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bandherbooks's Reviews (3.65k)
My new favorite Denise Williams (who is my friend and fellow book club member, i love her). But seriously, the dual POV // past/present format worked amazing for this second-chance coworkers romance. Throw in Williams attention to detail, casually queer and diverse world building (without downplaying the struggles marginalized folks experience especially in workplaces), and delicious steam, Technically Your was such a fun read.
I especially loved Pearl & Cord's attempts to keep their hands off each other (next to impossible) and how patient Cord was with Pearl's hang-ups over relationships and broken hearts. Pearl's nibling was my fav secondary character FOR SURE and seriously just snap this up.
Also will be a fun treat for those who loved Wes & Britta from [b:The Fastest Way to Fall|56921326|The Fastest Way to Fall|Denise Williams|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1612466082l/56921326._SX50_.jpg|89016398], as Cord is Wes's business partner (and they book make appearances throughout).
*thank you to the publisher and LJ for the advance copy; full LJ review to come
**i am a friend of the author
I especially loved Pearl & Cord's attempts to keep their hands off each other (next to impossible) and how patient Cord was with Pearl's hang-ups over relationships and broken hearts. Pearl's nibling was my fav secondary character FOR SURE and seriously just snap this up.
Also will be a fun treat for those who loved Wes & Britta from [b:The Fastest Way to Fall|56921326|The Fastest Way to Fall|Denise Williams|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1612466082l/56921326._SX50_.jpg|89016398], as Cord is Wes's business partner (and they book make appearances throughout).
*thank you to the publisher and LJ for the advance copy; full LJ review to come
**i am a friend of the author
may all contemporary romances featuring partners who fiercely defend each other, especially against toxic family. who aren't perfect, but are perfect for each other. gosh i loved these two a whole lot, their online gaming 'meet cute friendship' of mistaken identity (she thinks he's a 20something and he think she's his mother's age), and their gentle love story. Nerds falling in love, my fav!
Also, Maggie is a great mom to her kid, and I loved seeing the balance of her "do as I say, not as I do" and his pushback on that. Aiden's demi // bisexual identity is also lovingly explored and Maggie's casual acceptance, ability to help Aiden find the word's to describe himself, and fierce defense against his biphobic sister-in-law//ex-fiancee were just the best. I also appreciated that Aiden was not forced to forgive his family's toxic behaviors, instead finding balance and boundaries.
Honestly, imagine this as a slower-paced and middle aged Hackers lol (with a takedown of toxic family instead of a capitalist overlord). I loved Otter & Bogwitch and I hope you do too!
This is definitely a slowburn, but with heat payoff that made sense for the story! Also, loved the caretaking scenes when Aiden hurt himself SO much - especially since Aiden (as a end-of life nurse) is usually the caretaker.
CW: grief, parental death (in the past), toxic family - countered, biphobia, countered.
Also, Maggie is a great mom to her kid, and I loved seeing the balance of her "do as I say, not as I do" and his pushback on that. Aiden's demi // bisexual identity is also lovingly explored and Maggie's casual acceptance, ability to help Aiden find the word's to describe himself, and fierce defense against his biphobic sister-in-law//ex-fiancee were just the best. I also appreciated that Aiden was not forced to forgive his family's toxic behaviors, instead finding balance and boundaries.
Honestly, imagine this as a slower-paced and middle aged Hackers lol (with a takedown of toxic family instead of a capitalist overlord). I loved Otter & Bogwitch and I hope you do too!
This is definitely a slowburn, but with heat payoff that made sense for the story! Also, loved the caretaking scenes when Aiden hurt himself SO much - especially since Aiden (as a end-of life nurse) is usually the caretaker.
CW: grief, parental death (in the past), toxic family - countered, biphobia, countered.
Set in Sugarbush Bay, a small coastal town in South Africa full of all the close knit community and all the meddling you'd hope for in a small town contemporary romance, Single Dads club was SO angsty, delicious, and sweet. I truly hope we get a story for each of the dads who form Rowan's squad!!
