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readwatchcrochet's reviews
407 reviews
Homebound by Meredith Trapp
The two stepping and interactions with baby Vienna were highlights.
Final note - every story should have dogs in it.
medium-paced
3.75
Fun but fairly light on the plot.
“If she’s still breaking hearts, I’ll gladly hand her mine
📚 single dad
📚 bull rider FMC
📚 childhood friends to lovers
📚 cute dog sidekick
📚 he falls first
📚cares for her when sick
📚 he washed her hair
📚 childhood friends to lovers
📚 cute dog sidekick
📚 he falls first
📚cares for her when sick
📚 he washed her hair
📚 dual POV
📚 small town
📚 small town
🌶️🌶️🌶️
|Thoughts|
Loved the initial tension and her ‘Accidently’ seeing him in the shower…but the plot was fairly thin outside of ‘will they/ won’t they’.
“Wyatt Dale Patterson. Are you flirting with me?” His fingers inch up my waist, climbing higher and higher. “Yes, ma’am. I have been for a while now. You gonna put me out of my misery and flirt back?”
The drama that did exist felts fairly removed from the story and it didn’t have me eager to finish the story. Although I did enjoy it enough that I’d read another book by this author.
It seems like Dakota has a lot invested in bull riding whilst also spending a lot of time thinking of the worst case scenario and wishing for a future with a family of her own (which bully riding isn’t really compatible with). At least Wyatt is supportive. It’s also very handed on the ‘I might die bull riding, I want kids and I’ve loved you since you saved my life’ - just a little repetitive.
“I prefer to keep things casual because the fewer people who love me, the better. That way, if I get snuffed out by a bull, the less people get hurt”
Good level of spice.
“Us nice guys might always finish last, but that’s only ’cause we know our ladies get to finish first.”
The two stepping and interactions with baby Vienna were highlights.
“Vi giggle-screams, and this right here is everything I want. Two-stepping in the kitchen with my girls.
Final note - every story should have dogs in it.
“Sometimes, I think about how dogs can’t live forever, and it’s one of the few things that makes me cry. Pets should be immortal”
Truer words have never been spoken.
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Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
Also, loved the dynamic between Mallory and her sisters. As heartbreaking & frustrating as it was at times to see her out so much responsibility onto her young shoulders, it also seemed age appropriate. But the honestly that comes out of her sisters mouths, does add some nice humour to the story.
It truly is so much pressure to put on someone so young. Do really wish her mum spoke up a bit earlier to prevent her from so much negative self talk.
Do love her little rant and blow up to her sisters. It was a long time coming and needed to be said.
More references to spice than I’d usually expect in a YA, but at least it made it feel a little more realistic.
This turns out to be a full circle and wholesome story about family, chess and love.
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
Absolutely flew through this audiobook which is the Queens Gambit, but make it YA.
“Do you know how incredible you are?…Do you realise how exceptional you are Mallory?”
📚 rivals to lovers
📚 he falls first
📚 world of chess
📚 world of chess
📚 single POV
📚 forced proximity
📚 care when sick
📚 slow burn
📚 YA romance
📚 forced proximity
📚 care when sick
📚 slow burn
📚 YA romance
🚫 closed door romance
|Thoughts|
I hardly know how to play, but this book really has me wanting to learn how to play chess. In some ways it’s a love story about chess as much as it’s a love story between Mallory and Nolan. As it’s obviously fairly chess heavy, you’ll still enjoy it if you know nothing about the game.
“When someone sends a bowl of noodle soup and three snickers bars up to my room”
Also, loved the dynamic between Mallory and her sisters. As heartbreaking & frustrating as it was at times to see her out so much responsibility onto her young shoulders, it also seemed age appropriate. But the honestly that comes out of her sisters mouths, does add some nice humour to the story.
“When are going to have sex?…”I bet Mallory’s really good at it. She practices at a lot”
It truly is so much pressure to put on someone so young. Do really wish her mum spoke up a bit earlier to prevent her from so much negative self talk.
“Does she not understand the sacrifices I’ve made for the family? Does she think that I wanted to stop going to school?”
Do love her little rant and blow up to her sisters. It was a long time coming and needed to be said.
“Who is also a high functionary bitch”
“She doesn’t hate me for calling 67% of the people she gave birth to, bitches”
More references to spice than I’d usually expect in a YA, but at least it made it feel a little more realistic.
This turns out to be a full circle and wholesome story about family, chess and love.
“Interest in chess is, for the first time in decades, higher amount women than man”
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Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Something about this story truly spoke to me. Think it was a mixture of the OCD rep (it’s got nothing to do with wanting things organised, trust me) and the whole set up between Chandler & Finn.
