Tag: Romance

Engelse boeken, Recensies

You’ve Got Male

Devika

You’ve Got Male

Marina Adair

Entangled publising: Amara

June 25, 2024 by Devika

Waardering: 4.5 uit 5.

You’ve Got Male is the newest book by Marina Adair. The cover says: “Fake boyfriend, real big problem” which got my attention right away. After reading the synopsis I was really curious about this book. What will this book bring to it’s readers?

This book is all about Evie, who is a single mum. In addition she is struggling to keep her families coffee shop from going bankrupt. With her hands full, there is just no time for herself, or dating anyone. However one day a video of her goes viral and men are lining up in front of the coffee shop. Evie doesn’t want all this attention and turns to Jonah, her neighbor and single dad. His choice: fake date her or fix his wild garden alone.

I have never read a book about two single parents who are fake dating before, so I really loved this unique point of view. Both Evie and Jonah have their hands full with their kids and struggles in life. I loved their storylines and the way they came together. You’ve Got Male is a really sweet, spicy and romantic story.

I enjoyed reading this book right from the start. I adored both Evie and Jonah and I loved to see them develop during the storyline. This book has everything you could be looking for in a romance. It is swooning, has humor, some spice and is heartwarming. Just because this books seems to have it all I give it a 4,5 star rating.

*Disclaimer: Thanks to Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for a digital review copy in exchange for a honest review

About You’ve Got Male

She has zero time for a relationship. A fake one will have to do—in New York Times bestselling author Marina Adair’s new romance that brings the humor and the heart…

Evie Granger’s life is one crisis away from a complete meltdown.

Between single-parenting a sixteen-going-on-forty daughter, managing a mom living her best life way out loud, caring for an ailing father, and keeping the family’s struggling coffee shop afloat, Evie hasn’t looked after herself in far too long.

So naturally her best friend chooses this moment to post a video of Evie describing the ideal man…and sends it stratospherically viral.

Now Evie’s an overnight social media sensation and every eligible (and otherwise) guy in a five-state radius is turning up with his “I’m the one” credentials. But Evie can’t bring herself to let any Prince Charming into a life that’s barely holding together. A life she doesn’t even recognize as hers.

So she strikes a bargain with her sexy—if equally overwhelmed—neighbor to convince America she’s taken. But can a faux fairytale start to feel real…or is it just as doomed from the start?

Engelse boeken, Recensies

Girls Like Her

Devika

Girls Like Her

Melanie Sumrow

Harpercollins, Balzer + Bray

June 24, 2024 by Devika

Waardering: 4 uit 5.

A 15 year old on trail for murder with no one who seems to support her. This is the story of Ruby. Even though this book is fictional, it could have been realistic. This book really shows another side of the legal system in America. The story is told through letters, flashbacks, court transcripts and meetings between Ruby and her social worker. How did Ruby end up in jail? What will her sentence be?

In the beginning I had to search for the direction of the story. You’ll dive right into Ruby’s story making it hard to understand why she is in jail. However during the story more and more developments take place and the flashbacks make you understand Ruby.

This book has some trigger warnings for violence, sexual assault, sex traficking, drug and alcohol use and child abuse. Ruby has gone through a lot and she doesn’t trust anyone. However her social worker seems to build a bond with her, making Ruby more open.

Girls Like Her is a good book and Ruby is a great main character. The whole story just felt so real. This book also has great movie potential, since I feel like this book features a story that deserves to be told. In jail you are fragile and vunerable. With everyone against you, you must keep your hopes up and trust in yourself and the system. I really enjoyed reading Girls Like Her and give it a 4 star rating.

*Disclaimer: Thanks to Blazer + Bray for a digital review copy in exchange for a honest review

About Girls Like Her

A raw, gripping, authentic, and boldly original novel about a fifteen-year-old Texas girl set to stand trial for murder—and the one person who might be able to help her clear her name.