Beharrie has a way of imbuing her romances with this hint of sadness and ennui that then becomes so utterly romantic, and this is no exception. you are going to have major feelings as new dad Rowan learns that he can be a father (and not like his absentee parents) AND have a life of his own, with former heiress Delilah.
I also so appreciated the co-parenting in this book - Rowan is living with his child's mother, but they are not interested in trying to have a relationship after their one-night stand and an attempt to date after she discovers she's pregnant. I really hope she gets her HEA with one of the dads (I saw what you did there at the end Therese!!)
ALSO - a must listen on audio - the narrator is delicious
Beharrie has a way of imbuing her romances with this hint of sadness and ennui that then becomes so utterly romantic, and this is no exception. you are going to have major feelings as new dad Rowan learns that he can be a father (and not like his absentee parents) AND have a life of his own, with former heiress Delilah.
I also so appreciated the co-parenting in this book - Rowan is living with his child's mother, but they are not interested in trying to have a relationship after their one-night stand and an attempt to date after she discovers she's pregnant. I really hope she gets her HEA with one of the dads (I saw what you did there at the end Therese!!)
ALSO - a must listen on audio - the narrator is delicious
When Peaches Monroe is surprised by nail technician and future returning college student Jamie Hunt at her popular barber shop, she can't back down from the challenge Jamie lays down, explore the sparks that have been flying between them since their friend groups squad-ed up.
Jamie knows Leo Peaches won't be able to turn down a public declaration of her intentions, or the road trip to visit the HBCUs she's set up to help her choose the one she will attend to finish up her degree in Chemistry, even if trying something out *might* be dangerous to the close knit and small friend group they are in.
What follows is a lovely and steamy slow-burn romance where the characters actually date (sorry yall i'm growing tired of fake dating in contemporaries!) and explore what a future could look like, if middle child and looked over Jamie and oldest daughter and verging on burnt out auntie Peaches can balance out their needs and wants.
Loved loved the friend group, and how Jamie and Peaches respected each other and stood up for each other (and fought, and made up). The audiobook narrator for this MADE the story come to life, and did an excellent job with all the voices of the characters. Jamie and Peaches had their distinct voices as did all the friends/family. What a talent, will definitely be looking up more read by Tamara Austin.
A (minor) quibble - i think because I was listening, I really noticed how much everything is described. Every outfit, every time, every character. Lots of little actions are mapped out and at times it was a little tedious when I wanted to get back to the banter! BUT that's a me thing, and otherwise this was super great.
Also, I super appreciated seeing this side of Texas, which the Black characters clearly love and love living in. I hope Taylor gets a book next ! ! !
Content Notes: family drama, countered; therapy practices, countered mis-gendering of nonbinary secondary character, death of parent (Peaches' mom) discussed.
Jamie knows Leo Peaches won't be able to turn down a public declaration of her intentions, or the road trip to visit the HBCUs she's set up to help her choose the one she will attend to finish up her degree in Chemistry, even if trying something out *might* be dangerous to the close knit and small friend group they are in.
What follows is a lovely and steamy slow-burn romance where the characters actually date (sorry yall i'm growing tired of fake dating in contemporaries!) and explore what a future could look like, if middle child and looked over Jamie and oldest daughter and verging on burnt out auntie Peaches can balance out their needs and wants.
Loved loved the friend group, and how Jamie and Peaches respected each other and stood up for each other (and fought, and made up). The audiobook narrator for this MADE the story come to life, and did an excellent job with all the voices of the characters. Jamie and Peaches had their distinct voices as did all the friends/family. What a talent, will definitely be looking up more read by Tamara Austin.
A (minor) quibble - i think because I was listening, I really noticed how much everything is described. Every outfit, every time, every character. Lots of little actions are mapped out and at times it was a little tedious when I wanted to get back to the banter! BUT that's a me thing, and otherwise this was super great.
Also, I super appreciated seeing this side of Texas, which the Black characters clearly love and love living in. I hope Taylor gets a book next ! ! !
