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readers_sea's reviews
402 reviews
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston
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? Yes
3.0
I liked Theo and Kit. Many years ago, they were together, but after a slightly dramatic and a lot of miscommunications they stopped talking until years later they end up on the same scheduled trip. What could go wrong?
It was enjoyable enough, but I also feel like there was a lot of wasted potential here. With the entire group of people on the trip w them, I feel like they just popped in and out whenever it was convenient, or the author needed something to happen.
I do wish Theo and Kit talked more before they escalated, but emotions run high, so it seems reasonable to me. The story did get a bit repetitive at times, which made me want to skim through the same conversations that they were having, but overall, I enjoyed them. I liked how they got to relearn each other and discover that they were still in love. The setting of different adventures was also a lot of fun, but I did get confused on where we were sometimes LOL but I think that was more of a me problem.
Overall, I enjoyed it. Nothing ground breaking but enjoyable.
It was enjoyable enough, but I also feel like there was a lot of wasted potential here. With the entire group of people on the trip w them, I feel like they just popped in and out whenever it was convenient, or the author needed something to happen.
I do wish Theo and Kit talked more before they escalated, but emotions run high, so it seems reasonable to me. The story did get a bit repetitive at times, which made me want to skim through the same conversations that they were having, but overall, I enjoyed them. I liked how they got to relearn each other and discover that they were still in love. The setting of different adventures was also a lot of fun, but I did get confused on where we were sometimes LOL but I think that was more of a me problem.
Overall, I enjoyed it. Nothing ground breaking but enjoyable.
That Prince is Mine by Jayci Lee
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
It was okaaay...
I felt like this book could have been significantly shorter. I felt like it was going in circles a lot about whether or not these characters could/wanted to be together. I couldn't really feel their connection throughout the book, and it felt a bit forced. I enjoyed moments that they had together, but the book as a whole seemed a bit repetitive. I also didn't like how the ending/resolution of an all-or-nothing was resolved. I felt like one character definitely had to lose a lot, even though they didn't say that.
In the end, it was okay. The romance wasn't my favorite and I did enjoy the side characters and the friendships. I listened to it on audio so it was easy to get through, but I also didn't love the narration. Not sure if the rating would've been different if I hadn't read it via audio. Not a loss, but not a win. It is what it is. Don't think it'll be super memorable for me
I felt like this book could have been significantly shorter. I felt like it was going in circles a lot about whether or not these characters could/wanted to be together. I couldn't really feel their connection throughout the book, and it felt a bit forced. I enjoyed moments that they had together, but the book as a whole seemed a bit repetitive. I also didn't like how the ending/resolution of an all-or-nothing was resolved. I felt like one character definitely had to lose a lot, even though they didn't say that.
In the end, it was okay. The romance wasn't my favorite and I did enjoy the side characters and the friendships. I listened to it on audio so it was easy to get through, but I also didn't love the narration. Not sure if the rating would've been different if I hadn't read it via audio. Not a loss, but not a win. It is what it is. Don't think it'll be super memorable for me
Just a Game by Ruby Starr
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
4.0
Entertaining and easy to read!
The spice was giving and the characters were easy to root for!
Kaylee loved the world of MMA and she was great at it. Until she stops training and attempts to leave that world behind after her world is turned upside down. Unable to completely leave the world behind, she ends up working at the front desk of an MMA gym but still refuses to train. In comes Miguel. He met Kaylee once before her world was turned upside down, but never got her number so he couldn't even attempt to contact her. Imagine his surprise of walking into the gym he has been training at for a while and seeing Kaylee at the front desk.
Miguel is a pro fighter, but his upcoming fight requires for him to master MMA as well. He learns who Kaylee is, and is on a mission to get to know her better while also learning from one of the best. The only problem is that Kaylee left MMA behind and doesn't even want to train Miguel.
I enjoyed reading the story between Kaylee and Miguel. I thought Kaylee and her grief was so genuine and well done. I couldn't help but root for her the entire time. Watching her find her passions again was amazing! I didn't know what to expect from Miguel as a character, but I ended up really enjoying him as well. I thought they had a well-balanced relationship.
The spice was spicyyy and the characters were easy to love. Quick read and enjoyable.
The spice was giving and the characters were easy to root for!
Kaylee loved the world of MMA and she was great at it. Until she stops training and attempts to leave that world behind after her world is turned upside down. Unable to completely leave the world behind, she ends up working at the front desk of an MMA gym but still refuses to train. In comes Miguel. He met Kaylee once before her world was turned upside down, but never got her number so he couldn't even attempt to contact her. Imagine his surprise of walking into the gym he has been training at for a while and seeing Kaylee at the front desk.
Miguel is a pro fighter, but his upcoming fight requires for him to master MMA as well. He learns who Kaylee is, and is on a mission to get to know her better while also learning from one of the best. The only problem is that Kaylee left MMA behind and doesn't even want to train Miguel.
