Tag: Book Review

Book Review: The Ex Hex (Ex Hex #1) by Erin Sterling

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ☆☆☆1/2
Audience: Paranormal Romance
Length: 320 pages
Author: Erin Sterling
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: September 28th, 2021
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hawkins, writing as Erin Sterling, casts a spell with a spine-tingling romance full of wishes, witches, and hexes gone wrong.

Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones nursed her broken heart like any young witch would: vodka, weepy music, bubble baths…and a curse on the horrible boyfriend. Sure, Vivi knows she shouldn’t use her magic this way, but with only an “orchard hayride” scented candle on hand, she isn’t worried it will cause him anything more than a bad hair day or two.

That is until Rhys Penhallow, descendent of the town’s ancestors, breaker of hearts, and annoyingly just as gorgeous as he always was, returns to Graves Glen, Georgia. What should be a quick trip to recharge the town’s ley lines and make an appearance at the annual fall festival turns disastrously wrong. With one calamity after another striking Rhys, Vivi realizes her silly little Ex Hex may not have been so harmless after all.

Suddenly, Graves Glen is under attack from murderous wind-up toys, a pissed off ghost, and a talking cat with some interesting things to say. Vivi and Rhys have to ignore their off the charts chemistry to work together to save the town and find a way to break the break-up curse before it’s too late.

PERFECT FOR THE SEASON.

If you’re looking for something that’ll give you spooky vibes, but not be overwhelming + a cute rom-com, this would be a good pick. It’s a short, quick read that gives a sweet HEA.

I liked the set-up and the withy/paranormal aspects. The hexing of the ex made me laugh (and think of that one episode of Friends..). A second-chance romance nine years later? Here for it. The characters were all good and fine, but I felt they were very shallow. I remember thinking the side characters didn’t have any layers and even with the main characters not so much. I’m sitting here now trying to think of nuanced personalities and coming up mostly blank.

There’s quite a bit more spice than I expected, which wasn’t for me (I know others love this though so take note!!). Things get heating pretty quickly and there’s a lot of innuendo throughout. That was the bigger focus rather than the more of everything I needed. More background, more build-up, etc.

The banter was fantastic and I liked the larger plot of fixing the ley lines and the moving curse. It’s a light-hearted story with perfect witchy goodness and I love how it fit the autumn season well.

Overall audience notes:

  • Paranormal Contemporary Romance
  • Language: strong throughout
  • Romance: multiple open door
  • Violence: car accident (no one w/life threatening injuries), death of a parent recounted

Instagram || Goodreads

Book Review: The Key (London Prep #4) by Jillian Dodd

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ☆☆☆
Audience: YA Contemporary Romance
Length: 400 pages
Author: Jillian Dodd
Publisher: Swoonworthy Books
Release Date: February 23rd, 2021
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

It’s my final day at Kensington School, and my exchange is coming to an end. My flight for New York leaves tomorrow, and I’m not ready to say goodbye to the boys I love.

But then three key things happened at school. Noah told me to forget about him, Harry broke up with me, and I finally kissed Noah Williams.

When I kissed him in the lunchroom in front of everyone, it was out of anger. I wanted to prove to Harry that I didn’t have feelings for Noah.

But I was wrong.

The kiss was incredible. But it was also a mistake. Harry watched it happen, Mohammad sat in shock, and Noah told me that he would never forgive me. I made a huge, public mess of things. But thankfully, it’s time for me to leave. I’m going to take Noah’s advice and cut all ties.

No good-byes.
No apologies.
No more heartbreak.

I’m going to leave the three boys I love in London, hoping that they’ll be able to pick up the pieces of their friendship. And maybe in the process, they’ll find the pieces of my broken heart.

Because I know I’ll be going to New York without it.

SALTY.

That’s how this book made me feel: salty.

Why you ask?

I’m reading a love triangle contemporary romance filled with drama to the brim. AND NO ONE EVEN KISSED THIS BOOK. I expected romance and got none of it.

I think this series should have ended with this book honestly. Make it a bit longer and give the ending we all want [TEAM NOAH OF COURSE] and move on. Mal spends the entire book stubbornly refusing to listen to anyone around her and I got over it real quick.

It was cute seeing Mallory’s birthday and her solidifying some friendships. I love her and Mohammad. They are the best of friends and were the best part of this particular installment. I can’t help but roll my eyes and flip pages continuously while reading. It’s really easy to get swept away in the dramatics of this story, I am always wanting more.