A wealthy businessman is dead, and fifteen-year-old Ruby Monroe is in a Dallas jail awaiting trial for his murder. Ruby has no one she can count on—no one, except her state-appointed caseworker, a woman named Cadence Ware. In Ruby’s experience, that’s not anyone she can trust.

Cadence is familiar with the cold reality of Ruby’s situation, even before Ruby was arrested. Angry and alone, homeless and hungry, breaking the law just to survive, she is the kind of girl no one wants to listen to, especially not the prosecutor who wants to put her away for life. 

But no one knows the story—the real story—of what happened the day Ruby met the man who would end up dead. As the layers of truth are peeled away and time is running out, Ruby and Cadence will both have desperate choices to make—choices that could mean the difference between Ruby spending her life in prison or her name being cleared.

Told through a collection of letters, meeting notes, news articles, court transcripts, and more, Girls Like Her is a riveting and unflinching tale of the truths so often lost in the American justice system, and one girl’s fight to be heard.

Engelse boeken, Recensies

Pole Position

Devika

Pole Position

Rebecca J. Caffery

Harpercollins UK, one more chapter

May 30, 2024 by Devika

Waardering: 4 uit 5.

Formula 1 meet Red, White, Royal Blue in this new queer sports romance by Rebecca J. Caffery. Never have I ever read a motorsports romance before, so I was excited to see what this book would bring. What will Pole Position have in store for it’s readers?

Even though I don’t know much about formula 1, I do know Rebecca J. Caffery made this book stay very true to the sport. The drivers fly all over the world to race. Even though all the drivers are fictional, except for Alonso, you could really see which teams are the top teams.

Kian has grown up around the motor sport and is a four-time world champion. He works together with his teammate Elijah very well, however just a few days before testing starts there is bad news. Elijah is out for the season and Harper James will be his stand it. Kian is the idol of Harper, however when they meet it is clear Kian doesn’t like him at all. You can really feel the competition and tension between these men.

This book is an awesome enemies to lovers book with forced proximity. Kian and Harper are really each other opposites, so I would say this book features an opposites attract trope as well. I loved to see the two of them grow closer together, especially during the European part of the season.

Rebecca J. Caffery has a really nice writing style. She cleary knows a lot about the sports, but also about how to write a romance book. I loved the slow burn in the story and I feel like the pace was really perfect for this story. In addition, this book also features an emotional element with Kian’s mum, who suffers from parkinson’s disease. For me the last chapters felt like they were really cut off, since time suddenly jumps ahead two years in just pages. Even though I really loved this book, the ending was a bit disappointing for me writing style wise. Therefore I give Pole Position a 4 star rating.

*Disclaimer: Thanks to One More Chapter UK for a digital review copy in exchange for a honest review

About Pole Position

May the best man win…

Kian Walker has always been the golden boy of motor sport. The four-time Championship winner has racing in his DNA – his father was a legend on the track, just don’t let him catch you comparing the two. As reckless and unreliable at home as he was behind the wheel, there’s nothing Kian wants less than to be just like his dad.

Enter Harper James. This year’s rookie called up to compete with the big boys – and Kian’s new teammate. Cocky, hot-headed and with a reputation for breaking as many hearts as he does new track records, Harper’s the opposite of Kian in every way. But when the season starts, there’s no getting away from him.

This might be one of the most dangerous sports in the world, so why then does Kian’s heart feel safer flying around the track at 220mph than when he’s anywhere near his teammate?

Engelse boeken, Recensies

My Heart Still Beats

Devika

My Heart Still Beats

Helen Hardt

Entangled publising

May 28, 2024 by Devika

Waardering: 4.5 uit 5.

My Heart Still Beats is a spin off for the Follow Me series by Helen Hardt. This book has quite a strong author note and some real trigger warnings. Please make sure to check them out before reading this book, because this book can be quite triggering at some points. It is because of the trigger warnings and synopsis I choose to dive into this book, but what can I expect? Will Helen Hardt surprise me?

Author note: “For everyone who suffers or has suffered the darkness of depression… I understand. I’ve been there. Please don’t ever give in. You are worth it.”

