholas. They had some cute moments, but I was missing the spark between them. The writing was quick, and I flew through it in one sitting, but it wasn't for me.
I've heard good things about Hogle's writing, so I was excited to check it out. It reminded me a bit of Sarah Adams, who I love. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me. I thought the premise was fun and a little goofy, but I couldn't stand Naomi. I found her rather annoying and thought her actions were too juvenile. I also didn't feel any connection between her and Nicholas. They had some cute moments, but I was missing the spark between them. The writing was quick, and I flew through it in one sitting, but it wasn't for me.
Rating: 2/5
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