Category: Review (Page 77 of 297)

Item: Castles in their Bones
Rating: 4
Author: Cassie

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Castles in their Bones (Castles in their Bones #1) by Laura Sebastian

February 2, 2022 / Cassie / 1 Comment

Castles in their Bones (Castles in their Bones #1)
by Laura Sebastian
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A spellbinding story of three princesses and the destiny they were born for: seduction, conquest, and the crown. Immerse yourself in the first book in a new fantasy trilogy from the author of the New York Times bestselling Ash Princess series.

Empress Margaraux has had plans for her daughters since the day they were born. Princesses Sophronia, Daphne, and Beatriz will be queens. And now, age sixteen, they each must leave their homeland and marry their princes.

Beautiful, smart, and demure, the triplets appear to be the perfect brides—because Margaraux knows there is one common truth: everyone underestimates a girl. Which is a grave mistake. Sophronia, Daphne, and Beatriz are no innocents. They have been trained since birth in the arts of deception, seduction, and violence with a singular goal—to bring down monarchies— and their marriages are merely the first stage of their mother’s grand vision: to one day reign over the entire continent of Vesteria.

The princesses have spent their lives preparing, and now they are ready, each with her own secret skill, and each with a single wish, pulled from the stars. Only, the stars have their own plans—and their mother hasn’t told them all of hers.

Life abroad is a test. Will their loyalties stay true? Or will they learn that they can’t trust anyone—not even each other?

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the CASTLES IN THEIR BONES by Laura Sebastian Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my review below and make sure to enter the giveaway!

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“Like Mama always says,” Beatriz murmurs. “We’re three stars of the same constellation. Distance won’t change that.”

I REALLY like Castles in their Bones, the newest series from Ash Princes author Laura Sebastian. It’s essentially three stories smushed together in a single book, with threads weaving the stories together. It’s definitely has shades of Three Dark Crowns, but the sisters are working together instead of against each other. There’s so many twists and turns, y’all aren’t ready.

“You wish to appear smaller?” she asks, shaking her head. You are a queen. Why shouldn’t you take up every bit of space you deserve?”

As I mentioned above (and in the book synopsis) the story follows three triplet princesses: Daphne, Sophia and Beatriz. On their their 16^th birthday they are sent to rival countries to marry princes and secure their country’s relations at their behest. However, thanks to their mother’s training since they were young, they are lethal and skilled and ready to bring down each of the countries so they can be ruled as one. Naturally, things are not as simple as that and the plan becomes complicated as each girl settles into her role and meets new allies and enemies.

It shouldn’t matter what he believes in, it shouldn’t make her heart beat faster, it shouldn’t let her forget, even for a second, who she is and why she is here. But it does, and that makes it dangerous.

There are a lot of characters to keep track of because as I mentioned before, there’s essentially three independent stories going on (with small things keeping them intwined). I really liked all three of the sisters. When I was reading Three Dark Crowns, I definitely had my favorite sister, but I really couldn’t pick a favorite from these three. They all had great things about them, and while their stories ebbed and flowed with excitement, I truly was rooting for all of them.

As for the side characters, I loved getting to know Leopold, Bairre, Pasquale, Nico and Ambrose. They each brought something great to the table, even if they all aren’t necessarily the *good guys.* There’s plenty of other side characters too, but I can’t say I was as much of a fan of them or their actions. I enjoyed each of the romances for the girls, but I don’t want to say more due to spoilers. None if it is too deep, but it was really lovely watching each of them feel something for someone other than their sisters.

The world-building was really unique, as was the magic system. I can’t say I’ve really read anything else that is even close to star magic. For lack of a better word, it was really magical ha. Each country felt really unique and realistic, especially when it came to the star magic rules.

And how about the ending, hmm? Well let’s just say I audibly gasped and put my hand over my mouth. I know it’s fade to black and there’s a chance (I don’t care what the epilogue says) that what we are told happened didn’t necessarily. Until we get book two, I refuse to believe it *plugs ears and closes eyes.* If Sebastian really did do THAT, then WOW. That was really bold. But I remain in denial/optimistic for now.

