courtsbooknook's reviews
1547 reviews

Drop, Cover, and Hold On by Jasmine Guillory

Go to review page

fast-paced

2.0

The short stories in this collection just keep going downhill. This one was unbelievably short and I just wanted a bit more for the characters. The bakery setting was cute and I liked the idea of a love story starting there, however, I didn't feel a ton of chemistry from the main characters. There was nothing of note from this one and didn't understand why the MMC felt the need to glare all the time even though he claimed he was in love. I just couldn't get into it and felt a lot was missing even for a short novella.
The Duchess in His Bed by Lorraine Heath

Go to review page

emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.25

I was excited for Aiden's story, but I have to say this is my least favorite of the series so far. I still liked it and I enjoyed the love story, but the idea of forcing a pregnancy didn't sit right with me. I understand Selena's motivations for wanting to get pregnant, but I think her sisters would have been fine if they all just sat and had a conversation. It seemed like her love for Aiden wasn't really genuine until the end and I struggled with that. I did like Aiden's development and the involvement of his siblings in this one. The spice and intimacy was very good here as well, I just didn't find myself rooting for these two as much as other stories in the series. I'm still looking forward to books five and six!
Rachel Weiss's Group Chat by Lauren Appelbaum

Go to review page

emotional funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Rachel Weiss is a hot mess and I loved her for it. This book was a fun reading journey and I found myself laughing at or relating to Rachel's actions. The Jewish rep was great and I liked that it was a big part of Rachel and her family. I thought the group chat as a plot point was a nice touch and exploring the different aspects of female friendship was well done. While I wouldn't classify this as a romance, I did like the exploration Rachel went on to understand her own worth and happiness. I do have to note that I thought the twins were completely irrelevant and annoying. Rachel's mother was also pretty terrible and that took me slightly out of the story. Other than that this was such a fun debut and I enjoyed the story immensely.
One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware

Go to review page

dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated

4.5

This might be my favorite Ruth Ware book yet. It was mysterious and intense, but there wasn't really a twist here either. It was fast-paced though and held my interest from cover to cover. The characters were twisty and dark, and many of them were quite unlikable but I think that's what made the story so interesting. I think I wanted a slightly more suspenseful ending, but I did thing it closed off well. The deserted island setting and the theme of survival was so well done. Seriously could not get enough of this book and I was rooting for Lyla and the other women the entire time. This was intense and I was locked in! 
The Scoundrel in Her Bed by Lorraine Heath

Go to review page

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

5.0

The Trewlove siblings have my entire heart and soul. Finn is such a sweet man with a slight jagged edges and I love him for that. Lavinia, on the other hand, was fierce, incredibly capable, and so strongly independent. I thought she was a great main character and I loved seeing her grow as the story went on. I also am a sucker for a second chance romance and this DELIVERED. There were also a lot of heavier moments throughout this installment but I think Lorraine approached them with such care. I've enjoyed all the books in this series so far, but I think Finn really gave Vivi the opportunity to be herself and I enjoyed that aspect. The tension and spice between them was insane, too which was perfect. Overall, I'm a fan of these books and can't wait to see the rest of the sibling's love stories. 
When a Duke Loves a Woman by Lorraine Heath

Go to review page

emotional hopeful tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

Omg I loved Gilly and Thornley. The forced proximity vibe was so well done. I also enjoyed that Gilly wasn't your standard historical romance heroine. She was tough, independent and knew how to take care of herself in tough situations. That being said I did like seeing her explore her "princess" side. It was fun and Thornley liked her no matter her occupation or what she wore. I'm glad her story was next in the Trewlove's tales. Seeing her relationship with her brothers and Fancy was quite lovely and I loved all the familial camaraderie. The tension in this one was also INSANE and I was so excited for these two to really be together. I loved this book and I'm so excited to continue with more love stories from this family.
Magical Meet Cute by Jean Meltzer

Go to review page

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

4.5
I live for Jean Meltzer's books and this one was no different. My only qualm was that I felt like the first chunk of the book was a little slow to get into. I also would have loved a smidge more romance but that's just me. But other than that the Jewish representation was incredible, the characters were important, and the heavy topics were discussed gracefully and meaningfully. I thought Faye's disability was significant as well and I liked how it translated into her art. This cast of characters was funny, entertaining, and full of heart. Shout out to Nelly for being a badass and Shulamit and Miranda for their unwavering friendship. I loved how Jean touched on many relevant and important real-world events. The anti-semitism was heavy throughout this story, but I think it was important to bring it up as well—especially as a Jewish person living in America. I loved how Greg and Faye developed and grew with each other. Their friendship was really nice to witness and I liked watching it turn into something more. Overal, I'm always here for Jean's stories. Thank you to Mira books for sending me and ARC to read and review!
You, with a View by Jessica Joyce

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

This is easily one of my new favorite books of the year. I loved everything about this one. I was fully hooked, from the writing to the plot to the banter between the characters. Jessica Joyce captured grief beautifully and showed us ways to honor and remember our loved ones. This gave me Letters to Juliet vibes which is one of my all-time favorite movies so I loved that. Noelle and Theo had so much chemistry. The way they started as enemies with only one bed was chef's kiss. Also, as someone who loves photography and sometimes doubts my ability I related to Noelle immensely. I saw a lot of myself in her and thought she was such a well-developed character. The love story was beautifully done and the intimate moments between Noelle and Theo were also great. I could ramble on and on about this book because of how it made me feel. Truly a winner and I can't wait to read more of Jessica's books.
Right Where We Left Us by Jen Devon

Go to review page

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

2.0

I was sitting at 3 for a while with this one but everything just dragged on so much. I loved Rowan and Harry's story in Bend Towards the Sun, so I was hoping I would love this one as well, but it fell so flat for me. The idea of a second chance romance is great if the characters actually decide to be in a relationship for more than the last 10% of the book. There was so much back and forth and I couldn't get over the push and pull. Everything was so long I didn't even feel like this deserves an HEA. I couldn't believe it took me this long to read but I was so disconnected from the story and the characters. I also feel like there were so many background characters that were unnecessary to the romance. Overall, I should have dnfd and I'm not sure I enjoyed anything about this book. Thank you to St. Martin's press for the e-ARC to read and review! 
The Teacher by Freida McFadden

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated

5.0

Holy crap this story is wild! I've only read one other book by Frieda and I can fully say I'm hooked. Some topics were dark and uncomfortable for sure, but I couldn't stop listening. It was so quick-paced and I loved the narration. There were so many twists and turns and I kept finding myself surprised at what was happening. I liked the alternating POVs and it made it hard to stop because the chapters were quick and always left you wondering. I found myself listening with my mouth open, gasping at decisions and screaming over the content. The ending had me reeling too and I genuinely couldn't believe it. I really enjoyed this one and I'm so glad it was put on my radar.