This book starts of really strong. I could really feel Tessa’s dark emotions through the pages and it hit me. She is really depressed and lonely. She is just going with the flow of life, but is not enjoying it. This really is highlighted during the first part of the book, however as she gets to know Benjamin and the story continues she makes huge steps and is trying to find the things she loved. I feel like the balance between depressed and going back to a “normal” life is really well worked out. In addition, you’ll get to know Tessa really good.

Even though I haven’t read the Follow me series, this book is easy to start with. It can be read as a standalone, since it features different main characters. However I think you’ll need to read the Follow me series to understand the whole thing that is going on with Tessa, even though every trauma is written detailed in this book. I just feel like reading the series would give this book even more depth and more emotion to it.

Benjamin is a real sweetheart and the perfect billionaire boyfriend. Even though he also has a dark past, the story isn’t about him. Yes, the story features his dark past and it gives a sense of danger to the story, however his past also made him the person he is now so I feel like his past is a real addition to the story.

My Heart Still Beats is a real emotional read. Every theme just hits you and Helen Hardt made it all feel so real. I could only feel compassion for Tessa and Benjamin, which both have been given a special place in my heart. I have never read such an amazing, emotional but dark book before, but wow! This book is just everything I wanted it to be and I hope there will be more books like this in the future. I really enjoyed My Heart Still Beats and give it a 4,5 star rating.

*Disclaimer: Thanks to Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for a digital review copy in exchange for a honest review

About My Heart Still Beats

Some days I can almost see the person I used to be. See the version of myself that felt joy, even passion. But she’s gone…just out of reach.

Life moves on for everyone else, though, and as my best friend’s maid-of-honor, I have a bachelorette party to plan—in Jamaica, no less. And that means working side by side with the best man: Benjamin Black.

Billionaire. Workaholic. Ultimate bachelor. The perfect catch for any woman—unless she’s lost her sense of self.

Apparently my body hasn’t gotten the memo. Because from the second we meet, something begins stirring, warming my blood.

And when our hands touch, it’s a heady reminder that even if I feel numb, my heart still beats.

He’s nothing like I thought. Every moment with him unshackles a little more of my fears, cracks another layer of ice.

But I should be afraid—and so should he. Because the past never lets go so easily.

Engelse boeken, Recensies

Holding Out for a Gyro

Devika

Holding Out for a Gyro

Mary Ann Marlowe

Entangled amara

March 18, 2024 by Devika

Waardering: 3 uit 5.

Holding Out for a Gyro is the newest book by Mary Ann Marlowe. As the title and cover suggest this book will feature some greek elements. I haven’t read a book by this author before, but I loved the greek vibes this book gives. I was really excited to start reading, but what will this book have in store?

When it comes to love, it’s all Greek to her…

If you’re really lucky, you have a best friend who pushes you to do the stuff that scares you. We have this whole thing where we challenge each other to take some (calculated) risks and do everything we’re terrified to do. Of course, when you avoid love at all costs, that means doing the unthinkable: being vulnerable.

So for one night, I’m going to be completely and brutally real about who I am…to a complete stranger, whose mischievous and ridiculously dark eyes promise all kinds of trouble. I’ll open the darkest corners of my soul to him. I’ll admit I run from love. That I believe in mind-blowing sex, not soul mates. Hell, I’ll even tell him why.

The problem is that instead of running screaming—the way I (and any level-headed commitment-phobe) would—the hot Greek guy is actually intrigued. I shouldn’t want to kiss him. I shouldn’t want more. But I do.

It was just supposed to be a one-off thing. Bare my soul, flee at the stroke of midnight, and never see him again. But FML, I just discovered he’s the genius chef at my favorite organic kitchen and is single-handedly responsible for keeping me, and my stomach, so happy these past few months.

He’s the perfect Greek hero. The only problem is that when it comes to romance… I might be the perfect villain.