Please grab this book right now! It released on February 1, so no excuses! Yes, sometimes it gets a bit confusing jumping between the stories and keeping track of all the characters, but it is so worth it. The way the stories were threaded was incredibly well done and the book really kept my attention. I am anxiously awaiting the follow up to this one and seeing what comes next for these three girls who really need a hug and a vacation.

“It’s always easier to love people who need us than people we need, I think. Being needed makes one powerful. Needing, though, makes vulnerable.”

Other Reviews:

“Enchanting…filled with captivating court intrigue and espionage.” –Kirkus Reviews

“A page-turner that brilliantly blends magic, romance, and adventure. A twist ending leaves readers reeling but ready for the second installment in the planned trilogy.” –Booklist

“Sebastian excels at world building…and a few tantalizing open threads certainly warrant interest in the future two volumes in this trilogy.” –The Bulletin

“An extravagantly built series starter” –Publishers Weekly

About Laura:

Laura Sebastian grew up in South Florida and attended Savannah College of Art and Design. She now lives and writes in London, England, with her two dogs, Neville and Circe. Laura is the author of the New York Times bestselling Ash Princess series: Ash Princess, Lady Smoke, and Ember Queen, as well as Half Sick of Shadows, her ﬁrst novel for adults. To learn more about Laura and her books, follow @sebastian_lk on Twitter.

Giveaway:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of CASTLES IN THEIR BONES, US Only.

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BOOK REVIEW: The Love Hypothesis (The Love Hypothesis #1) by Ali Hazelwood

February 1, 2022 / Chelsea / 4 Comments

BOOK REVIEW: The Love Hypothesis (The Love Hypothesis #1) by Ali Hazelwood The Love Hypothesis (The Love Hypothesis #1)
by Ali Hazelwood
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn't believe in lasting romantic relationships--but her best friend does, and that's what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.

That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor--and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Stanford's reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive's career on the Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding... six-pack abs.

Suddenly their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.

Review:

His hand closed into a fist on the table, jaw clenched tight as he nodded. “Awesome. We could chat about how nice this place is—” “It’s appalling.” “—or the taste of the sushi—” “Foot.” “—or the best movie in the Fast and Furious franchise—” “Fast Five. Though I have a feeling you’re going to say—” “Tokyo Drift.” “Right.” He sighed.

No words can truly describe what I’m feeling right now. Surely they’re inadequate-or repetitive-since all I’ve done is gush about contemporaries for weeks now, but there’s something more, I fear, to be said that hasn’t before. I don’t quite know what it is, but in all the books I’ve read within the last month, they’ve all had such an intensely unique quality so embedded into them that you couldn’t possibly take away their ability to reach deep into your soul…if that is, in fact, what you were looking for. But no, The Love Hypothesis didn’t necessarily knock any of my other new discoveries out of top place, only…joined them. But I’d be lying if I said the word I was looking for wasn’t ‘special’. This book was special. And I think the damnedest thing is this-it’s special simply for coming into existence, and special because of the wonderful things it made me feel.

“Though, I’ve been thinking about this a lot.” He waited patiently for her to continue. “And I think that it would be best if we laid down some ground rules. Before starting.” “Ground rules?” “Yes. You know. What we are allowed and not allowed to do. What we can expect from this arrangement. I think that’s pretty standard protocol, before embarking on a fake-dating relationship.” He tilted his head. “Standard protocol?” “Yup.” “How many times have you done this?” “Zero. But I am familiar with the trope.” “The . . . what?” He blinked at her, confused.

Cut the melodrama and what you really have here is just a perfectly imperfect romance book that busted through my not-so-intact-at-the-moment crusty exterior. It really just slid into it’s place beside The Spanish Love Deception and You Deserve Each Other like it belonged and…that’s not wrong? It’s scarily accurate how happy this book made me. That’s not to say it didn’t have its flaws that did poke at me, but, in a way, they were so minute, so worthless a flaw that I really struggle to even bring them up.

“You put in expired contacts?” He sounded personally offended. “Just a little expired.” “What’s ‘a little’?” “I don’t know. A few years?” “What?” His consonants were sharp and precise. Crisp. Pleasant. “Only just a couple, I think.” “Just a couple of years?” “It’s okay. Expiration dates are for the weak.” A sharp sound—some kind of snort. “Expiration dates are so I don’t find you weeping in the corner of my bathroom.”

