ezichinny's reviews
3357 reviews

Now That I've Found You by Kristina Forest

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slow-paced

3.0

It was okay. It was slow paced and while I liked Evie, I wasn't that invested in the story. The main take away from the story was that people need to know their own worth. The need for outside validation can destroy one's self esteem. The industry that Evie was in truly relies on public validation so I can only imagine how hard it is for celebrities to constantly be watching social media and similar measuring polls to let them know if their work was deemed worthy.

I really appreciated the message Evie's grandmother shared with her about not needing those awards to feel good about herself. As far as Evie's relationship with Milo, this was really the only part I cared about. I liked him for her and I loved his patience with her. I am glad they got it together in the end.
Rolling Toward Clear Skies by Catherine Ryan Hyde

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2.0

This one was rough to get through. I have kids and they aren’t this inconsiderate and bratty. My main issue was that every character was underwhelming and lacked development. It was hard to like anyone except Alex but he was a non factor in the family dynamic as well. Dr. Maggie seemed like a good person but she’s raised Willow and Gemma, who were awful to he two young girls, Jean and Rose, Those two were sweet and but not quite believable. Ultimately I found it hard to get what the author wanted to convey with this story. I didn’t find this story entertaining nor enjoyable.
No Ordinary Duchess by Elizabeth Hoyt

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adventurous emotional mysterious 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? Yes

4.5

This installment in the series was SO GOOD! Hats off of Ashford McNab for her narration. She brought these characters to life and I was invested in their plight.
I love strong heroines so Lady Elspeth de Moray was an heroine I was rooting for. She was independent, confident and resourceful. She was that girl. Her interactions with the much older Julian Greycourt made her seem closer to his age and definitely his equal in matters of the heart. I love how the author flipped the script in bedroom but allowed free communication about their curiosities. I also enjoyed the angst they individually felt due to the secrets they were harboring to protect their loved ones. I just loved this one! Elspeth and Julian won my heart.
The Measure by Nikki Erlick

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reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I started this book a week after losing a relative who was essentially my age. It just made me wonder what I would do if I knew exactly how long I had to live.
First. I'm too cowardly to open my own box. but the mother in me would want to know how long I had to spend my children and loved ones.
Unfortunately, the book also made me realize that for every good thought I had. an equally mischievous and illegal thought was occurring to me.
As a novel. I cannot say that I enjoyed it or that it was memorable. But the thought provoking questions made me realize as a society, I have little faith in our  ability to empathize with one another.
Lights Out by Navessa Allen

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challenging dark mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I read this one for bookclub and unfortunately I didn’t connect like others.
I liked Aly Cappellucci, a nurse as she seemed to be a nice chick. I also liked Josh Hammond, who worked hard to escape his father’s shadow.
I just didn’t feel invested in their relationship but I loved the diversity in work environment (hospital).

I would be interested in watching it as series on tv though because the mob angle and Josh’s roommate were intriguing storylines
A Worthy Love by A.E. Valdez

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challenging tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

For my first read of 2025, it was a decent start. I think I would have liked this book more if I hadn’t read the prior ones because they were much stronger and the chemistry between those characters were much more palpable. 

I loved Asher but was torn on Marisa. She came off as an independent woman who lives on her own terms. But that didn’t ring true with how she was devastated about being called names because of Reese.

I know I will be in the minority but I didn’t see Reese as a terrible guy. He was definitely flawed but I had a lot of issues with just how little Risa actually knew of Reese. Plus, I actually liked the adoption idea. 

Asher was mouthy but he walked that walk. He was consistently real, considerate and supportive. He was a really good character. Most of my enjoyment was directly related to his banter with Risa.

The book was at least 100 pages too long. It still didn’t address crucial foundation issues like Marisa and Reese’s short but intense relationship. I would have liked more background on that. I found Reese compelling as an anti-hero. 

Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

Emme was a rodeo rider who came home for reasons unknown. Then her brothers bestie Luke helped her regain her confidence both as a rider and as a woman.

Forget Me Not by Julie Soto

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was a slow burn but I enjoy them if they are done right. My girl Callie Dalton made this book so good! I loved Elliot, definitely a character Mariana Zapata would have written!
Grumpy yet steadfast. There was something awkward yet endearing about how he dealt with Ama. I expected him to be more entitled because of his mom and connections but nope, he gave off pauper vibes. I’m here for a man not acting like he’s Gods gift because his family is known or rich.
I took off a point for the weird cover and Ama’s HOT MESS of a mom and the fact the author didn’t use this opportunity to plug mental health therapy. I searched to see what the record for marriages by a woman since I knew Elizabeth Taylor was married 7x. The Genius Book of world records state that “23 times” is the record for a woman! That’s crazy!!!

But for real, this cover is not a great representation of the characters. My son said this cover was “not giving”
Christmas in Spite of You by K.C. Mills

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slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Noel put her apartment as an Airbnb for the holidays since she had planned to home but when her plans changed, she decided to rent it out but forgot to remove the listing. She ended up with an unwanted renter Kanton, who wasn’t into Christmas holidays like she was.

The dialogue had me chuckling a few times but overall the story was slow paced so it dragged. But once Kanton decided to put in work, the efforts he went through to make Christmas fun for Noel was cute. 
A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon

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challenging informative inspiring reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

3.5