Title: One & Only I really enjoyed reading ONE & ONLY. It was a fun romance with a little bit of magic. I liked the Korean American culture and the characters. At first, I wasn’t too fond of Cassia’s choice, but he grew on me and I’m happy they ended up together. I liked the aspect of still having a choice even when “fate” is involved.
Title: Funny Story I absolutely adored FUNNY STORY! Emily Henry is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. I loved both Daphne and Miles, their friendship, chemistry, and even their personal issues. They had so much heart. I really cared for both of them and especially about what they’d gone through in their lives. I’m so glad they both got out of the awful relationships they were in and found something so much better.
Title: Deep End There’s a lot to unpack with DEEP END and I don’t quite know how to do it in review form. I liked the story and the characters, but DEEP END is the spiciest book I’ve ever read and I reached my limit after the fourth or fifth very detailed sexual encounter. I love spice, but I want more than just graphic sex. I also want connection, romance, character development, and plot in my spicy books. I don’t feel like a story focused mainly on the sex gives me what I’m looking for in a story. It’s the main reason I don’t really read erotica.
It also might have been the BDSM aspect of the sex that had me past my limit. Despite the overabundant graphic content and that I have no inclination toward BDSM style relationships, I did appreciate the look into what a healthy and consensual BDSM relationship could look like. Although, I do feel like Scarlett and Lukas using the word “deviant” to each other because of their inclinations wasn’t necessary.
Title: P.S. I Hate You I loved P.S. I HATE YOU so much! It was such a sweet story about love, loss, betrayal, grief, forgiveness, and second chances. I felt for Maddie and the loss of her brother trying to navigate the world alone. I also felt for Dom, the loss of his best friend, his divorce, and everything imploding around him. I cried more than once and stayed for the slow-burn spicy romance. Maddie and Dom’s chemistry, snarky banter, and sexual tension were off the charts, making this a delight to read. I didn’t even mind the time skipping due to the nature of the story.
Title: Just for the Summer I thought I couldn’t love another one of Abby Jimenez’s books more than I loved YOURS TRULY, but I was wrong. JUST FOR THE SUMMER is probably my favorite romance I’ve read this year. It was a delightful story about love, loss, neglect, trauma, forgiveness, and healing. I really loved both Emma and Justin, their chemistry and sexual tension.
The way the author wrote about mental health felt so authentically written that as soon as I finished reading, I wanted to contact her and let her know how much it meant to me. I related to Emma and a little bit to her mom. I’m glad the author addressed impulsivity due to fear of perceived or real abandonment, how it causes chaos and tumultuous relationships, and how real intensive therapy can help. I also loved that she showed that we can’t help others with their baggage and trauma until we address our own.