Did it perhaps have too many amazing tropes? Did the love interest fall right into the category of enemy turned ally turned friend turned ‘oh wait he is and was always into me’? Was Olive your typically dense about who the hero is into heroine?

Yes. The answer is all of the above. But here’s the kicker-where some may label these weaknesses, they are actually their strengths. (Yes, this whole paragraph was a love letter to Michael Scott.)

I like tried and true tropes. They are just….I’m sorry-if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But, like, do it better? And did the author do them ‘better’? I don’t know, really, but what I DO know is that she did them well. And, I’m just going to say it here: I freaking LOVE the inexperienced heroine trope. SUE ME. I DO NOT CARE. When done right…that shit is

And here…it was just…okay: admission time. My weak little fantasy heart about burst every minute of every part of these last few books because of the-ahem-intimate scenes because I. DO NOT. READ. MANY. SEX SCENES. So. All these contemporaries I’m devouring at once (unintentional but I’ve leaned into it)? They are sending my libido into a spiral because she is not used to using the red hot sweaty emoji…and I have sent it to Arielle no less than…hmmm….30 times between these three top books I’ve read? I can’t even.

Like I said, I’m goo, and I’m a sucker for these tropes and I will clearly die on that hill, but-I digress-back to this particular….thing. This was done so well. So NOT cheesy. So NOT uncomfortable or weird or out of the park that not once did I kind of pause and think about how to digest that sentiment (lol) or that move, or that moment. It was perfect. It was adorable. It just totally made the book. It made me so giddy and so happy and gave me the most butterflies. And….this is the first time I’ve ever (in recent history, perhaps I did years ago) addressed sex in my review. I steer clear of that but this-It feels important, ya know? And, oddly, I hold it near and dear to my heart, clutched closely within my talons.

It was an even fancier hotel, and Olive rolled her eyes, wondering why people felt the need to waste thousands of dollars in lodgings for Adam Carlsen when he barely paid attention to his surroundings. They should just give him a cot and donate the money to worthy causes. Endangered whales. Psoriasis. Olive.

BUT. ANYWAY. Enough of writing about sex like a creep-Olive. Olive was that heroine that you find yourself so protective over. I’ve read quite a few contemps in this abomination of a binge and I’ve rolled my eyes a LOT at the naivety of these MCs. AS IF YOU COULD NOT TELL THESE MEN ARE IN LOVE WITH YOU- COME. ON. But Olive. She’s-again-special.

“Carlsen. Is he blackmailing you? Did he find out that you’re an aberration and pee in the shower?” “First of all, it’s time efficient.” Olive glared. “Second, I find it oddly flattering that you’d think Carlsen would go to these ridiculous lengths to get me to date him.” “Anyone would, Ol. Because you’re awesome.” Anh grimaced before adding, “Except when you’re peeing in the shower.”

She has this thing where she doesn’t process emotions, doesn’t really fall too deep, doesn’t…feel things. I don’t know. She’s been alone in the world, so she doesn’t want to cross any lines to lose the ones she DOES have in her life (excusing a few missteps, I’d say), and her social cues are okay at best. And instead of it annoying me when she assumes things and doesn’t quite get it-or understand-what’s going on, it’s endearing (to me), precious. You want her to see but…then again…you LIKE her NOT to see because you know that payoff will be, again…

SPOILER ALERT: It was. It was SO worth it. My lord.

He studied her for a few seconds. “Does that seem like a likely scenario to you?” “About as likely as me fake-dating you.” He nodded, as if conceding her point. “Okay. Black, I guess.” She snorted. “Figures.” “What’s wrong with black?” He frowned. “It’s not even a color. It’s no colors, technically.” “It’s better than vomit green.” “No, it isn’t.” “Of course it is.”

