A Week of 5 Star Reads
I’ve had a really good week, reading wise. So many highly anticipated releases absolutely lived up to the hype (at least for me). And book after book (with the one exception) have been easy 5/5, chef kiss, no notes, romances. Ready to get into the weekly recap? Say no more.
Terms and Conditions by Lauren Asher (free with KU)
Book 2 of the Dreamland Billionaires definetly lived up to the hype, and kept my heart squeezed, just as much as Rowan and Zhara did in book 1. Declan and Iris pretty much right from the get go had my heart, and really didn’t let go at all.
This is a marriage of convenience, fake dating, workplace billionaire romance and oof, did it check a lot of boxes (that I am such trash for). Grumpy sunshine, neurodivergent representation, a good grovel and grand gesture, and that epilogue, ~heart eye emoji~. This was a quick, funny, read with lots of heart and decent sex scenes that work with both characters and overall plot.
5/5, all day long.
The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Elizabeth O’Roark (free with KU)
After A Deal with the Devil I figured why not jump back into this extended universe (but not sequel) with Drew (who we met in ADwtD) and Josh (Six’s brother). This was great for me up until the third act. I totally loved the soul rehab Drew and Josh both explored all over Hawaii and even him showing up with brioche for her in Paris, but y’all. Her going to Somalia to visit his Dr’s without borders as a surprise, was whack as hell.
I just could not, for the life of me reconcile that this woman who we spend the whole book learning puts on the “I’m a stupid reckless sex symbol” but is actually very deep, intelligent and smart would not fundamentally understand the legitimate danger visiting her boyfriend would put them both in.
4/5, overall a fun read with a good plot and believable connection between the two mains. Lost a star for that dumb 3rd act nonsense and breakup.
Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas
Ethan Ransom might be one of my top 3 favourite LK love interests. We meet both Dr. Garret Gibson and Ethan Ransom in Marrying Winterborne, and it was pretty clear these two were bound to end up together. I liked the break of lords, ladies and whatnot to see more working class folks, and something about our acts-of-service man Ethan was so freaking delicious. HE CHANGED HER LOCKS you guys.
Everything from the night market, to the crocus’s, the whistle (omg my dumb heart) and her absolute heroism saving his life was just perfect. Something about Kleypas’ books are deeply cozy to me. They are warm, and comforting and filled with so much delight, love and care that I always leave feeling so warm and loved.
5/5 instant, top tier, love interest shit.
Devil’s Daughter by Lisa Kleypas
I’ve read the entire Ravenel series completely out of order, thanks to mood reading, and a few hilarious twitter threads that have been stack ranking LK’s male love interests. This one I feel a little torn by. I did really really enjoy it.
I loved seeing Phoebe and West sort out their feelings, especially West. I loved seeing other characters make small appearances for quips and moments of levity. And I did deeply enjoy reading West come to love Phoebe, Justin and Stephen as a trio. He was just so smitten almost right from the get go, and I appreciated how they didn’t drag out the “enemies” part of the past that linked West to Phoebe.
BIGGEST gripe, was the ending. I wanted a little more time with my lil babies after the declarations of soul affirming love. Give me something more! For the love of god.
4/5 because I am greedy and needed more epilogue.
A Brush with Love by Mazey Eddings
I can not, I repeat, can not get over how freaking great this book was. This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2022, based on nothing more than hearing all the hype from romancelandia authors and bloggers and DEAR GOD. Someone get me my fainting couch.
Harper and Dan might be one of my favourite book couples of all time. Right from the meet cute, to when he first meets Big Booty Judy, our guy is so special and just absolutely PERFECT for Harper. And Harper, oof did I uh how you say see myself in her. The internalized ableism, the anxiety, the way she shared about being in constant pain, ooh girl, I see you and I feel you.
The love story itself, is bright, fun and gosh that third act break up, was needed for them both to grow a little bit, and I put my full trust Mazey was going to heal all of our hearts in the end. I expect this one to top a few best of list’s this year.
Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey
Following up A Brush with Love, I dug into book 2 of the Bellinger Sisters series which (It Happened One Summer) was a definite stand out last year. We pick back up with Hannah Bellinger, sister to Piper who is trying her hardest to be the main character (aka, be assertive and go after the career of her dreams).
We also find out that Fox and her have been texting for months since she was last in town, and its clear these two have a deep connection as friends. Friends that genuinely like each other and speak each other’s language so fluently. Y’all I loved this book. I loved Hannah trying to be brave for herself. Trying to connect with her father through music. Trying to show Fox through her own actions he too could be brave.
And Fox, coming to terms with his own (pretty problematic) upbringing and self worth added to the connection these two have. Honestly this one might be one of my top reads of 2022, I can’t let these two go, especially not after that epilogue. Friends to lovers might be a new favorite trope.
Taking a Shot by Jaci Burton
Look, not every week is going to be all 4-5 star reads alright?! This had the deep misfortune of being a read that I thought might be good, and a bit of a palette cleanser. Sport romances generally are easy fun reads, but y’all this one was so lacking. I don’t even have the energy to recount why it was a stinker but, don’t bother.
Haute mess (and not in a good way).