Mary Ann Marlowe has a nice but slow paced writing style. In addition she uses some multiple complicated words, making that this could be a though read for non native english readers. There are many details in this book and lots of character development, making it a rather slow read. I did like the storyline, but felt like the pace could have been better.

Both Basil and Chelsea grow a lot during this story, which I really liked to read. I was hoping to read more about Elizabeth since I liked her character most in this story. I feel like both Basil and Chelsea have major issues and yes, they are trying to work on it but it just screams red flags through out the story. Basil just want Chelsea to pick him and will go very far for this, like he is obsessed with her. While Chelsea doesn’t want a normal love life, but only hook ups, since she is traumatized and her therapy doesn’t do anything to improve as it seems.

Since I had some trouble with the difficult writing style and the main characters personalities, I didn’t enjoy this story as much as I hoped I would. I felt like this story could have been better if there were less details about the characters and more of a romantic spark in a slow burn way. Therefore I am able to give 3 stars to Holding Out for a Gyro.

Engelse boeken, Recensies

A Duet of Darkness and Dreams

Devika

A Duet of Darkness and Dreams

L.H. Blake

February 27, 2024 by Devika

Waardering: 4 uit 5.

A Duet of Darkness and Dreams is the sequel to A Song of Sin and Salvation by L.H. Blake. This book will be a rockstar romance with forbidden love and chasing dreams. Even though this sequel was never meant to come, L.H. Blake felt like there was more to the story. I am really curious about A Duet of Darkness and Dreams. Will this book yet again blow me away?

When you’re lucky enough to have everything you’ve ever wanted, you might just lose out on what matters the most.

There is nothing else Isabella would rather want than be a journalist, however she won’t be taken seriously by the school newspaper. The only thing she is allowed to write are girly things like make-up, however she dreams of the bigger stories. When Rebecca invites her to a concert by Carnal Sins and she is asked to write an piece about them. But how can she make the newspaper publish her story? Will this be the big story she needs to get an internship?

While writing about the band, Dave also comes more in the picture. He dreams of a big music carreer and after getting signed to a record label, Carnal Sins has made it. However he doesn’t want to get distracted by the stunning journalist Isabella. He has learned his lesson about love in his previous band and is determined to keep her of his heart. But what if Isabella is going on tour with them? Can they both stay professional or will their attraction get in the way?

A Duet of Darkness and Dreams really is a forbidden friends to lovers romance with a hint of spice. Even though this book didn’t have that romantic spark it still is really good. This book has some trigger warnings that could be given like narcism, alcohol addiction, suicide and misogyny. However both Isabella and Dave are ready to fight for their rights even if this means their own failure.

The storyline in this book is really nice. Most of the characters you will already know from A Song of Sin and Salvation, however I do like you’ll get to know more about Carnal Sins in this book. In addition you’ll really get to know Isabella very well. Isabella has big dreams and knows she can make it, if only given the chance. Meanwhile Dave is struggling with his past and feelings. I really feel like both have gone through a lot of trouble, which has formed them to the person they are. Both Isabella and Dave grow throughout the story making character development a big part of the story.

L.H. Blake has a really nice writing style and even though this book lacked the romantic spark her previous books did have, it still is really good. I am really hoping for more books in this series, which in my opinion should be called the Carnal Sins series. I really enjoyed reading A Duet of Darkness and Dreams and give it a 4 star rating.

A Song of Sin and Salvation

A Song of Sin and Salvation is a standalone by L.H. Blake. Just like her debut, Where the lights lead, this book will be a slow burn romance. The story is suposed to be about freedom, choice and first love. I really enjoyed this authors debut, and have high hopes for this standalone…

door Devika

Where the lights lead

Where the lights lead is the debut of L.H. Blake and also the start of The Elements series. This book is a supernatural fantasy with a touch of spice. The cover already has something magical, and I was really curious about this book. What will L.H. Blake have in store in this debut?…

door Devika
Engelse boeken, Recensies

The Neighbor Wager

Devika

The Neighbor Wager

Crystal Kaswell

Entangled publishing

February 20, 2024 by Devika

Waardering: 4 uit 5.