And then Adam-Dr. Carlsen. Can we just take a moment to appreciate all these special men Chelsea has decided to horde in her closet? There’s enough room, it’s a walk-in. I gave them each their own shelf for when I’m feeling low (tonight is one of those, I wonder who I’ll visit? (ADAM)). Joking (Not really). But Adam. Dear, sweet Adam. Man, what an ass. What an absolute ass to not care what people think of him. To not care they might judge him because he is dating a student. What a JERK to jump right on board to help Olive out, to always be there for her and to provide her with days worth of food because she really can’t afford it herself. Man. I just can’t. I can’t believe this asshole, always looking out for Olive. (See. See what I did there?)

“Adam? Are you okay?” He stared at her cup and took a step back. “The smell of that thing.” Olive inhaled deeply. Heaven. “You hate pumpkin spice latte?” He wrinkled his nose, moving even farther away. “Gross.” “How can you hate it? It’s the best thing your country has produced in the past century.” “Please, stand back. The stench.” “Hey. If I have to choose between you and pumpkin spice latte, maybe we should rethink our arrangement.” He eyed her cup like it contained radioactive waste. “Maybe we should.”

All jokes aside, Adam was that silent guy, the eat your feelings guy, the one who inevitably has unrequited love for a girl who doesn’t see him as anything other than the most highly acclaimed professor at her university and most notably known jerk and know-it-all. But you can see, always, what he is doing for her, how he is always there for her when she needs it, when she’s low-always encouraging her and her biggest support. And when she is breaking his heart with her words, I LOVED this author for highlighting those moments, letting us see the jaw clench (yesss), the shuttered eyes of disappointment (ohhh boy), and the swallows-oh those tortured male lead gulps of ‘I’ll take whatever you give me but damn if you’re not breaking my heart’ (mmmmmm OMGGGGG combusting). As you can see, I am not impartial and I am biased. Take of this review what you will.

“I wish you could see yourself the way I see you”

All this being said, I’ve only really gushed and only really talked about things in a super spazz manner (There is a reason I wait a couple days after finishing to write a more coherent review) and probably haven’t convinced you one way or another-your loss-other than deciding I’m off my rocker and you really now know I am certifiably crazy, you’ve confirmed this (though, to be fair, I’ve warned you many a time). But, I like to think that the happiest moments are what will drive a reader to WANT to try a book. When I see a quote I love from a book I don’t know, and I get those INSTANT butterflies…I know I’m in for, at minimum, at least that one epic moment that the quote was derived from. And, ya know, that’s really what reading is about. Yes, a couple things bothered me, and it took a while for me to decide I loved it…but when I did? It was magical. And I hope it’ll be magical for you, too.

“I’m starting to wonder if this is what being in love is. Being okay with ripping yourself to shreds, so the other person can stay whole.”

*****

Guys. Guys. My heart. My heart. I cannot form words. I cannot form sentences. I’m laying here in a pile of goo feels and I don’t WANT to be whole again. This book was so perfectly imperfect and just…all the best tropes. I want to cocoon myself in these feelings and never let go…but that’s not how it works and I’ll just have to find a way to hold onto this feeling for as long as possible.

For now? Rereading all my favorite parts. They include Adam, of course. And…well, it’s all the parts. I wana re read ALL the parts. Lord help me.

BOOK REVIEW: The Sweetheart Deal (Blossom Glen #1) by Miranda Liasson

January 28, 2022 / Jen / 4 Comments

BOOK REVIEW: The Sweetheart Deal (Blossom Glen #1) by Miranda Liasson The Sweetheart Deal (Blossom Glen #1)
by Miranda Liasson
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

From the bestselling author of the Angel Falls series, two enemies say “I do” in the first irresistible book about Blossom Glen.

Pastry chef Tessa Montgomery knows what everyone in the teeny town of Blossom Glen says about her. Spinster. Ice Queen. Such a shame. It’s enough to make a woman bake her troubles away, dreaming of Parisian delicacies while she makes bread at her mother’s struggling boulangerie. That is until Tessa’s mortal enemy―deliciously handsome (if arrogant) chef Leo Castorini, who owns the restaurant next door―proposes a business plan…to get married.

Leo knows that the Castorinis and the Montgomerys hate each other, but a marriage might just force these stubborn families to work together and blend their businesses for success. The deal is simple: Tessa and Leo marry, live together for six months, and then go their separate ways. Easy peasy.