I enjoyed reading the story between Kaylee and Miguel. I thought Kaylee and her grief was so genuine and well done. I couldn't help but root for her the entire time. Watching her find her passions again was amazing! I didn't know what to expect from Miguel as a character, but I ended up really enjoying him as well. I thought they had a well-balanced relationship.
The spice was spicyyy and the characters were easy to love. Quick read and enjoyable.
Beating Heart by Laura Pavlov
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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
Nash + Emerson were perfect! Add in Cutler aka Beefcake, and you really couldn't go wrong.
I loved Nash and Emerson from the first time we met them! You could instantly tell that their dynamic was going to be a story worth telling and reading. Although their first meeting was a bit unexpected for both characters, they quickly overcame that and seen the connection that they instantly had for each other past the attraction.
Watching Emerson built relationships with everyone in Magnolia Falls had me cheering her on the whole time! She definitely did not have it easy prior to coming to this small town, but she learned fast that there was a lot of something special in Magnolia Falls. I loved watching Emerson discover herself all over again and fall in love with life (and other people haha). The relationship she built with Cutler was honestly one of the best parts of this book. With Cutler growing up without a mother, it was sweet to see how much he trusted and was able to open up to Emerson about things he never brought up to anyone else. ALSO!!!! SUNNY?!? Cutler was smoooooth with the nicknames and lines he was feeding everyone! LOVED HIM!
I honestly thought that Nash was going to be a tough one to crack but watching him fall and not know what to do about it was truly so entertaining. I loved his group chat with his boys! It honestly had me laughing while reading!! Nash was truly a wonderful man who wanted nothing more than to give the best to his son as a single father. He was mature and understanding. I loved the communication that he had with Emerson. Even in those stressful times when he thought he needed space or distance, in the end he still realized who he wanted and how he was going to get it.
Wonderfully heartwarming story set in the perfect small town of Magnolia Falls with the hunk of a single dad Nash and his smooth son Cutler aka Beefcake! Not knowing how their life is going to change with the new interim pediatrician moving in next door - Emerson who just needed a small get away from her old life that just blew up in her face to figure out her next steps.
I loved Nash and Emerson from the first time we met them! You could instantly tell that their dynamic was going to be a story worth telling and reading. Although their first meeting was a bit unexpected for both characters, they quickly overcame that and seen the connection that they instantly had for each other past the attraction.
Watching Emerson built relationships with everyone in Magnolia Falls had me cheering her on the whole time! She definitely did not have it easy prior to coming to this small town, but she learned fast that there was a lot of something special in Magnolia Falls. I loved watching Emerson discover herself all over again and fall in love with life (and other people haha). The relationship she built with Cutler was honestly one of the best parts of this book. With Cutler growing up without a mother, it was sweet to see how much he trusted and was able to open up to Emerson about things he never brought up to anyone else. ALSO!!!! SUNNY?!? Cutler was smoooooth with the nicknames and lines he was feeding everyone! LOVED HIM!
I honestly thought that Nash was going to be a tough one to crack but watching him fall and not know what to do about it was truly so entertaining. I loved his group chat with his boys! It honestly had me laughing while reading!! Nash was truly a wonderful man who wanted nothing more than to give the best to his son as a single father. He was mature and understanding. I loved the communication that he had with Emerson. Even in those stressful times when he thought he needed space or distance, in the end he still realized who he wanted and how he was going to get it.
Wonderfully heartwarming story set in the perfect small town of Magnolia Falls with the hunk of a single dad Nash and his smooth son Cutler aka Beefcake! Not knowing how their life is going to change with the new interim pediatrician moving in next door - Emerson who just needed a small get away from her old life that just blew up in her face to figure out her next steps.
Catching Feelings by Maren Moore
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
5.0
Reese and Viv were perfect!!
This book follows baseball all-star Reese and Viv! Viv has a complicated life, and when a lot of this happens at once she finds herself without a place to stay for the next semester in college. In steps Reese!!! Reese has been after Viv since they met, but Viv has held strong and hasn’t given in to Reese and his smooth talking. Until she has no other choice… but to move in with him?! This is the last place/person Viv wants to live with, but she is out of options. Once she moves in, they immediately try to lay down some ground rules and wave the white flag of snarky comments & always being on top of each other.
As time goes on, Viv realizes that she may have judged Reese too quickly. Maybe Reese isn’t just some rich all-star baseball player who gets everything handed to him. The lines start to blur, Viv finds herself opening up and trusting Reese more than she ever planned to. But… will she allow Reese into her heart and life? Or revert back to her self-sabotaging and push him too far away?
