Tag: Romance

Book Review

Wandering Wild

TheShelfLife

By Lynette Noni, Narrated by Nikki Thomas and Heath Miller

Publication Date: May 2025| Thanks NetGalley for an ARC | Audiobook Version

Overall Verdict: Fantastic and engaging from start to finish, this title will keep you rooting for romance as well as survival.

5/5 Stars

5/5 Stars for Narration

Book Summary: Zander is a Hollywood star, but his reputation of late has been problematic.  Attempting to quickly fix his public image, he agrees to go on a wilderness show with a fan.   Charlie, thanks to her best friend, finds herself the winner of the competition and alongside Zander on a wilderness journey.  This proves to be challenging, as Charlie has come to resent Zander and his newfound image.  Everything starts to fall apart when Zander and Charlie separate from TV show star Rykon, and have to continue their adventure together.  As they battle real danger Zander and Charlie must learn to trust one another and open up about their pasts.

My Analysis: If you’re looking for a realistic fiction that has a solid romance story but takes it a step further and provides some compelling but serious topics, this one is for you.  I absolutely loved this from start to finish.  The characters are interesting, well developed and you will find yourself rooting for them.  Even though Zander is a movie star, you get to see the real emotions and experiences he has faced in his past.  Is it unlikely that Charlie will end up on a reality show with a celebrity? Yes, but it honestly worked for this novel without it seeming too far-fetched.  The plot is entertaining and suspenseful with the inclusion of perilous nature encounters.  I highly recommend this one and if you have the option for an audiobook, the narrators were absolutely perfect.

Book Review

The Davenports: More Than This

TheShelfLife

The Davenports: More Than This by Krystal Marquis

Publication Date: November 2024 | Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: Worth the read if you enjoyed the first novel, but know going in you’re going to have to get to know the characters all over again. This novel shares impactful stories of an important historical group.

3.5/5 Stars

Book Summary: Sequel to The Davenports. Four Black young women from wealthy families living in the 1910’s share their stories. Ruby is newly engaged, but battling rumors that could ruin her reputation and her father’s campaign for mayor. Olivia is committed to change and social justice. She hopes to reunite with the traveling activist Washington DeWitt, until her parents suggestion of a suitor catches her interest. Amy-Rose is finally fulfilling her lifelong dream of owning a hair salon, but this puts her back in proximity of the dashing John Davenport. Helen is determined to bring the family carriage company forward by introducing a motorcar. Teaming up with the rake racer Swift, she puts a plan in motion.

My Analysis:I absolutely LOVED the first Davenports book, so as soon as I saw this was available I jumped at the chance to read it. Unfortunately I was a bit disappointed in it overall. The writing was good, as it was in the first novel, but the characters actually bothered me. Without giving too much away, there are not one but several characters that simply choose not to read letters they had and make very large assumptions which lead to some significant miscommunications. If you aren’t into miscommunication tropes, steer clear of this one. In the first novel there was a lot of character development and build up (particularly with love interests) and it almost seemed like I was getting to know new characters (with new love interests) instead. In the sequel I also felt as if the character development wasn’t as well done. I think it may have been the multiple POV’s this time around, even though that didn’t seem to interfere with the first. It was hard to really get to know any of the POV’s in a deeper level. I did however like the new character additions and the push for these Black female characters to strive for their goals and show that they are More Than This. That message is an important one, and you can tell this author did her historical research of this time period. There aren’t many novels out there (particularly YA) that share this specific viewpoint in this time in history, so it is definitely worth reading.

Book Review

Witty In Pink

TheShelfLife

Witty In Pink by Erica George

Publication Date: August 2024 | Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: Fans of regency era romance will fall for these characters.

4/5 Stars

Book Summary: After an embarrassing incident that occurred when they were children, Blythe has actively avoided Briggs Goswick. When she spends the summer at her Uncles home next door to the Goswick estate, they encounter each other once more. Each needing to do something to save their family, they end up reluctantly striking a bargain. Briggs will introduce her to potential investors for her budding bee business, and in return Blythe will help Briggs win the heart of a cold woman with a large dowry. While working together, they realize there may be more to their witty banter than resentment.

My Analysis: If you are a fan of regency era settings, I recommend you pick this one up. It focuses more on those individuals that live outside the ton and gives a slightly different perspective than binging Bridgerton. You should know going into this that it is a romance novel, and that the plot very much revolves around that and the experiences of those characters. That being said, the characters are highly intriguing and even the secondary characters are well-developed. I liked Blythe’s independent and business natured mindset, even if she could also be insufferable at times. The romance was nicely done as characters skirted around one another. Historically speaking, I’m not exactly sure how accurate this is as a representation of the time period. It felt like there were several times where things didn’t historically make sense. If that’s not something that you would get bothered by though, it is worth the read for the entertaining story.