It’s a sweetheart deal where everyone gets what they want―until feelings between the faux newlyweds start seriously complicating the mix. Have they discovered the perfect recipe for success…or is disaster on the way?

Review:

The Sweetheart Deal was a heartwarming story that had the most wonderful happily ever after. With a bit of an enemies to lovers vibe, elements of Romeo and Juliet and a fake marriage, this book was quickly devoured. If you adore family, friendship, small towns and your romance sweet, then definitely add this one to your tbr!

When their gazes snared, he actually sucked in a breath because she looked worried and a little fidgety and…beautiful. There was no other word. He couldn’t even lie to himself.
His nemesis was beautiful.

Tessa and Leo both felt stuck. Tessa was helping her mother’s french style bakery, which was in desperate need of more business. But her dreams were to be a pastry chef, they definitely weren’t baking bread all day or being stuck in a small town where she was referred to as an ice queen. And Leo had so many fabulous ideas to help his father’s struggling Italian restaurant, but his father was set in his ways and refused to listen. To top it all off, their families’ businesses were next door to each other and had an ongoing feud that stretched generations. So when Leo came up with an idea that would help both families get what they want, Tessa was blindsided that it was marriage. Between them.

Living with him in this adorable little place was not playing house.
They were on a mission. Project Save the Bakery/Restaurant began tomorrow.
And she’d better not forget that.

I liked Tessa right away. Yes she’d been given the name ice queen and spinster, but my heart hurt for her. She was dumped by her cheating ex, who still came into their store. But Tessa was loyal and put her dreams on hold to help the family business. She was also loving, selfless and had huge walls. I loved that anytime Leo was around, she seemed to come alive. Her and Leo had a past as rivalries for academics in High School. There was definitely a little bit of hate going on after all of these years. But there was a whole lot of sparks too.

He knocked elbows with her.
That simple, playful gesture slayed her. She was suddenly filled with a longing so intense she felt it might crush her. For love. For a family. For a life.

I loved Leo! He was strong, level headed, thoughtful and knew what he wanted in life. Leo also had walls, but with his easy going smile and charming personality, it wasn’t always noticeable. Until you got close enough to him. He desperately wanted to help his dad’s business now that he was back in town for good. And he knew that teaming up with Tessa was the ultimate solution. But with their two families feuding, the only way they could accomplish their goals and get their families to listen was if he and Tessa got married. And once he got Tessa on board, eeps, it was so delightful!

She met his gaze, and there he was, looking at her with a secretive glint in those big, moony Italian eyes.
And just like that, something in her heart broke open.

The fake dating trope is one of my favorites, but when you bump it up to marriage, it took it to another level. And with them moving in together, I loved the forced proximity! So while Leo and Tessa had a lot in common, they still struggled with one another. Their past, their present to even their future seemed to create obstacles between them, but it just added to the entertainment of it all. Their story was heartwarming, emotional, and there was lots of chemistry between them too. But when it came to more, that happened off the pages. Throw in small town characters and two families that felt larger than life, I found this story a lot of fun!

She’d left her scent in his bed and her imprint on his soul.
And he was in big trouble. Because he’d gone and fallen for his wife.

The Sweetheart Deal was an adorable story that kept me smiling. It was an easy read with likeable characters and a story-line that kept me interested. This was my first story by Miranda Liasson, and I’m looking forward to the next book in this series!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle

January 27, 2022 / Chelsea / 4 Comments

BOOK REVIEW: You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

When your nemesis also happens to be your fiancé, happily ever after becomes a lot more complicated in this wickedly funny, lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy debut.

Naomi Westfield has the perfect fiancé: Nicholas Rose holds doors open for her, remembers her restaurant orders, and comes from the kind of upstanding society family any bride would love to be a part of. They never fight. They're preparing for their lavish wedding that's three months away. And she is miserably and utterly sick of him.

Naomi wants out, but there's a catch: whoever ends the engagement will have to foot the nonrefundable wedding bill. When Naomi discovers that Nicholas, too, has been feigning contentment, the two of them go head-to-head in a battle of pranks, sabotage, and all-out emotional warfare.