And Finn, he deserves protection at all costs. He was just too damn sweet and innocent, especially for a tv star.
A nice little reference to The Ex Talk.
Side note: Not sure why, but this is the 3rd book on a row that has reference the song Come on Eileen.
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.25
”I didn’t think I could be so turned on by a Google doc”
📚 writer x actor
📚 forced proximity
📚 one bed
📚 one bed
📚 single POV
📚 books about writing
📚 books about writing
🌶️🌶️🌶️
|Thoughts|
This had been on my TBR for years after reading The Ex Talk and I’m kicking myself for taking so long to pick it up.
“There’s just no way that my next project is writing a memoir for my failed one night stand”
Something about this story truly spoke to me. Think it was a mixture of the OCD rep (it’s got nothing to do with wanting things organised, trust me) and the whole set up between Chandler & Finn.
“I have pretty severe OCD…I’d toss food, I’d toss clean sheets back into the washing machine…sometimes high anxiety situations, they exacerbate it”
And Finn, he deserves protection at all costs. He was just too damn sweet and innocent, especially for a tv star.
“If I did something to offend you or god forbid hurt you”
“Was it not good for you?”…”Holy shit, it was that bad?”
“I’m actually kind of glad you told me the truth…the honesty was, refreshing”
Am a huge tv/ movie fan and the fact Finn is an idol from a popular teen show, who’s trying to find his way, was just my type of book.
“College has killed so many shows.”
I’ve always thought so many shows I enjoyed as a teen went downhill once they graduated high school.
A nice little reference to The Ex Talk.
Side note: Not sure why, but this is the 3rd book on a row that has reference the song Come on Eileen.
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Summer Tease by Martha Keyes
🚫 clean romance
Beau is the picture perfect version of a golden retriever and it’s sweet to see him through Gemma’s eyes, as she literally records him for a promo. Although he falls first, they both fall fairly fast for each other.
This book is part of the interconnected, Falling for Summer series. It can be read as a standalone or as part of the set. Events and characters cross over throughout each of the 7 books (so far I’ve read 3).
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
Sweet and low angst summer romance.
“Like you were embarrassed to be seen with me…
“I know how gossip works on this island. You’ll need a lot more than a squirt gun if Grams is lead to believe we’re on a date”
📚 rival families
📚 small town
📚 he falls first
📚 police officer
📚 cute dog sidekick
📚 interconnected series
📚 he falls first
📚 police officer
📚 cute dog sidekick
📚 interconnected series
📚 single POV
“I hate hot Satan. I can’t be selling my soul to the devil though, no matter how attractive he is”
🚫 clean romance
|Thoughts|
This is my 3rd book in the Falling For Summer series and it has me falling for the swoony leading men. Get a thrill out of how the characters and storyline’s cross over between the books. It seems like most romances are blossoming at the same time, so you get different perspectives on their romance.
Loved the tension that built better Gemma and Beau as he tries to get her to see the magic on the island.
This is my 3rd book in the Falling For Summer series and it has me falling for the swoony leading men. Get a thrill out of how the characters and storyline’s cross over between the books. It seems like most romances are blossoming at the same time, so you get different perspectives on their romance.
Loved the tension that built better Gemma and Beau as he tries to get her to see the magic on the island.
“Did that Palmer boy blackmail you into going out with him?”
Beau is the picture perfect version of a golden retriever and it’s sweet to see him through Gemma’s eyes, as she literally records him for a promo. Although he falls first, they both fall fairly fast for each other.
“I didn’t just kiss Beau Palmer, I’m falling in love with him”
This book is part of the interconnected, Falling for Summer series. It can be read as a standalone or as part of the set. Events and characters cross over throughout each of the 7 books (so far I’ve read 3).
Welcome to Sunset Harbour. Sunset Harbour is a fictional island off the west coast of Florida. Each book in the Falling For Summer series is set in this dreamy town. And uses cross over characters and events, creating fun connections throughout the series.
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Thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media & the author for an eARC in exchange for this honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Veiled Kingdom by Holly Renee
The scenes in the hot spring were hot and Dacre is definitely Xaden coded (I’ve basically highlighted every word that came out of his mouth).
The story revolves heavily around lies, and I anticipate that there will be plenty more uncovered as the series continues.
The fantasy in this was fairly light and isn’t really explored much, maybe it will be more so in book 2 (apparently this is going to be a trilogy).
That last chapter was hard to read and Dacre better be on his knees begging for forgiveness in the next book!
Whilst is maybe isn’t as strong as Fourth Wing or some others in this genre, I can’t deny that the story has be hooked.