Book Review

I Wish You Would

TheShelfLife

I Wish You Would by Eva Des Lauriers, Narrated by Max Meyers & Victoria Villarreal

Publication Date: May 2024 | Thanks NetGalley for an ARC | Audiobook Version

Overall Verdict: A little cliche in its story, but readers really get to know some fascinating characters deeply in a short amount of time.

4/5 Stars – Novel

4/5 Stars – Narrators

Book Summary: Kicking off their last year of High School at Senior Sunrise, a group of teens find out more than they bargained for about themselves and their fellow classmates. The Seniors follow a tradition of writing private letters describing what they would do if they were braver. When Natalia second guesses what she wrote and attempts to take it back, some of the secrets are scattered in the wind along the beach. Drama ensues, secrets revealed, connections made and romances ignite.

My Analysis: This is a cute realistic fiction story, seeped in friendship and romance drama. I liked that this whole book takes place within two days, and even with the short time frame you’re really able to see character growth. Even the secondary characters are well thought out and have depth. Basically the entire story is a miscommunication plot, so if you aren’t into that sort of thing I’d avoid this one. For the most part I didn’t mind it, but sometimes it did get a little old. There were also a lot of cliche moments, but if you can be accepting of them it was ultimately a nice coming of age novel with a heavy dose of romance. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook version of this. The narrator for Natalia was spectacular. I was less impressed by the narrator for Ethan. His voice was a little aged for the character and his intonation of female characters I found to be a bit grating. If you are looking for a cute summer read with some friendship drama and romance, I recommend this one.

Book Review

Break To You

TheShelfLife

Break To You by Neal Shusterman, Debra Young, Michelle Knowlden

Publication Date: July 2024 |Thanks Netgalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A surface level look into the experiences of a teenage detention center, which may appeal to younger YA readers.

2.5/5 Stars

Book Summary: Adriana is sentenced to seven months at the Compass Juvenile Detention Center. As she adjusts to this new life, she continues to write in her journal, the one way she is able to fully express her emotions. One day though, she can’t locate her journal. Adriana discovers is some time later only to realize that someone else has written back to her. A boy, who she is not allowed to see on the girls-only side of the center. Adriana and Jon (who has been at Compass for a long time) begin a correspondence to help them work through their time there. Giving them hope in a challenging circumstance.

My Analysis: I am a HUGE Shusterman fan, so when I saw this coming out I jumped on it immediately. But I was disappointed in this one. It really didn’t feel like his voice was in the story at all. I suppose that is what happens when you have three minds working together to author a novel. I think this is a much needed look into the teen experience of a juvenile detention center. I wish it has dived in deeper though. I feel like I didn’t really get to know all of the characters as well as I would have liked to. And I’ll admit- I found it hard to root for Adriana. I much preferred reading about Jon. The focus was much more on a budding romance than anything else, and I would have appreciated more depth. Something else that stood out to me in this one were the glaring inconsistencies. I know this is an ARC and that a final copy may have these things adjusted (I hope!), but they were noticeable. I did like how the story wrapped up and the ending was satisfying. Overall I think this may appeal more to younger YA readers.

Book Review

A Curse for True Love

TheShelfLife

A Curse For True Love by Stephanie Garber

Publication Date: October 2023

Overall Verdict: A satisfying ending to a magical trilogy full of fairytale curses and stories.

4.5/5 Stars

Book Summary: Evangeline has come a long way in her adventure for a happy ending. Now she is married to a prince and it seems as though things couldn’t be better. Little does she know exactly what she has sacrificed to gain this happiness. True love is put to the test and the battle for a happy ending wages on.

My Analysis: This was a solid close to this fantasy trilogy. The author did a nice job of wrapping the story up and tying loose ends together. This novel did share a dual POV, unlike the first two, which I didn’t really care for. I can understand wanting to gain additional perspective based on what is going on in the plot, but I definitely found myself liking one much more than the other. I have loved the relationships Garber has built between these characters and this one did not disappoint as they only continued to develop. If you’re looking for a magical series that is very heavy on fairytale concepts this will be right up your alley! I highly recommend this series!

Book Review

An Unlikely Proposition

TheShelfLife

An Unlikely Proposition by Rosalyn Eves

Publication Date: March 2024 | Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A satisfying sequel full of regency romance and drama.