But with the countdown looming to the wedding that may or may not come to pass, Naomi finds her resolve slipping. Because now that they have nothing to lose, they're finally being themselves--and having fun with the last person they expect: each other.

Review:

“You’re a demon,” I tell him. “And you’ve been a ghost,” he breathes.

What a balm to my soul, truly. When I was recommended this by not one (though, one was VEHEMENTLY insistent I read it), but two of my best friends, I knew I would have to read this. Upon further inspection, though, I found out that the book is essentially a big fat trigger for me (what did I even think this was about when I read the blurb? I clearly have a sore skimmer-dar) and I knew I needed to wait until I was in the right headspace.

“You stopped seeing me, Naomi. You stopped wanting me. You’re going to figure out one of these days that I can tell when you’re starting to disassociate, and it’s the most heartbreaking experience I’ve ever had. It’s nonstop. It keeps on happening. I try to bring you back to me every time you go to leave, off into your own head where I’m not allowed.”

Was I in the right headspace for this? Not hardly. Especially after having just had a major holiday with my ~~favorite~~ nightmares come to life (in-laws. I mean my in-laws…was this not clear?). BUT. I persevered. I just had read The Spanish Love Deception (my heart. The feels.) and I needed something….different. And, frankly, I do this shit. I get so invested in a genre, which is ALWAYS fantasy, but then I hit a snag and I have to tuck tail and run to my safe place. My sometimes place. My ‘I keep this off to the side until I truly need it’ space, and it inevitably brings me back to life and I literally can’t stop devouring my cozy reads. Don’t worry-I will get my harsh fantasy head back screwed on tight-I can only do sweet and happy so long.

I like the Nicholas who drops everything and runs when I’m freaking out at the side of the road. The one who wraps his coat around my shoulders and eats a bowl of food poisoning with me. But I can’t wait for that Nicholas to pop up every now and then, leaving me a different version of him to deal with regularly: the man who abandons me in more ways than one to placate his demanding mother. That’s the Nicholas I need to be focusing my energy on. I can’t let myself forget.

And I never try to get stuck in my cozy corner, yet here we are. And, weirdly, I’m so happy to be here-at least for now. BUT I DIGRESS-I saved this beautiful, amazing, wondrous piece of absolute WIN for when I would need it most, but I had no idea how deeply it would speak to my chaotic soul.

The one time I need him to dote on his mother after work, and he comes straight home instead like a jackass.

How it would awaken such deep, dark thoughts, but spin them in a light that made it so fun-so ludicrous-that it inevitably made it bearable to bring them softly to the surface, letting them float into my consciousness and allow me to surf through my own torrid moments, even as we witness Naomi and Nicholas work on theirs with the subtlety of a battering ram.

I see that he didn’t wash the dishes like he promised, and I almost admire the evil touch. Neglecting to wash dishes is one thing. Voluntarily saying you’re going to do it and then not doing it is an act of hostility.

What an odd twist of fate that such an outrageous and-some might say-heinous display of issues would help me sort through mine.

My aesthetic is aggressively, unapologetically basic. Some of it stems from a lady at a MAC counter telling me I’m an autumn, because of my amber eyes and long, stick-straight hair the color of pecans, but I know in my leaf-ogling, beanie-loving, pumpkin-gorging soul that I’d be a basic bitch even if I had neutral undertones. It’s in my DNA.

This book, with zero flaws to be seen, was the most calming, beautiful, and aware book I’ve come across. I do NOT think it’s a good thing I relate to this, but, then again, what right is it for anyone to judge me for having a 16 year relationship that formed in High School, fought tooth and nail to keep alive, leading me to an insurmountable depth of happiness I thought I’d never reach (I see Arielle side-eyeing me, and that’s okay-LOOK-INLAWS DO NOT COUNT, OKAY? It’s FiNnNeEe), and I would hold onto it until the end of time. Love is like that sometimes, isn’t it? Messy? But what makes love worth it? What is the draw of fighting though the good AND bad times…especially when the bad is so. Damn. Bad. (Seriously, this book made my relationship seem like child’s play in comparison)

Foam gurgles from my blood-red Babadook mouth and giddiness overtakes me. It’s the closest to joy I’ve gotten in a long time. I’m going to follow this feeling straight down into hell.