The Neighbor Wager is the newest book by Crystal Kaswell. This book has a bright colored cover, which draws your attention right away. Even though Crystal Kaswell has written several books, I’ve never read one. What will she have in store with The Neighbor Wager?

She’s calculated all the risks. Exept him.

This romance book is a slow burn story, which is easy to read. The story starts of in the past where River is a shy teenage boy who likes his comics and has a huge crush on Lexi, the girl next door. Soon after the story takes a step into the present time in which River moves back in with his grandma and next to Lexi and Deanna. He has grown up and even manages to drawn attention from Lexi. He needs the help from Deanna, the mastermind behind the sisters dating app Meetcute, to see what real love is like. But what if that means making him fall for her?

Crystal Kaswell has a nice writing style. She really manages to give each of the characters their own personality. Lexi is all bubbly but also finds it hard to really love someone. Deanna hasn’t found her own match yet, but is dedicated to their dating app. River just wants to find out what his crush meant and what real love is. Each of them grows during the story, making the character development a central theme in this book.

I really enjoyed reading The Neighbor Wager and am curious about the other books by Crystal Kaswell. Everything was worked out really nice. In addition this book is a good fit for all readers who love their romance. Because of the nice writing style and plot I give The Neighbor Wager a 4,5 star rating.

Nederlandse boeken, Recensies

Someone to Stay

Devika

Someone to Stay

Laura Kneidl

Zomer&Keuning

17 januari 2024 by Devika

Waardering: 4 uit 5.

Someone to Stay is het derde en laatste deel in de Someone trilogie van Laura Kneidl. De eerste delen van deze trilogie heb ik met veel plezier gelezen en ik was dan ook erg benieuwd geraakt naar het verhaal van Aliza en Lucien. Wat zal Laura Kneidl voor haar lezers in petto hebben?

Ze hebben allebei geen tijd voor de liefde. Maar wat als de vonk tóch overslaat?

Aliza heeft geen tijd voor een relatie. Ze is vastberaden om door te gaan met haar rechtenstudie, ze heeft haar handen vol aan haar succesvolle Instagram-account én haar eerste kookboek komt bijna uit. Ze kan zichzelf geen enkele afleiding toestaan – zelfs niet van de aantrekkelijke Lucien. Voor Lucien is liefde ook de laatste prioriteit. Sinds de dood van zijn ouders staat zijn zusje op de eerste plek. Maar hoe beter Aliza en Lucien elkaar leren kennen, hoe sterker de vonk tussen hen overslaat…

Na het lezen van Someone New en Someone Else heb je als lezer Aliza en Lucien al kort kunnen leren kennen. Beide hebben een druk leven en zo hun eigen zorgen. Lucien studeert bedrijfskunde, is visagist en zorgt voor zijn rebelse zusje. Desondanks maakt Lucien tijd voor de leuke dingen, iets wat Aliza meer zou moeten doen. Als studente rechten, bekende blogger en influencer en tevens ook debuterende auteur heeft ze haar handen vol.

Laura Kneidl kent een fijne schrijfstijl die de lezers weet mee te nemen in het verhaal. Ik kon mij erg herkennen in Aliza, die als perfectioniste graag alle ballen hoog wil houden. Hierdoor las het verhaal beeldend en gemakkelijk weg. Ondanks dat er lang om de romantiek heen gedraaid word, is het verhaal boeiend genoeg om de aandacht van de lezer vast te blijven houden.

Ik moet eerlijk bekennen dat ondanks dat ik mij erg in Aliza kon plaatsen, dit boek niet mijn favoriete deel uit de trilogie is. Deze eer behoort in mijn ogen toch aan Someone Else toe. Desondanks heb ik erg genoten van Someone to Stay en is dit een goede afsluiter in de trilogie. Hierdoor geef ik dit deel dan ook graag 4 sterren.

Engelse boeken, Recensies

Evergreen

Devika

Evergreen

Devin Greenlee

Entangled publishing

January 16, 2024 by Devika

Waardering: 4 uit 5.

