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booksbytheglass's reviews
841 reviews
Hexed by Emily McIntire
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
okay this might be one of my new favorites of this series!! I love when the villains are just misunderstood morally grey baddies š and venesa was NO exception!
and yāall know how much I enjoy a mafia romance, so the west side story-esque set up between enzo (prince of the NY mafia) and venesa (princess of the southern mob) was done so so well! emily mcintere NEVER lets me down when it comes to forbidden romances š®āšØš®āšØ
what worked so well for me was the clear development of the side and background characters! between aria, bastian, fisher, and gio, I wanted spin offs of them all! I want to see how they all grew up together and where they go from here!!
and of course, it wouldnāt be a classic never after story without betrayals and crazy plot twists! I devoured this one and am greedily demanding the next one pls
also, complete side note, but emily writing this masterpiece while undergoing chemo for stage 4 cancer and beating its ass? sheās the true icon and badass & we love her for it š©·
READ THIS SERIES THANK YEW
rating: 5 stars
wine pairing: virginia rosƩ
and yāall know how much I enjoy a mafia romance, so the west side story-esque set up between enzo (prince of the NY mafia) and venesa (princess of the southern mob) was done so so well! emily mcintere NEVER lets me down when it comes to forbidden romances š®āšØš®āšØ
what worked so well for me was the clear development of the side and background characters! between aria, bastian, fisher, and gio, I wanted spin offs of them all! I want to see how they all grew up together and where they go from here!!
and of course, it wouldnāt be a classic never after story without betrayals and crazy plot twists! I devoured this one and am greedily demanding the next one pls
also, complete side note, but emily writing this masterpiece while undergoing chemo for stage 4 cancer and beating its ass? sheās the true icon and badass & we love her for it š©·
READ THIS SERIES THANK YEW
rating: 5 stars
wine pairing: virginia rosƩ
Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
alice feeney has done it again!!! the absolute queen of thrillers and plot twists is BACK - and this time, itās a doozy š I finished the book and immediately had to go back and tab it because holy shit what did I just read
the story focuses on grady, an author who decides to move to a remote island to write his latest book after his wife disappears. and let me tell you, even though grady (and at times abby too) were the most unlikable narrators and characters ever, there was so much to love about the rest of the story!
the setting itself is what cemented the story into top tier category for me! from the mist and fog always rolling in, to the redwood trees haunting around the cabins, and even to the residents of the island who all have their mysterious quirks, I was so invested from start to finish!!!
this is definitely a slow burn thriller, and boy does the ending pay off! I did guess one of the minor twists based on my history of reading, but I loved being gut punched by the rest š³ per alice feeney fashion, it aināt over until itās over
there were a few moments that annoyed me about both grady and his wife abby and kept me from giving this story a full five stars. the entire pregnancy side plot was a big cringe to me as it seemed that both grady and abby just kept ignoring each otherās wishes for their future. and the reason behind the islandās existence needed a bit more flushing out for me š¶
TLDR: another alice feeney winner in my book, but nothing can ever top HIS AND HERS šŖ
rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: tasmania malbec
the story focuses on grady, an author who decides to move to a remote island to write his latest book after his wife disappears. and let me tell you, even though grady (and at times abby too) were the most unlikable narrators and characters ever, there was so much to love about the rest of the story!
the setting itself is what cemented the story into top tier category for me! from the mist and fog always rolling in, to the redwood trees haunting around the cabins, and even to the residents of the island who all have their mysterious quirks, I was so invested from start to finish!!!
