sdupont's reviews
504 reviews

Comeback by Rebecca Jenshak

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emotional funny 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? No

4.25

Those Holland boys know how to deliver! We have finally made it to Archer’s chance at love and it was as good as expected. Archer is sweet and sensitive while also being fiercely protective of the ones he loves. Sabrina is fun and bubbly and trying to develop a relationship with her newly found brother Brogan. Despite suspicions at the start, Archer and Sabrina quickly get the hots for each other. I loved seeing them open up and build their close bond. Sabrina seemed to understand Archer in a way that he had never had outside of his family. Her support clearly was impactful. Archer loves hard and he quickly found himself all in on his girl. This one was fun and light. Great for fans of a sports romance, this one is two for the price of one- dance and football. 
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The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez

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funny lighthearted fast-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

4.0

What a fun little short story! I loved the banter and easy conversation between Seth and Charlotte. What better meet up than neighbors stranded in their units because of missing stairs? They develop an easy friendship that turns into mutual crushes. It’s all the fun beginning stages. I also enjoyed that this one was a bit of a 2 for 1 deal with the side romance between their friends. I recommend this for a fun quick little read.
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The Favorites by Layne Fargo

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

4.0

“This is the last time I'm asking you this
Put my name at the top of your list
This is the last time I'm asking you why
You break my heart in the blink of an eye, eye, eye”

This book is honestly a little sick and twisted. The drama gave me a tummy ache while reading. I appreciated how complex all of the characters were- it was hard to decide if you liked them or not in the end. Katarina and Heath had this very strong push and pull throughout the entire book despite all that happens. Honestly, I found his betrayal to be perhaps the harder to get past. I actually gasped at the moment. The book was a little too long in my opinion. It dragged at the beginning but once it picked up I couldn’t put it down. I recommend this book for fans of Carrie Soto is Back and Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Now I’ll brb but currently have the  urge to watch some ice dancing. 
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PS: I Hate You by Lauren Connolly

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emotional 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 book is perfect for fans of The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce, it similarly balances love and grief with the backdrop of trips. I really felt for Maddie. She had been through it- on top of losing her beloved brother Josh, her mom is a grade A narcissist. She is still healing the wounds of abandonment (All You Had To Do Was Stay is her Taylor song). Dom is steady and responsible, which is a burden in a different way. The two of them clearly clicked even with Maddie’s constant goading. It was beautiful seeing them reunite, but I wish they talked out their issues from the last much sooner. They both deserved that honesty. I do wish the pacing was a little faster earlier on so that the ending could’ve not been quite as rushed. 
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Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams

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emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

There’s something about an academic rivals to lovers that always hits. It always delivers great banter and tension and this book was no different. I really enjoyed Emily and Jack’s story. It was fun seeing their decades long rivalry evolve into a friendship and then more. Emily is extremely hard on herself and the perfectionist girlies will relate. Both have been through some traumas and found ways to be vulnerable and support each other. I recommend this one for fans of You With a View by Jessica Joyce and Beach Read by Emily Henry. 
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Reckless Love by Willow Aster

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emotional funny 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? No

4.0

Who doesn’t love a romance featuring a hottie single dad football player and his best friend he’s secretly been in love with for 13 years? This book offered up great “it’s always been you” energy. I enjoyed Rhodes and Elle’s relationship. Rhodes was very steadfast in ensuring that Elle would finally see that he was in love with her. His affection was so open and direct, leaving no question of his feelings.  They had a beautiful and supportive friendship that was the perfect foundation for romance. I will say at times the story did drag a bit as there was low angst. The flashbacks at times felt that they were not adding to the story. Despite this I did enjoy the book and would recommend it for fans of single dad and friends to lovers romances.
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Burn the Wild by Ava Hunter

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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

4.25

If you are looking for a dramatic and emotional romantic suspense book then you are in the right place. Ford and Reese may not get off to the best start but they definitely find their way to their happily ever after. Ford and Reese have both been through a lot in the past and have struggled with their mental health. It took them both awhile to open up and be vulnerable but once they did, their anxieties lessened and their connection grew deeper. Ford is your classic protective cowboy which is perfect for Reese who has never had anyone truly in her corner. I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and evolve. I also loved the scenes with the brothers and their wives- such a cute little family. This book is like if Britney Spears was a country star who fell in love with a cowboy. I recommend this for fans of AL Jackson. 
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Just Like That by Lena Hendrix

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emotional funny 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

5.0

This series just keeps getting better! I loved JP’s book, it had it all- emotion, spice, and drama. JP is a misunderstood man, cold and calculating on the outside but soft and thoughtful and caring on the inside. I loved being able to dive in and see his complexities (and growth!). Hazel has spent her life in constant motion but now has to settle into a new life raising her nephew. In a way she is finding herself again after experiencing the loss of her sister. Teddy was just the sweetest boy, I loved seeing the three of them become a family. Honorable mention to all the scenes with the Kings and Sullivans- the former dueling now healing families coming together is the best. I couldn’t put this one down. I recommend it for fans of a single guardian trope and small town romances with a side of drama. 
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Once Smitten, Twice Shy by Chloe Liese

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emotional funny 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? Yes

4.75

Chloe Liese’s romances are like being wrapped in a warm blanket and getting a hug. Her stories are so heartwarming and sweet and gentle. This book is no different. I loved Juliet and Will. They were such soft souls that were destined to find one another. They really were two puzzle pieces fitting together. They really saw each other and were so supportive. I loved seeing Juliet and Will open up and be vulnerable while they “practiced” romance. Their gentle love really blossomed into this beautiful relationship throughout the book. This romance is perfect for those looking for low angst but lots of love and a healthy dose of some spice. 
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Shoot Your Shot by Lexi LaFleur Brown

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emotional funny 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? Yes

4.0

Hockey romance will enjoy this debut novel. This book features Lucy a painter striving to become a tattoo artist and Jaylen a hockey player aiming for a comeback season. I loved the whole good luck charm aspect of their meet up and relationship setup, especially since hockey players are notoriously superstitious. Lucy is very guarded but sweet Jaylen helps her open up and along the way finds himself becoming equally vulnerable. They both find ways to be supportive of the other and their needs. The mental health aspects of this story were well portrayed- both realistic and suited the character development. I will say at times Lucy was giving off a little too much “I’m not like other girls” energy but I understood it since she had been so alone. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to fans of the black cat x golden retriever trope. 

*I received the ARC for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.* 
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