4.5
Powerless x Fourth Wing x Spice
“I was the princess of Marmoris, and here I sat with our enemy, talking about the cruelties of my king. A king who should have had no more loyal a subject than his heir.”
📚 romantasy
📚 enemies to lovers
📚 hidden identity
📚 forced proximity
📚 one bed
📚 hidden identity
📚 forced proximity
📚 one bed
📚 dual POV
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
|Thoughts|
Wasn’t so sure about this one at first, as it seemed to similar to Powerless. But the enemies to lovers in this and the mouth on Dacre was slightly toxic and with a dirt my mouth. Once I hit the 50% mark, I couldn’t put it down.
“Drop that bow and get on your knees…Then I want you to crawl to me and beg.”
The scenes in the hot spring were hot and Dacre is definitely Xaden coded (I’ve basically highlighted every word that came out of his mouth).
The story revolves heavily around lies, and I anticipate that there will be plenty more uncovered as the series continues.
“She’s lying. I’m just not sure about what.”
The fantasy in this was fairly light and isn’t really explored much, maybe it will be more so in book 2 (apparently this is going to be a trilogy).
That last chapter was hard to read and Dacre better be on his knees begging for forgiveness in the next book!
”I had just given my virginity to him, all the while he was fucking me for revenge. “He wants you brought.”
“Run, Verena.” His voice was cold. “Before he sends me on the hunt.”
“I wanted to beg him to stop, to choose me in a way that no one ever had before. In a way that I would have chosen him.”
Whilst is maybe isn’t as strong as Fourth Wing or some others in this genre, I can’t deny that the story has be hooked.
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Rally by Devney Perry
Wasn’t so much of a fan of the long-term miscommunication. However, once they were together there was no third act break up. Just need to get over the whole, they want to be together but neither will actually share their feelings.
Felt the level of Maverick bitterness towards Faye was a bit extreme. Not sure if I forgive him enough yet to read his book. The confrontation regarding how horribly he was treating his pregnant roommate just came fairly late.
This is book 3 in the Wildcats series. It can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. Some of the events and characters cross over with the other books in the series.
4.0
Fast paced read.
📚 accidental pregnancy
📚 college football
📚 forced proximity
📚 small town
📚 forced proximity
📚 small town
📚 dual POV
📚 he brushes her hair
📚 he brushes her hair
🌶️🌶️🌶️
|Thoughts|
Loved the initial meet cute and ease with which Faye & Rush got along.
“This strong, strapping guy could rescue me from the side of the road. No one rescued me. I usually rescued myself. Except today”
Wasn’t so much of a fan of the long-term miscommunication. However, once they were together there was no third act break up. Just need to get over the whole, they want to be together but neither will actually share their feelings.
“The NFL draft is all about picks. You’re my pick.” All she had to do was pick me back. Her eyes searched”
Which’s was made a little more frustrating because they were about to be parents together.
There were a number of cute moments interspersed through the novel, mainly when Faye & Rush were opening up to each other.
There were a number of cute moments interspersed through the novel, mainly when Faye & Rush were opening up to each other.
““You’re not alone in this. Not anymore.”
Felt the level of Maverick bitterness towards Faye was a bit extreme. Not sure if I forgive him enough yet to read his book. The confrontation regarding how horribly he was treating his pregnant roommate just came fairly late.
“Then like I did most nights, I curled into a ball on my bed and fell asleep with tears sliding down my face”
This is book 3 in the Wildcats series. It can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. Some of the events and characters cross over with the other books in the series.
“Rush. Please tell me that you are not naming my grandson Squish.”
A bit rich coming from them, when they names their son Rush.
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For the Record by Juliana Smith
🚫 closed door romance
This is knew friends to lovers where they both fall hard from the beginning but just never truly allow themselves to open up to the idea of having a partner. As sweet as this is, it was a little frustrating that they didn’t just come out and say how they felt.
Plan to pick up the final book in the series once it’s released.
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
“You would really do that for me?” “You think there is something out there I wouldn’t do for you?”
📚 friends to lovers
📚 marriage of convenience
📚 grumpy x sunshine
📚 secret friendship
📚 mutual pining
📚 dual timeline
📚 grumpy x sunshine
📚 secret friendship
📚 mutual pining
📚 dual timeline
📚 dual POV
🚫 closed door romance
|Thoughts|
Third book in the Wells Family series, and it does shine most when they’re all together. A unique dynamic between Rachel & Adam, who have chosen to keep their friendship a secret from the friends/ family (at least initially).
“It’s okay if you are. It’s a lot. I’m a lot, and you like your quiet space. It’s okay if it’s too much.” “You’re not too much. You’re just right.”