this is definitely a slow burn thriller, and boy does the ending pay off! I did guess one of the minor twists based on my history of reading, but I loved being gut punched by the rest š³ per alice feeney fashion, it aināt over until itās over
there were a few moments that annoyed me about both grady and his wife abby and kept me from giving this story a full five stars. the entire pregnancy side plot was a big cringe to me as it seemed that both grady and abby just kept ignoring each otherās wishes for their future. and the reason behind the islandās existence needed a bit more flushing out for me š¶
TLDR: another alice feeney winner in my book, but nothing can ever top HIS AND HERS šŖ
rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: tasmania malbec
The Co-op by Tarah DeWitt
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
this book was so lovely!!! I love when two characters can come together and talk about their issues and why they didnāt work initially š„¹ is thisā¦ maturity?!
friends to lovers usually isnāt my jam, but second chance romance always is - and it was so sweet! ryan and deacon were the cutest (and hottest) couple - their tension was bouncing off the walls the entire book and I wanted so badly to shove them together to work out their emotions
and I think what I liked most about THE CO OP was the real and raw emotions behind it allā¦ both deacon and ryan are saddled with grief while trying to figure out their own lives, and it reflects heavily on a few years where I couldnāt figure it out either š„²
the ending was a bit rushed after the slow burn romance throughout the entire novel, but I love a good HEA I didnāt mind š„¹ the miscommunication, however, was a bit annoying, especially since if they were simply honest about their feelings from the start, everything would have been fine!!!! Iām not bitter!!!
all of that to say, Iām glad I took my time with this one š©· thank you berkley romance for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: burgundy red blend
friends to lovers usually isnāt my jam, but second chance romance always is - and it was so sweet! ryan and deacon were the cutest (and hottest) couple - their tension was bouncing off the walls the entire book and I wanted so badly to shove them together to work out their emotions
and I think what I liked most about THE CO OP was the real and raw emotions behind it allā¦ both deacon and ryan are saddled with grief while trying to figure out their own lives, and it reflects heavily on a few years where I couldnāt figure it out either š„²
the ending was a bit rushed after the slow burn romance throughout the entire novel, but I love a good HEA I didnāt mind š„¹ the miscommunication, however, was a bit annoying, especially since if they were simply honest about their feelings from the start, everything would have been fine!!!! Iām not bitter!!!
all of that to say, Iām glad I took my time with this one š©· thank you berkley romance for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: burgundy red blend
Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
okay this was so cute! I love a good ol romantic gesture š„¹ and especially at holiday season when someone is alone and grieving? stop I cry
I can relate a lot to the FMC who lost her grandmother earlier in the year and is having a hard time celebrating without her, but enter theo, her upstairs neighbor who shows her the joy in creating new memories š„¹š©·
this was the perfect cutesy christmas romcom to end the series! I loved seeing the little gestures that led up to a confession that was understanding of time and space - and not wanting to rush things for the sake of everyoneās feelings! do these men exist in real life? asking for a friend š
rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: napa valley cabernet sauvignon
I can relate a lot to the FMC who lost her grandmother earlier in the year and is having a hard time celebrating without her, but enter theo, her upstairs neighbor who shows her the joy in creating new memories š„¹š©·
this was the perfect cutesy christmas romcom to end the series! I loved seeing the little gestures that led up to a confession that was understanding of time and space - and not wanting to rush things for the sake of everyoneās feelings! do these men exist in real life? asking for a friend š
rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: napa valley cabernet sauvignon
Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
okay this was the best one of this series yet! and it may be because I have a firefighter crush? like are we kidding š¶š¶
this one made me LAUGH! it had all of the makings of a hallmark movie - a danger-prone single woman trying to honor her late grandmotherās wishes & a firefighter constantly saving her (literally) - and I loved every second of it!
was it a bit cheesy and predictable? of course! but it wasnāt cringey in the slightest, which I appreciate. the only lil criticism I have is that evie decided to move to this town after one date with griffin? uprooting her life for a MAN? what a concept š«„
anyway for the sake of romance, this was wonderful! a perfect funny cheesy lil romcom š
rating: 4.5 stars
wine pairing: provence rosƩ
this one made me LAUGH! it had all of the makings of a hallmark movie - a danger-prone single woman trying to honor her late grandmotherās wishes & a firefighter constantly saving her (literally) - and I loved every second of it!