I think this book is the perfect example for such a question. That being said…I do believe, if you have big issues in your relationship, it could be oddly triggering. I honestly thought I would be triggered and unable to enjoy it-not so. It was a complete opposite for me, and I think there was a lot of truth in Naomi’s words, no matter how petty they came across. This book is ‘unbelievable’, in a way. But, honestly, that’s what is so funny about it- I actually, truly, did not find it unbelievable, because I’ve been so far down in the dumps about my relationship before, almost all these feelings have come to the surface (yes I have measured my love in percentages, full stop-it happens). So who is to say if it would trigger you? It’s one of three outcomes (trigger, annoyance (rolling eyes because yeah right this could NEVER happen), or pure elation-which is me. I am elated).

Maybe so, but Nicholas has a dramatic streak as well. He got it watching daytime television in grade school, pretending to be sick so he could stay home and avoid bullies who called him Four-Eyes and made fun of the ascot his mother made him wear. Nicholas knows precisely what he would say to his childhood bullies if he ever came across one of them now. He’s perfected his speech in the shower, which he must think is soundproof. Too much One Life to Live in his formative years turned him into a vindictive diva. To be honest, I hope he gets the opportunity to deliver that speech someday. It’s incredible.

Nicholas and Naomi fell in love and found each other by chance, but they found each other when they needed one another most and it is just so…beautiful. I LOVED THIS. But then they began to do what many couples do, which is to say they misunderstood one another, let the other think things that weren’t true, decided to back off and let things go rather than talk about them when the puppy love phase wore off and actual issues arose while actually getting to know one another, and they, essentially, gave up on each other….which is so sad. Enter the Battle Royale of making one leave the relationship first so they don’t incur the costs of their spectacularly large wedding.

Nicholas absorbs my attention so fully that I know I’ll never forget how this feels. It’s a peace and a comfort I haven’t been able to find anywhere. It’s how my heart pounds so loud I’m certain he can hear it. It’s how his closeness makes my knees weak, and his skin brushing mine jolts me like a spray of hot sparks. It’s how he knows me better than anyone else, and I never meant for him to.

I just…who thought of this? I know the author did, I know, but the way this was written-I died. I literally laughed on every. Single. page. OUT LOUD. No joke. The way she would go on in a paragraph talking about things and going on about it nonstop and then just end the sentence with a jab at Nicholas, or a zing about someone-it spoke to my deranged heart, making me cackle into the dark like an evil little goblin incapable of being quiet or discreet about my obvious glee over her derision of all things Nicholas.

Nicholas doesn’t like bangs? Fantastic. I don’t like Nicholas.

The way they go for one another was nothing short of maniacal, hilarious…then, ultimately, sad. And the humor was done so well, because we really never had time to become morose, which is the beauty of this SPECTACULAR author I now love, yet you still felt for them as you saw them secretly pine for one another here or there, sometimes becoming lost in a lovely memory or seeing something that made them remember a warm feeling…only for the fleeting moment to dissipate into thin air when one of their hijinks exploded at the exact moment they were beginning to rekindle or actually see the other or speak to them deeper than on the surface or try to get to know the other again.

I tried to keep him at a safe distance where he could only see the decent parts of me and it made us both miserable. I inadvertently let him in to see the ugly parts but instead of running away like I’d counted on him to do, he wrapped his arms around all of that ugliness and didn’t let go.

I loved this book with my whole heart, and the tenderness with which these two handled one another as they fell in love again, the vulnerability seeping from every pore as they began to bare their soul in a last ditch effort to win their love back from the one person they swore to love the most in the world…it made my heart melt. It’s hard-relationships are hard, end of story. But a true relationship is not measured in years, or by a ring, or even by the standards set by society–its measured by what you do when the going gets tough, whether you are willing to stick by the one you love’s side, what you are willing to do to save them-and even you-from losing themselves, what you are willing to do to keep each other afloat, to stay sane, to stay present, and to ultimately keep each other happy, as a whole, expecting nothing in return-never giving up on one another. It’s a beautiful sentiment, and many relationships don’t have that power. That drive. I’m happy to say that mine does, and I’m so happy this book helped me see that (in a funny and different light, of course). What a beautiful dumpster fire of a book. I think you’re my favorite.