This is knew friends to lovers where they both fall hard from the beginning but just never truly allow themselves to open up to the idea of having a partner. As sweet as this is, it was a little frustrating that they didn’t just come out and say how they felt.
“You’re the only person I’d ever want to marry. Why would I argue?”
At the same time, the way he had a ring for her prior to they eloped in Vegas, was super cute. One of the big reveals was fairly predictable, but sweet nonetheless. And him being all protective and the whole ‘my wife’, perfect.
“Next time you call my wife, it better be with an apology for everything, or you’ll never call her again.”
Plan to pick up the final book in the series once it’s released.
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Innocent Monsters by itscometothis
For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.
Plotting Summer by Jess Heileman
📚 small town
📚 secret best-selling author
📚 next door neighbours
📚 childhood secret crush
📚 friends to lovers
📚 interconnected series
🚫 clean romance
Loved the build up and reveal of her as the popular author. Especially the final reveal to Tristan.
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Cosy and low angst romance
📚 small town
📚 secret best-selling author
📚 next door neighbours
📚 childhood secret crush
📚 friends to lovers
📚 interconnected series
🚫 clean romance
“I’m the recent social media sensation, Sunny Palmer…as in the combination of Tristan’s nickname for me and his last name”
|Thoughts|
After reading book 1 in the Falling For Summer series, this was the story I was most excited to pick up next. Loved how Capri’s secret as a successful author played out during her time on the island. And even more that the first book in her successful series was about her fictionalised romance with her childhood crush (who now wants to be friends).
After reading book 1 in the Falling For Summer series, this was the story I was most excited to pick up next. Loved how Capri’s secret as a successful author played out during her time on the island. And even more that the first book in her successful series was about her fictionalised romance with her childhood crush (who now wants to be friends).
“You can’t ask about my reason for avoiding the island. But I’ll tell you when I’m ready”
Loved the build up and reveal of her as the popular author. Especially the final reveal to Tristan.
“Why has that kept you away from Sunset Harbour? You used our last name as your own name?
“Your last name”
“Heath really undersold the level of your crush”
These stories are low angst and just feels like reading a well written hallmark movie (see clean romance).
This is book 4 in the Falling for Summer interconnected series. Events and characters do cross over with other books in the series. But each can also be read as a standalone.
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Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher & author for an arch in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own
⁉️ What would be your secret pen name?
This is book 4 in the Falling for Summer interconnected series. Events and characters do cross over with other books in the series. But each can also be read as a standalone.
🟢 For more bookish content follow me instagram.com/read_watch_crochet
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher & author for an arch in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own
⁉️ What would be your secret pen name?
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
This is truly for lovers of reading and all things books. Maybe a little too on the nose sometimes, but the main character is a literary scholar.
Enjoyed the quaint town Elsy finds herself in. A is slightly reminiscent of all those standalones in a series with a whole cast of couples, but come to life.
The idea of being stuck in your favourite book, surrounded by all your favourite characters is such an interesting premise. The main plot though it predictable. And the romance does feel fairly insta love, ans I’m fairly sure the bulk of the romance occurs over a few days. As much time as we spend with Anders, he still felt a little one dimensional, and don’t feel like we ever really got to know him, which dampened the impact of the romance.
3.5
”Apparently he did want to get married. He just hadn’t wanted to marry me.”
📚 small town
📚 magical realism
📚 forced proximity
📚 second chance
📚 grumpy x partial sunshine
📚 forced proximity
📚 second chance
📚 grumpy x partial sunshine
🌶️🌶️
|Thoughts|
As a general rule, magical realism seems to be hit or miss for me. And I have a theory that I prefer these as audiobooks (which is how I read this one).
“Every day is about the same here. A storm blows in around noon…the inn is always under renovation”
This is truly for lovers of reading and all things books. Maybe a little too on the nose sometimes, but the main character is a literary scholar.
“I set of on a sixteen hour road trip alone. I needed to get lost on a book. More than I needed anything else”
Enjoyed the quaint town Elsy finds herself in. A is slightly reminiscent of all those standalones in a series with a whole cast of couples, but come to life.
“My story wasn’t that interesting anyway. A three star read at best.”
The idea of being stuck in your favourite book, surrounded by all your favourite characters is such an interesting premise. The main plot though it predictable. And the romance does feel fairly insta love, ans I’m fairly sure the bulk of the romance occurs over a few days. As much time as we spend with Anders, he still felt a little one dimensional, and don’t feel like we ever really got to know him, which dampened the impact of the romance.
“I want to be a beginning and a middle. I want a first chapter, and a second and a third”
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