was it a bit cheesy and predictable? of course! but it wasnāt cringey in the slightest, which I appreciate. the only lil criticism I have is that evie decided to move to this town after one date with griffin? uprooting her life for a MAN? what a concept š«„
anyway for the sake of romance, this was wonderful! a perfect funny cheesy lil romcom š
rating: 4.5 stars
wine pairing: provence rosƩ
All by My Elf by Olivia Dade
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
ā¦ confess your feelings by playing never have I ever in a hot dog van? sounds very childish for a bunch of professors but okay
LIKE AT LEAST MAKE A SLEIGH OR SOMETHING WOW
anyway, I just canāt get over the fact that olivia dade wrote an entire holiday novella based on a hot dog van and thought it was sexy š¶ like the spicy scenes were great but I couldnāt get over that it was just ā¦ in elf costumes in a wiener carā¦
also can we get over the trope of not speaking feelings because youāre embarrassed or assume something? like please just one conversation
rating: 2 stars
wine pairing: sparkling california wine
LIKE AT LEAST MAKE A SLEIGH OR SOMETHING WOW
anyway, I just canāt get over the fact that olivia dade wrote an entire holiday novella based on a hot dog van and thought it was sexy š¶ like the spicy scenes were great but I couldnāt get over that it was just ā¦ in elf costumes in a wiener carā¦
also can we get over the trope of not speaking feelings because youāre embarrassed or assume something? like please just one conversation
rating: 2 stars
wine pairing: sparkling california wine
Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
this is quite literally the cringiest book Iāve ever read - the only reason I didnāt DNF it was the fact that it was only 80 pages long š¤
tessa bailey is not my cup of tea, but I have to agree that her smutty scenes are off the charts!! except for ā¦ this hot mess expressā¦ choo choo everyone, hop aboard for the insta love and āshe will marry me if itās the last thing I doā and stay for the āyou were made for suckingā and forgetting your own child was in the room š„“
the masculine energy coming off of this farmer was insane! it gave gaston vibes with how much he wasnāt willing to give up on this woman (even when she said she didnāt want a relationship mind you), and I drew the line when they decided to screw around forgetting her baby literally chilling on the bed
make some traveling pants for yourself and save yourself before you too fall in love with AN ANT STATUE and decide to stay forever (I wish this was a joke)
rating: 1 star
wine pairing: everclear so I can bleach my brain from this
tessa bailey is not my cup of tea, but I have to agree that her smutty scenes are off the charts!! except for ā¦ this hot mess expressā¦ choo choo everyone, hop aboard for the insta love and āshe will marry me if itās the last thing I doā and stay for the āyou were made for suckingā and forgetting your own child was in the room š„“
the masculine energy coming off of this farmer was insane! it gave gaston vibes with how much he wasnāt willing to give up on this woman (even when she said she didnāt want a relationship mind you), and I drew the line when they decided to screw around forgetting her baby literally chilling on the bed
make some traveling pants for yourself and save yourself before you too fall in love with AN ANT STATUE and decide to stay forever (I wish this was a joke)
rating: 1 star
wine pairing: everclear so I can bleach my brain from this
Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
okay best friendās brother always hits the spot for me, and ali hazelwood did not miss š®āšØ
Iām literally begging for someone to be so gone for me that he waits actual years to improve himself before he admits heās worthy of me LIKE PLEASE š a walking green flag in action
jamie, on the other hand, desperately needs therapy!! like woo girl you straight up have this man telling you how much he loves you and youāre so insecure that even after decades of knowing him, you still think heās lying? please help yourself!!! childhood trauma is a thing!!!!