*****

whiny voice You guuuuuuuysssss. I am DYING from the inside out with these amazing contemporaries I saved for a rainy day, when I was at my absolute lowest, when I didn’t feel like reading even though I ALWAYS feel like reading, after 2 starring two books (what the actual fuck even).

I do this. I ALWAYS read fantasy (with that smidgen of romance, of course) and I hear of these amaaaaazing contemporaries that I just HAVE to read (I hear (thank you, friends)) and I pile them all up and wait…

Then, when I need it most….there they all are. A plethora of all things sweet, snarky, enemies to lovers, and well-written novels that I gobble up when I have nothing left to live for (the drama).

I’ll admit I started The Spanish Love Deception to get me out of my woes, but had to try this book that has been raved about to me for as long as its been out (side-eyeing you, Snake) and now I am a complete and utter mess, trash for all things contemporary with all these gems, the cream of the crop, that I horded like a greedy little Goblin.

Who even am I. I sure hope I can write a review on this one. I have to. It sang to my soul and appealed to the deepest, darkest, most sinister parts of me…and I couldn’t have laughed more.

MAKE TIME FOR THIS. I WILL.

BOOK REVIEW: The Best Men (The Best Men #1) by Sarina Bowen, Lauren Blakely

January 18, 2022 / Arielle / 2 Comments

The Best Men (The Best Men #1)
by Sarina Bowen, Lauren Blakely
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Bestselling authors Sarina Bowen and Lauren Blakely team up for the first time in an enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract, irresistibly sexy standalone romance between the best man and the other best man!

In my defense, I was left alone with a bottle of single-malt and a life-long penchant for protecting my baby sister. Still, that's no excuse to send ten drunk-texts on why her hasty marriage would be a mistake.

If only I had just texted my sister. But nope. I accidentally sent the message to her, her groom, and his super hot wingman.

I also used the phrase “super hot wingman,” so I’d like to die now.

Instead, I have to plan a wedding with the aforementioned hottie and share a too-small guesthouse in steamy Miami.

Three days in the sun with the cocky, charming former athlete who likes to push my buttons? Fine, two can play at that let’s-infuriate-each-other game.

Until Asher ups the stakes with one wildly sexy suggestion. A no-strings fling, then I go back to my single dad life in New York, and he returns to his star-studded one.

Sign me up.

But the more nights I spend with the other best man, the more I want days too, and that just can't happen. Especially when I find out the real reason why…

Contents Include: First times, a secret to-do list, champion-level flirting, fast cars, #eggplants, and two men who look good in formal wear.

Review

I loved this SO incredibly much. I don’t need to talk about how big of a Bowen stan I am since you all should already know but this is actually my first book by Lauren Blakely–and it won’t be my last! Being a lover of the Brooklyn series, and especially Bombshells, Asher DID leave a mark but I never in my dreams thought it was going to be possible for him to have his own book! Imagine my surprise when this was announced.

Mark and Asher are chosen to both be best men in Mark’s sister’s and Asher’s best friend’s wedding. The problem? Last night Marky Mark got drunk and texted some pretty embarrassing things to a group chat with the four of them instead of just to his sister. OOPS. Asher being the snarky shit that is he is, is NOT about to let Mark live this down. Especially when flirting with him and seeing his unexpected (and is that possibly a reciprocated????) reaction is so much fun.

The two head down to Miami a week early to get everything read for the couple and things immediately heat up. Seriously though, you guys. The dynamic between these two was so hot. Mark is more of a serious guy–a damn good negotiator in the finance world, a single dad, and just overall not as big of a personality as Asher. Asher…is opposite in almost every way. Kind of a flies-by-the-seat-of-his-pants type. The teasing and back and forth between these two because of that was *chefs kiss* Perfection. I loved everything about their dynamic, the story, the romance–ALL OF IT. I will certainly be going back through all of Blakely’s back log to catch up on what I’ve missed out!

Huge thanks to Troliver books for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for my honest reivew!♥