bekahreadsbooks2019's reviews
483 reviews

& Then They Loved: Ampersand Love 3 by Riya Iyer

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emotional funny hopeful tense 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

4.75

You know how they say there is a thin line between love and loathing? With Vihaan and Vera that line is razor thin and they trample ALL OVER IT. As soon as these two see each other again for the first time in 14 years, it is like their hatred knows no bounds. That is until they figure out they can use their words to make up funny insults (Vera) or just try to get Vera to quit by being mean (Vihaan). But as they are forced to work together time and again, they are also realizing that their memories of their perceived personalities of one another from the last time they saw each other might not be what it seems. 

This second chance, forced proximity, workplace, enemies to lovers romance is something that I was ready to read as soon as I saw the blurb and tropes. Vera and Vihaan are not perfect by any means but that is what makes them so much better as characters. They both have flaws and learn to love each other IN SPITE of them. Dual timelines can be difficult to execute well but Riya utilized this one superbly. I cannot believe this friend group's time has come to an end, but it did so in the best way. I am so excited to see what comes next from this author.
Between Desire and Denial by Shain Rose

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.75

Not my favorite of the Hardy boys. It was a fine ending but half the time I feel like Olive truly didn’t want to be around Dimitri and there was no real reason for them to move past fake dating other than him constantly being around and being there. I love a good fake dating story and I usually love Shain’s writing but this somewhat missed the mark for me. It was fine overall.
Finding Me by Viola Davis

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dark emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

Spring Awakening by J.S. Jasper

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emotional funny lighthearted tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

Enjoyed the development of the characters and their story. They balanced each other well and I love that their friendship was SO solid before becoming more. Mali helped Zach become a better teammate by giving him a safe person to lean on after constantly being let down. Loved this book!!
The Girl Most Likely To by Julie Tieu

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funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing tense 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

This is my first read by Julie Tieu and I really enjoyed it. I loved that we get to see Rachel and Danny go from friends to lovers in the past and in the present. Dual timeline is a tricky thing but I think this was executed perfectly. I love that although they both were hurt by things the other said/did in the past, they were able to move forward as adults because they could see that the other was truly sorry for what had happened. I will definitely be picking up more Julie Tieu books in the future!

Thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for this ARC!!
Every Move You Make by Sloan Spencer

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emotional funny lighthearted relaxing 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

5.0

This book has got it all. Banter, chemistry, spice, longing, and SO MUCH LOVE. These 3 characters have so many feelings and the way Sloan writes, it’s like you truly are there right along with them going through everything. I absolutely love that Isaiah, Dell, and Robyn have unique connections to each other and while they fit together as individual couples, they’re even more perfect as a throuple. This book is so so good and you definitely don’t want to miss it.
Natural: Black Beauty and the Politics of Hair by Chelsea Mary Elise Johnson

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informative

5.0

Silver Fox by Stevie Sparks

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.5

This fast paced, ONS to lovers, accidental workplace novella was SO MUCH FUN! Silas and Skye had chemistry right out of the gate and it was full steam ahead from there. This was just a joy to read honestly. A silver fox, a cat, a crime to solve, and spice galore…who could ask for more?? NOT ME!! So much fun! Be sure to grab this novella this Valentine’s Day!!
Till Cupid Do Us Part by Hannah Cowan

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lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.25

Really enjoyed this spicy Valentines novella! A perfect follow up to SHNF and a great time for readers to get to know Ivy and Niko more! I’m so glad Hannah is giving us these fun novellas in addition to her other writing (more Hannah books is always a win in my opinion)!! Ivy and Niko have to overcome some issues as new parents that I think a lot of parents relate to. Ivy’s self image being so pertinent to the storyline is also something a lot of people deal with after giving birth so it brings a relatable aspect as well. This was such a fun and flirty read while being a great seasonal book!!
Whirlwind by Kayla Grosse

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lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A

4.5

This fast-paced action-romance novel was such a fun read! It was very low stakes and honestly just a really good time. You can tell Kayla put a lot of work into researching the topic at hand to make sure she was accurately representing the storm chasing life and information about that type of weather. This action packed novel still had the signature Kayla Grosse chemistry, banter, and spice. The banter between all of the characters was incredible. The chemistry and spice with Finley and Ryker was natural and always made sense to me. This is a fun, action packed, romance that is great if you loved the movie Twisters.