the miscommunication (over a voicemail, are we fr though) knocked it down a whole star for me because seriously š but I do love a man who wonāt stop until heās the best version of himself okay
rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: inniskillin cabernet franc ice wine
Iām literally begging for someone to be so gone for me that he waits actual years to improve himself before he admits heās worthy of me LIKE PLEASE š a walking green flag in action
jamie, on the other hand, desperately needs therapy!! like woo girl you straight up have this man telling you how much he loves you and youāre so insecure that even after decades of knowing him, you still think heās lying? please help yourself!!! childhood trauma is a thing!!!!
the miscommunication (over a voicemail, are we fr though) knocked it down a whole star for me because seriously š but I do love a man who wonāt stop until heās the best version of himself okay
rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: inniskillin cabernet franc ice wine
Kill the Beast by Serena Valentino
adventurous
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
so I felt like this was a repeat of book two? just from gastonās point of view?
which donāt get me wrong, I didnāt hate! one of my favorite parts of THE BEAST WITHIN was the backstory between adam/kingsley & gaston, and Iām so happy to see it expanded upon
although I really wished for a happy ending for gaston selfishlyā¦ especially as this story proves he wasnāt actually a bad person, if anything he was a better person and had a better heart than adam did at any point in their upbringing
if it wasnāt for the odd sisters, gaston probably would have been the hero of the story š„²
another quick and easy disney retelling read!
rating: 3.5 stars
wine pairing: burgundy red blend
which donāt get me wrong, I didnāt hate! one of my favorite parts of THE BEAST WITHIN was the backstory between adam/kingsley & gaston, and Iām so happy to see it expanded upon
although I really wished for a happy ending for gaston selfishlyā¦ especially as this story proves he wasnāt actually a bad person, if anything he was a better person and had a better heart than adam did at any point in their upbringing
if it wasnāt for the odd sisters, gaston probably would have been the hero of the story š„²
another quick and easy disney retelling read!
rating: 3.5 stars
wine pairing: burgundy red blend
The Note: A novel by Alafair Burke
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
the more I think about this one, the angrier I get at the time I wasted on this one š© alafair burke is usually an auto buy author for me, so I was very upset when their latest missed the mark for me!
surrounding three women, whose personalities seem like theyāre still in high school letās be honest, and a prank they pulled during their weekend getaway, the mystery seemed a bit immature from the start. and thereās nothing that bothers me than when people keep stupid secrets, especially from the authorities, and it blows up into something larger than it should have been š«
the flashbacks also seemed a bit disjointed, and it wasnāt very clear in what time period events were taking placeā¦ and as much as I enjoy a dual timeline mystery, this one didnāt seem to work as well for meā¦
each of the main three women were unlikable and straight up idiotic - from straight shooter may who literally doesnāt know when to keep her mouth shut, to secret keeping queen bee kelsey who is incapable of doing something morally correct, to lauren who is simultaneously trying to keep her friends together and looking out for her best interests onlyā¦
and while I appreciated the main plot twist at the end, it was a little too late to make me care about the characters š«¢ a big thank you still to netgalley and knopf for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
rating: 2 stars
wine pairing: sonoma coast rosƩ
surrounding three women, whose personalities seem like theyāre still in high school letās be honest, and a prank they pulled during their weekend getaway, the mystery seemed a bit immature from the start. and thereās nothing that bothers me than when people keep stupid secrets, especially from the authorities, and it blows up into something larger than it should have been š«
the flashbacks also seemed a bit disjointed, and it wasnāt very clear in what time period events were taking placeā¦ and as much as I enjoy a dual timeline mystery, this one didnāt seem to work as well for meā¦
each of the main three women were unlikable and straight up idiotic - from straight shooter may who literally doesnāt know when to keep her mouth shut, to secret keeping queen bee kelsey who is incapable of doing something morally correct, to lauren who is simultaneously trying to keep her friends together and looking out for her best interests onlyā¦
and while I appreciated the main plot twist at the end, it was a little too late to make me care about the characters š«¢ a big thank you still to netgalley and knopf for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
rating: 2 stars
wine pairing: sonoma coast rosƩ