3.5/5 Stars

Book Summary: Seventeen year old Eleanor was widowed, and after a year of mourning is ready to assert her independence in society. I’m order to keep her nephew from inheriting her fortune if she were to remarry, Eleanor concocts a fake engagement to a friend. Thalia wants to escape her county life and go to London. When Eleanor hires her on as a companion, their lives intertwine.

My Analysis: This was a nicely done companion novel to An Improbable Season. It could be read as a stand-alone, however I don’t think the reader would get as much out of it without having read the first. It doesn’t go too much more in depth beyond a regency romance plot line, but if you’re looking for a cute and fun read- it’s worth it! The author does a nice job incorporating the historical aspects of society during the time period in which it is set. The relationships between the characters, whether friendship or romantic definitely drive the overall story. If you like a straightforward romance and are a Bridgerton fan, you’ll like this one!

Book Review

A British Girl’s Guide to Hurricanes and Heartbreak

TheShelfLife

A British Girl’s Guide to Hurricanes and Heartbreak by Laura Taylor Namey

Publication Date: September 2023 | Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A cute companion novel that shares a story of drama, love, friendship and finding yourself against all odds.

4/5 Stars

Book Summary: Flora has always been known as a ‘hurricane’ in her family, having trouble managing her emotions. When her mother passes after a long term illness, Flora leaves her home in England to try and find herself in Miami. Along her journey she meets new people and connects even deeper with some people she has known all her life. In doing so, Flora attempts to repair her heart and determine her place and future.

My Analysis: This is a companion novel to A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow (which I LOVED), but can absolutely be read as a stand alone. Overall it’s an enjoyable read for fans of romance and coming of age tales. The standout thing that I disliked about this one however was the main protagonist. Flora drove me a little crazy and it was honestly hard to want to root for her when she was just kind of a horrible person to everyone around her. I get that part of it was to show her growth etc, but that made it tougher for me to get into fully. The secondary characters though were brilliant. I loved every single one of them and they were what carried me through more so than Flora. I also liked that this was a bit of a flip from Cuban Girl’s Guide and the reader is able to see the British girl in a Miami setting this time. A cute realistic fiction with some drama and romance.

Book Review

Pride and Prejudice in Pittsburgh

TheShelfLife

Pride and Prejudice in Pittsburgh by Rachael Lippincott

Publication Date: August 2023 | Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A solid romance and coming of age story, so long as you can look past the lack of explanation of time travel and historical aspects.

2.5/5 Stars

Book Summary: Audrey feels the future she dreamed of falling apart. When a family friend visits the convenient store she works at, things get even more strange when she finds herself transported back to the year 1812. There she meets Lucy, who is currently being courted despite her own hesitations about her future. The two become instantly close and begin to realize they bring out the best in one another.

My Analysis: As far as romance goes, this was solid. I enjoyed the building relationship between Lucy and Audrey and the challenges that both of their lives present. The historical aspects of the book though were underwhelming. They were not nearly as detailed as they could have been, and I don’t really see historical fiction fans enjoying this one. Like I said though, if you’re looking for some romance, this would work for you! Another thing that I really couldn’t get past in this book was the time travel. Really cool in concept and I was very interested in reading this, but again it just didn’t deliver. Everyone was just so accepting of the idea of time travel and it is extremely fanciful. It is however very neatly wrapped up at the end, which I appreciated.

Book Review

Going Bicoastal

TheShelfLife

Going Bicoastal by Dahlia Adler

Publication Date: June 2023 | Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: If you can get past the sometimes juvenile writing, this a decent romance story that also factors in friendship and family. It is intriguing to see the possibilities of both options in the choice Natalya has to make.

2.5/Stars

Book Summary: Natalya has two choices: stay in NYC with her Dad for the summer or go out to LA to visit her Mom. Going Bicoastal shares what could happen in both scenarios weaving together two alternate realities. In each, Natalya finds love, friendship and a direction for her life.

My Analysis: I was totally hooked by the premise of this book – one character with two alternative story lines? So intriguing! Overall the plots for both scenarios were solid, although I did find myself more interested in one version over the other. What bothered me though was how hard the author was trying to make her characters sound ‘cool.’ Some of the language was too juvenile, even for a YA book, especially for the events that occur throughout the story. It took quite a bit of the enjoyment out of the reading of it for me, and I found myself eye rolling far too many times. I did however really enjoy the representation of the Jewish population in this book. It was a very realistic component to the story and I appreciated how the main character held this as a part of her identity. I also think the author did well with how Natalya shares that she is bisexual. She let the stories speak for themselves in sharing her feelings, thoughts and experiences.