Content Notes: family drama, countered; therapy practices, countered mis-gendering of nonbinary secondary character, death of parent (Peaches' mom) discussed.
Beautifully illustrated, yet confusingly written. I had a really difficult time settling into this world, and often had to force myself to read it. I also would be completely taken out of the story by severe language that just didn't seem to fit in with the atmosphere and setting. I don't think I'll be picking up Volume 2 unless it is to look at the pictures.
Merged review:
Beautifully illustrated, yet confusingly written. I had a really difficult time settling into this world, and often had to force myself to read it. I also would be completely taken out of the story by severe language that just didn't seem to fit in with the atmosphere and setting. I don't think I'll be picking up Volume 2 unless it is to look at the pictures.
Merged review:
Beautifully illustrated, yet confusingly written. I had a really difficult time settling into this world, and often had to force myself to read it. I also would be completely taken out of the story by severe language that just didn't seem to fit in with the atmosphere and setting. I don't think I'll be picking up Volume 2 unless it is to look at the pictures.
i needed some real historical romance feels, as i've been in a slump with all of the new ones (seriously I don't know what it is but most trade histrom is just a N-O from me with a few rare exceptions).
Anway, Duran brought the yearning with this christmas novella and i ate it up like a figgy pudding. a perfect morsel and wow does she make these two earn their HEA.
top tier, sad I am running out of Durans.
Anway, Duran brought the yearning with this christmas novella and i ate it up like a figgy pudding. a perfect morsel and wow does she make these two earn their HEA.
top tier, sad I am running out of Durans.
Okay, I should have reviewed this much closer to when I finished it (it has been a MONTH where has time gone??) so I'm forgetting little details already, but when I can tell you this romance has really lovely place descriptions (I've been to Skye, this book made me immediately want to purchase a ticket and go back) AND once I got over a little side-eye of the hero for being mean, meaner than I could almost forgive him for (see comments on April's career and choices grrr), I settled in nicely to everything.
ALSO this has my favorite - where the pets fall in love immediately and need to be together always, but first, and become a consternation to our disgruntled lovers.
I really hope more of the secondary characters get books, I will be coming back for another dram! Slainte!
Content Notes: cancer mention
ALSO this has my favorite - where the pets fall in love immediately and need to be together always, but first, and become a consternation to our disgruntled lovers.
I really hope more of the secondary characters get books, I will be coming back for another dram! Slainte!
Content Notes: cancer mention
Matter of fact and introverted financial planner Rachel discover she's being transferred to California, and management, where she'll be expected to up her networking and leadership skills. Except Rachel is a self-described awkward turtle who would much rather focus on her work, not chit chat. But, new coast, new chance to break out of her shell right? Add a hot as hell one night stand to the mix and Rachel is sure she's on her way to change, until she runs into the man who rocked her world and who she never expected to see again.
Luke Trudeau is the picture of a white, privileged Texas good boy who loves his mama, shines like a star, and is extroverted as all heck, plus a successful lawyer to boot. but also a lawyer who wants to put out his own shingle. Luke strikes up a deal with Rachel-she'll advise him financially and he'll help her with her people skills (all while keeping their clothes firmly ON, friends only). But, meddling friends and family and coworkers seem intent that neither Luke nor Rachel can "just be friends," especially not with the way they seem perfect for each other.
This was sweet, and I appreciated seeing Rachel be embraced by new friends and realizing she's perfectly loveable as she is, even if she can work on not being so apologetic for herself.
Overall, I did want more emotion, some more stakes. The writing was very rational, and the third act break felt a little lopsided because the characters were communicating so well just before. Also, a lot of the text is explain-y and sometimes I wish an editor would ask and edit out some minor things like clothing details, minute descriptions of ordered foods, etc. I will also say I wanted another steamy scene or two because it was really just the one night stand, a little tension, and then a fade to black.
THAT SAID i enjoyed the voice of this upcoming author very much. The family dynamics between Rachel, her bridezilla little sister, and parents was well explored.