All the love for Noah still. I just missed so much of the angst and tension between characters. I will read the next book only because I have become invested enough to make sure I see this through to the end. Let it be known this series will sour if my ship doesn’t sail.

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Contemporary Romance
  • Language: some strong throughout
  • Romance: nada
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: underage drinking

Instagram || Goodreads

Book Review: The War That Saved My Life (The War That Saved My Life #1) by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: MG Historical Fiction
Length: 316 pages
Author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Publisher: Dial Books
Release Date: January 8th, 2015
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

An exceptionally moving story of triumph against all odds set during World War 2, from the acclaimed author of Jefferson’s Sons and for fans of Number the Stars.
 
Ten-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada’s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn’t waste a minute—she sneaks out to join him.
 
So begins a new adventure of Ada, and for Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take the two kids in. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan—and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother?
 
This masterful work of historical fiction is equal parts adventure and a moving tale of family and identity—a classic in the making.

TEAR INDUCING.

This book hits hard. Personally as a Mom, this hit even harder. I was wrapped up in many many emotions by that ending and found this book utterly captivating in its poignancy.

I love how many things were handled. Ada is clearly suffering from the abuse she dealt with living with her Mom. When she and her brother end up with Susan things start to slowly turn around. This wasn’t some flip of a switch and everything was sunny. It was hard work and Susan showed so much compassion and patience that it made my heart burst.

This is a middle-grade book that is without a doubt appropriate for all ages. The depth of the writing and characters made everything feel so real. I felt like this gave another angle to World War 2 and what was happening with a lot of the children at that time. Ada had incredibly growth throughout the novel and wow did I want to hug her so many times. I love that she found a passion she could enjoy and a friend or two to lean on.

Watching Susan, Ada and Jamie find a way to heal together through grief and depression brought my soul hope. This is really a story for all and I am definitely reading the next book. I need more of this story and these characters.

Overall audience notes:

  • Middle grade historical fiction
  • Language: none
  • Violence: war themes
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: physical and emotional child abuse, ableism, depictions of grief and depression, PTSD (from abuse), depiction of anxiety and panic attacks

Instagram || Goodreads

Book Review: The Last Eligible Bachelor (Seasons of Change #3) by Ashtyn Newbold

GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: Regency Romance
Length: 234 pages
Author: Ashtyn Newbold
Publisher: Self-published
Release Date: June 25th, 2020
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A ruse can only last so long…
Tillie Sherbrooke was born a lady, but lost her place in society by her father’s folly. Quiet, resourceful, and loyal, she now makes the perfect lady’s maid for her mistress Sophia. When Sophia’s parents give her no choice but to travel across England to be matched with a mysterious young bachelor, Mr. Hill, she has no interest, especially since there are several other ladies vying for him. Who better to send in her place than Tillie? What gentleman would notice a maid, even one disguised as a lady? So when Sophia asks this favor of Tillie, or rather—threatens her into it, Tillie must rely on her past, the life of a proper lady, if she hopes to keep her position at Sedgwick Manor.

Disguised as her mistress, Tillie takes a coach across the country to a new place, one both unfamiliar and frightening. With so much at stake, she does all she can to stay quiet and invisible. But when she inadvertently catches Mr. Hill’s attention, she realizes she may have more to lose than her livelihood. She may very well lose her heart.

CHARMINGLY CUTE.

I love a feel good regency romance. They make me smile. It’s clearly going to be a happy ever after and I’m not upset one bit about that guarantee.

This was my second book by Ashtyn Newbold and she’s quickly becoming one of my favorite regency romance authors. I love the way she writes her stories. The witty banter between the couples, the flirtations and side glances, and that long sought after kissing scene. It’s a great combination that fuels my love for these stories.

I adored this set-up and liked how everything played out. Some of the other women at the manor were absolutely ridiculous (though I expected nothing less). I liked Tillie and her compassion and care for those she loved. She continued to do what was right even if that was a tough decision to make. I loved Mr.Hill too! I do wish there was more background information on him. Honestly, I’m not even sure he had a first name because I can’t remember it being used once.

A sweet read that does NOT have to be read in order! I picked this one out of the series purely for the author. If you’re looking for more simple regency favs, look no further.

Overall audience notes:

  • Regency romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Content Warnings: a family member imprisoned

Instagram || Goodreads