irxren's reviews
93 reviews

Wild Love offers a heartwarming romance filled with familiar elements that many readers will adore. The story follows childhood frenemies Ford and Rosie, who eventually become lovers, set against the charming backdrop of a small town. This classic trope is enhanced by relatable characters and sharp, witty banter that keeps the dialogue lively and fun.

Ford, the grumpy and guarded hero, reveals a surprisingly sweet side, particularly in his relationship with his daughter, Cora. Watching him go out of his way to make her happy was heartwarming. It was refreshing to see such a tough guy be so soft when it came to his little girl, and those tender moments really stood out to me.

However, I had mixed feelings about the sperm donor-turned-single dad trope. While Ford's protective nature towards Rosie was endearing, at times it felt like he had a bit of a hero complex, always trying to fix everything for her. Though I understand why some readers might enjoy that, it didn’t entirely sit well with me.

“Love meant that you care for another person's happiness more than your own, no matter how painful the choices you face might be.”

Dear John is a heartwarming and emotional story about love, sacrifice, and personal growth. The book follows John Tyree, a soldier, and Savannah Lynn Curtis, a college student, who fall in love while John is on leave. Their relationship is tested when John decides to re-enlist after the events of 9/11, leaving Savannah and his father behind.

The story beautifully captures the ups and downs of their relationship. I really enjoyed seeing how John and Savannah's love developed, showing that relationships aren’t always easy. John’s character, in particular, grows throughout the book. He starts off a bit distant but becomes more likable and mature as the story progresses.

While many people found the ending sad, I thought it was realistic. Not all love stories have perfect endings, and sometimes it’s about the right person, but the wrong time. The book teaches that life doesn't always go as planned, and love requires hard choices.

This novel tells the story of Jamie, a sweet girl who is the daughter of a small-town Baptist minister. She spends her time helping others and rescuing animals, embodying kindness and purity. On the other hand, Landon is a popular boy who loves hanging out with his friends and enjoys the perks of being cool.

When Landon ends up without a date for the homecoming dance, he reluctantly asks Jamie to go with him. He knows people might talk, but he thinks it's better than going alone. At first, he doesn’t think much of her, but as the night unfolds, his feelings begin to change. However, a surprising twist will soon turn his life upside down.

What makes this novel truly special is its simplicity and purity. The quiet setting and relatable characters create an easy-to-follow plot that feels genuine. The love story is beautiful yet uncomplicated, making you believe in fairy tales. Although the ending is not a big surprise, it is memorable enough to leave a lasting impression.

Local Woman Missing follows the mysterious case of two women who disappeared from a wealthy neighborhood 11 years ago. In the present, a teenage girl escapes captivity, revealing a surprising connection to these missing women.

The first half of the book is engaging and well-written, making it easy to read in one sitting. I enjoyed the different points of view and the mix of past and present perspectives. However, the ending didn't quite match the build-up of the story. It felt rushed and a bit outlandish, almost like two different books were merged into one.

While the twist at the end was surprising, it was hard to believe, and the events seemed too extreme for a real-life situation. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied, especially after such a strong start. I wanted to rate it higher, but the last 100 pages dragged it down for me. So, I’m giving it 2.5 stars out of 5.

I’ve always enjoyed Julianne MacLean’s books, but this one left me feeling mixed. The story centers around Dean, Melanie, Gabriel, and Olivia, with a strong focus on the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle, which initially drew me in. The first half of the book was engaging, especially with the mysterious disappearance of Olivia's husband. However, as the story progressed, it became bogged down and predictable.

Melanie's thesis about the Bermuda Triangle isn't fully explored, which left me disappointed. Because of this, her perspective didn’t add much to the overall story. I also found Dean's actions frustrating and his reasoning unclear, which took away from the tension I was hoping for.

Overall, while the book starts with an exciting premise tied to the Bermuda Triangle, it ultimately fails to deliver on that promise. It’s a decent read with interesting characters, but I wished for a deeper exploration of the triangle's mysteries, as they felt sidelined in the end.

The main reason I was interested was the plot hook I kept hearing: there’s this girl destined to bring about her true love’s death with a kiss. I didn’t expect everything to wrap up in the first book, but I did think this “deadly kiss” theme would be front and center. Instead, it’s more of an occasional mention, like a shadow in the background. And I’ll be honest—at times, I’d be reading along, and suddenly I’d have no clue how we got where we were. It’s almost like some transitions or details didn’t quite stick, so I had to do a few double takes.

What really hooked me, though, was the mix of perspectives. Having different characters’ points of view kept the story lively and made me feel like each of them was leading in some way. I also loved the dark vibe and was drawn to how strange and almost magical the story felt.

This book tells the story of Blythe, a mother who finds it painfully difficult to bond with her daughter, Violet. Haunted by memories of her own mother’s neglect, Blythe fears that she might be trapped in a vicious cycle of generational trauma. Her attempts to connect with Violet only add to her fears, making her question her own sanity and wonder if her daughter is capable of normal emotions or is simply lashing out from feeling unloved.

While the book is slow-paced and isn’t driven by plot twists or action, it has a haunting depth. It explores themes not often shown in books or movies: the raw, sometimes dark sides of motherhood, the resentment and sadness that can pass from one generation to the next like a burden.

I’m hovering somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars for this one, but I’ll round up to 4.

This book follows Naomi and Nicholas, an engaged couple who suddenly realize they no longer like each other. Neither wants to be the one to end the relationship, so they both try to get the other to call it quits. Despite the tension, the story is full of humor, and the witty banter had me laughing out loud. The writing style is so enjoyable, and the character growth was both heartwarming and satisfying to see.

What I loved most about this book is how it beautifully captures the idea of second chances. It’s a reminder to take a step back and appreciate what’s right in front of us, especially the small, often unnoticed acts of love that partners do for each other. While it took a little time to fully get into, I’m so glad I stuck with it. This is the perfect rom-com with plenty of heart, and I highly recommend it!

This book is a beautiful piece of historical fiction that shines a light on an inspiring chapter of American history. Set during the Great Depression, it tells the story of a group of brave women who rode horses through the remote mountains of Kentucky to deliver books to families in need. Created as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s WPA project, this traveling library brought stories and knowledge to people who had very little access to education or entertainment.

One of my favorite parts was seeing how books brought joy to the people in these small communities. Children learned to read, families found comfort in difficult times, and even the sick found relief as the librarians read to them. These small acts of kindness made a big difference in their lives, and it reminded me how powerful stories can be.

The story also dives into serious issues like racism, class struggles, and misogyny, showing the hardships these women faced every day. But through it all, their friendship and love for their work shone brightly. The ending was especially satisfying, leaving me with a big smile and a full heart.

On a quiet Florida island in 1970, newlyweds Catherine and Dr. Frank Overbrook are warmly welcomed by their neighbors at a small gathering. But their fresh start takes a dark turn when Frank is found dead the next morning. Detective Quentin Jones steps in to investigate, uncovering secrets among the party guests—from a retiring doctor and his nurse to a fiery couple, a reclusive young pair, and a blind sculptor from Quentin’s past. Everyone seems to be hiding something.

The book’s writing is smooth and easy to follow, and the story feels like a nod to Agatha Christie, where everyone’s a suspect and the detective is piecing things together alongside the reader. While the pace is slow at times and some characters’ suspicious behavior feels unnecessary, the short length keeps it from dragging too much. The big reveal in the final chapters ties things together in a satisfying way.

Overall, it’s a cozy and intriguing seaside mystery, perfect for fans of twisty investigations.