The story between Viv and Reese was perfect!! The tension, the pacing, the vulnerability. I loved every second of it. Reese being a golden retriever was amazing, especially with Viv and her hard exterior on letting people in. I truly loved watching Viv fall for Reese. His awareness of her emotions and the way he loved her and never gave up on her had me in tears.
Seriously, such a perfect couple. A perfect book. I didn’t want it to end. The vulnerability Viv shared throughout the book and the understanding from Reese were so well done while also being real and sensitive. The acts of service and mouth on Reese?! Sheesh - I honestly didn’t expect to fall so in love with him.
All the stars!! Loved loved loved. Recommend to everyone!
This book follows baseball all-star Reese and Viv! Viv has a complicated life, and when a lot of this happens at once she finds herself without a place to stay for the next semester in college. In steps Reese!!! Reese has been after Viv since they met, but Viv has held strong and hasn’t given in to Reese and his smooth talking. Until she has no other choice… but to move in with him?! This is the last place/person Viv wants to live with, but she is out of options. Once she moves in, they immediately try to lay down some ground rules and wave the white flag of snarky comments & always being on top of each other.
As time goes on, Viv realizes that she may have judged Reese too quickly. Maybe Reese isn’t just some rich all-star baseball player who gets everything handed to him. The lines start to blur, Viv finds herself opening up and trusting Reese more than she ever planned to. But… will she allow Reese into her heart and life? Or revert back to her self-sabotaging and push him too far away?
The story between Viv and Reese was perfect!! The tension, the pacing, the vulnerability. I loved every second of it. Reese being a golden retriever was amazing, especially with Viv and her hard exterior on letting people in. I truly loved watching Viv fall for Reese. His awareness of her emotions and the way he loved her and never gave up on her had me in tears.
Seriously, such a perfect couple. A perfect book. I didn’t want it to end. The vulnerability Viv shared throughout the book and the understanding from Reese were so well done while also being real and sensitive. The acts of service and mouth on Reese?! Sheesh - I honestly didn’t expect to fall so in love with him.
All the stars!! Loved loved loved. Recommend to everyone!
Hunt on Dark Waters by Katee Robert
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Not my favorite from Katee Robert
I enjoyed the characters and setting but found myself a bit bored with the back-and-forth adventure aspect of it. I wanted to root for Bowen and Evelyn, but didn't find myself fully convinced on them.
I also didn't expect for there to be a cliffhanger :(
I enjoyed the characters and setting but found myself a bit bored with the back-and-forth adventure aspect of it. I wanted to root for Bowen and Evelyn, but didn't find myself fully convinced on them.
I also didn't expect for there to be a cliffhanger :(
Return to Us by Corinne Michaels
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
5.0
Jessica and Grayson have a story for the ages.
They fell in love as teenagers, but coming from different worlds that ended before adulthood. Moving forward with their lives, Jessica became a flight attendant while Grayson stayed in their small town and now has his daughter Amelia and raising her alone.
After an accident, Jessica returns to Willow Creek Valley to recover. She has every intention of leaving when she is cleared by her doctors, but she doesn't expect to run into Grayson, and when she does she is not prepared for how his life turned out either. Grayson is focused on his daughter Amelia, she doesn't want to take a trip down memory lane with Jessica, but when they keep running into each other in different circumstances, he can't seem to stay away. Their connection is still strong and they have a history that they find keeps coming back to them.
I loved watching Grayson and Jessica rediscover each other. After so many years apart, and swearing everyone around them to never mention the other, they were almost new people at this point. Seeing that their connection didn't just fade gave you something to root for. Amelia was an absolute sweetheart and I loved her! Watching her relationship with Jessica was so sweet.
The pacing was perfect, the characters were amazing, and the story was so well thought out. I loved every minute. I 100% will be continuing with the series because I love the side characters and need to see how everyone turns out!
They fell in love as teenagers, but coming from different worlds that ended before adulthood. Moving forward with their lives, Jessica became a flight attendant while Grayson stayed in their small town and now has his daughter Amelia and raising her alone.
After an accident, Jessica returns to Willow Creek Valley to recover. She has every intention of leaving when she is cleared by her doctors, but she doesn't expect to run into Grayson, and when she does she is not prepared for how his life turned out either. Grayson is focused on his daughter Amelia, she doesn't want to take a trip down memory lane with Jessica, but when they keep running into each other in different circumstances, he can't seem to stay away. Their connection is still strong and they have a history that they find keeps coming back to them.
I loved watching Grayson and Jessica rediscover each other. After so many years apart, and swearing everyone around them to never mention the other, they were almost new people at this point. Seeing that their connection didn't just fade gave you something to root for. Amelia was an absolute sweetheart and I loved her! Watching her relationship with Jessica was so sweet.