Evergreen is the debut of Devin Greenlee. I was drawn to this book because of it’s stunning cover and after reading the synopsis I was wondering what this LGBTQ+ fantasy romance book would bring to its readers. What will Devin Greenlee have in store? Will this debut be a succes?

Trapped for seventeen years. What’s a thousand more?

All seventeen-year-old Quill wants is a break from the family business. Flowers, plants, the generations-old garden. What he wouldn’t give for a taste of the outside world. Normalcy. But his mom won’t let him out of the house, telling him he’s just not ready… All because he’s a dryad. Well, not just any dryad, but a male dryad—the first ever. And unlike everyone else in his family, he hasn’t a lick of magic. Just a shock of green hair, matching green eyes, and a growing frustration that there’s an entire world out there waiting to be discovered. Until the night when the outside world—specifically his new neighbor—discovers him.

Liam Watson lives in a culture filled with electronics, mobile devices, and social media—where there is no magic or even the belief in it. And as much as Quill finds Liam irritating (he’s so cute it’s annoying), he can’t help himself. Now Quill’s getting a taste of the outside world and of Liam…and he wants more. But all is not well in this magical, urban garden, and someone—or something—is changing the very essence of it. And wherever Quill goes, the danger grows…

The book starts of quite easisy. This ensures you really have time to get to know Quill a bit. In addition, the introduction of Liam also goes slow paced making the character development really well present in this debut. Both Quill and Liam are easy going, but also like adventures. I think they are really cute together.

Devin Greenlee has a nice writing style. He knows how to draw the reader into the story. Sometimes it even felt like this book was more of a movie and I think this book could easily be made into one due to the writing style and storyline. I didn’t at all feel like this book was a debut, since the story is written really well.

In the end of the story there is a major twist, which in my opinion could have been introduced sooner. It really changes the storyline and I would have loved to have a little more hints to this twists throughout the story, since the fantasy part (exept for the dryads) really comes late in this story making it more of a romance book. Overall I really enjoyed reading Evergreen. Therefore I am giving it a 4 star rating.

Engelse boeken, Recensies

Hell of an Angel

Devika

Hell of an Angel

Christi Barth

Entangled publishing

October 25, 2023 by Devika

Waardering: 3.5 uit 5.

Hell of an Angel is the second part in the Unlocking his heart series by Christi Barth. This series is made out of standalones. I haven’t read the first part called Imperfect Angel but was really curious about this book. It is a fantasy romance featuring angels and nephilim. What will this book bring?

Raised in Hell. Living in Buffalo. And on the verge of accidentally destroying both realms…

Evangeline hates taking unnecessary risks, but really wants to become human. She is a dark angel with useless powers and wings she can’t fly with. She is bullied by all the creatures in Hell and could really use help with unlocking her powers. Gideon is a nephilim who is fighting demons for a long time and he could really use the help of an angel with his next mission. He reaches out to Evangeline and she agrees to help him if he helps her. Now with good and evil working together, there might be even more to achieve. They need to stop the threat who is trying to unleash the apocalypse, but they also can’t ignore the attraction to one another. Can they stop the evil threat? Will they be able to keep their feelings aside or will the sparks be flying?

Hell of an Angel is a really nice read. The story is an easy-read with a slow building romance and lots of plottwists. In addition this book will take you all across the world to visit the most magical places.

Both Evangeline and Gideon have a POV in the storyline. This makes you get to know them both really well. In addition this also adds to understanding their relationship. Both of them have some issues they struggle with and it is nice to see them open up to each other throughout the story. Even though I feel like the building romance could have been more central, since the story for me lacked the romantic spark.

Christi Brath has a nice writing style. She doens’t use much details, but still manages to create a story that has some depth to it. Even though I think there are multiple scenes that could have been worked out even more, I really enjoyed her way of writing. I had a nice time reading Hell of an Angel and think it deserves a 3,5 star rating.