The pacing was perfect, the characters were amazing, and the story was so well thought out. I loved every minute. I 100% will be continuing with the series because I love the side characters and need to see how everyone turns out!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma and Fire/Fire injury
Silver Lining Love by Melanie Shawn
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
SO GOOD!!
Whitney and Wyatt were neighbors for years. They never crossed any lines and all their interactions were reasonable and purposeful. One night everything changes.
In the blink of an eye, Whitney becomes the sole caretaker for 3 kids - her niece and two nephews. This was the last thing she wanted or expected. She had no idea what to do but knew she needed to make her sister proud by respecting her wishes and taking the kids. Wyatt instantly jumps in to help. Being from a family of 9 siblings, the chaos was nothing new to him. His childhood also convinced him that he never wanted a family of his own. When he meets the 3 kids, he can't stay away. He helps Whitney in any way he can and soon he becomes apart of their daily life.
I was rooting for Whitney and Wyatt from the start! They were the perfect balance for each other. Where Whitney was wild, Wyatt was calm. Where Whitney was frantic, Wyatt was collected. I loved their dynamic and them together. Watching Wyatt interact with Whitney and the kids was so heartwarming. You could see how much he cared about them.
As their relationship begins to grow, both of them start to have questions about what the other person wants. It is hard to be in a vulnerable situation so they just keep going as normal. Soon, they can't ignore it and they need to figure out the next steps. But will Wyatt suddenly want a family after being convinced he never did? Can Whitney be open enough to let Wyatt into her life? Time will tell.
UGH I loved this book! I loved the pacing and the overall story. The characters were so well done and I couldn't stop reading. Loved this book and want to continue with this small town and see what else is to come for our other characters.
Whitney and Wyatt were neighbors for years. They never crossed any lines and all their interactions were reasonable and purposeful. One night everything changes.
In the blink of an eye, Whitney becomes the sole caretaker for 3 kids - her niece and two nephews. This was the last thing she wanted or expected. She had no idea what to do but knew she needed to make her sister proud by respecting her wishes and taking the kids. Wyatt instantly jumps in to help. Being from a family of 9 siblings, the chaos was nothing new to him. His childhood also convinced him that he never wanted a family of his own. When he meets the 3 kids, he can't stay away. He helps Whitney in any way he can and soon he becomes apart of their daily life.
I was rooting for Whitney and Wyatt from the start! They were the perfect balance for each other. Where Whitney was wild, Wyatt was calm. Where Whitney was frantic, Wyatt was collected. I loved their dynamic and them together. Watching Wyatt interact with Whitney and the kids was so heartwarming. You could see how much he cared about them.
As their relationship begins to grow, both of them start to have questions about what the other person wants. It is hard to be in a vulnerable situation so they just keep going as normal. Soon, they can't ignore it and they need to figure out the next steps. But will Wyatt suddenly want a family after being convinced he never did? Can Whitney be open enough to let Wyatt into her life? Time will tell.
UGH I loved this book! I loved the pacing and the overall story. The characters were so well done and I couldn't stop reading. Loved this book and want to continue with this small town and see what else is to come for our other characters.
The Tinder Fix by Nikki Castle
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
HOW DOES NIKKI CASTLE NEVER MISS??? EVEN HER NOVELLAS ARE SO GOOD!
This was a super short and sweet novella that give you the right amount of everything. Plot, banter, and spice.
Not much to say since it's a novella, but so so good!!
This was a super short and sweet novella that give you the right amount of everything. Plot, banter, and spice.
Not much to say since it's a novella, but so so good!!
Hard to Fake by Piper Lawson
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed Miles & Brooke!
When Brooke is in a bind and needs a fake date for a sorority meet-up, she thinks she is out of luck until one of her brother's teammates (Miles) offers to go with her! This helps everyone because now Brooke won't be alone and Miles can keep an eye on her ex who will also be there.
I loved the way Miles cared for Brooke! Through everything he had her back and it was so wholesome. Even the drama was well done but not overdone. I loved the beginning of their story and I can't wait to see where it will go next. This was a great setup for their relationship!
The balance between romance and banter with seriousness and hard conversations was also great. It wasn't too fast and you couldn't help but root for them to open up to each other. Overall, I really enjoyed it and can't wait for the next books in the series!
When Brooke is in a bind and needs a fake date for a sorority meet-up, she thinks she is out of luck until one of her brother's teammates (Miles) offers to go with her! This helps everyone because now Brooke won't be alone and Miles can keep an eye on her ex who will also be there.
I loved the way Miles cared for Brooke! Through everything he had her back and it was so wholesome. Even the drama was well done but not overdone. I loved the beginning of their story and I can't wait to see where it will go next. This was a great setup for their relationship!
The balance between romance and banter with seriousness and hard conversations was also great. It wasn't too fast and you couldn't help but root for them to open up to each other. Overall, I really enjoyed it and can't wait for the next books in the series!