Content Notes: parental and sibling fighting
**I am friends with the author online, this review is from a copy i checked out from the library
Luke Trudeau is the picture of a white, privileged Texas good boy who loves his mama, shines like a star, and is extroverted as all heck, plus a successful lawyer to boot. but also a lawyer who wants to put out his own shingle. Luke strikes up a deal with Rachel-she'll advise him financially and he'll help her with her people skills (all while keeping their clothes firmly ON, friends only). But, meddling friends and family and coworkers seem intent that neither Luke nor Rachel can "just be friends," especially not with the way they seem perfect for each other.
This was sweet, and I appreciated seeing Rachel be embraced by new friends and realizing she's perfectly loveable as she is, even if she can work on not being so apologetic for herself.
Overall, I did want more emotion, some more stakes. The writing was very rational, and the third act break felt a little lopsided because the characters were communicating so well just before. Also, a lot of the text is explain-y and sometimes I wish an editor would ask and edit out some minor things like clothing details, minute descriptions of ordered foods, etc. I will also say I wanted another steamy scene or two because it was really just the one night stand, a little tension, and then a fade to black.
THAT SAID i enjoyed the voice of this upcoming author very much. The family dynamics between Rachel, her bridezilla little sister, and parents was well explored.
Content Notes: parental and sibling fighting
**I am friends with the author online, this review is from a copy i checked out from the library
oh wow, this was really great. I'm so glad I noticed Leigh Kramer's reviewt!!
Wintery, Christmas-y in the more ennui way that I love, grappling with father figures that are absent, but for far different reasons, and money troubles, this is the New Adult romance I love to read.
Kal and Asha are both young, barely twenty-somethings who are attending college and are struggling, but mostly, to make ends meet. They get snowed into their otherwise empty apartment complex during the Thanksgiving break, where they finally speak to one another after both observing each other from across the hall. Kal isn't just the fuckboi Asha believes him to be, and Asha isn't just the quiet, recluse Kal thinks she is. I just really loved how the author slowly brought these two together.
Kal's Olympic running ambitions and the feelings he experiences while running felt so utterly captivating (I used to run, and he almost made me miss it lol). I loved that it was also something that Asha and Kal began to do together.
Beyond the central romance, we also get to see how Kal copes with his father, who is incarcerated and suddenly after many years, allows Kal to visit him, and what Asha's 'big secret' why she was absent for a whole semester is. I thought both aspects were important driving factors to the central romance, and also lovingly handled. I do wish more retribution had been reigned upon that professor, but we can't have it all.
I can't say enough nice things (but some details have slipped because I slacked on writing my review) so just go ahead and get this one you won't be sad.
content notes: Kal is a Black young man, a track star; Asha is a light skinned young Black woman. Miscarriage mention; inappropriate professor/student relationship discussed; Kal's father is incarcerated
Wintery, Christmas-y in the more ennui way that I love, grappling with father figures that are absent, but for far different reasons, and money troubles, this is the New Adult romance I love to read.
Kal and Asha are both young, barely twenty-somethings who are attending college and are struggling, but mostly, to make ends meet. They get snowed into their otherwise empty apartment complex during the Thanksgiving break, where they finally speak to one another after both observing each other from across the hall. Kal isn't just the fuckboi Asha believes him to be, and Asha isn't just the quiet, recluse Kal thinks she is. I just really loved how the author slowly brought these two together.
Kal's Olympic running ambitions and the feelings he experiences while running felt so utterly captivating (I used to run, and he almost made me miss it lol). I loved that it was also something that Asha and Kal began to do together.
Beyond the central romance, we also get to see how Kal copes with his father, who is incarcerated and suddenly after many years, allows Kal to visit him, and what Asha's 'big secret' why she was absent for a whole semester is. I thought both aspects were important driving factors to the central romance, and also lovingly handled. I do wish more retribution had been reigned upon that professor, but we can't have it all.
I can't say enough nice things (but some details have slipped because I slacked on writing my review) so just go ahead and get this one you won't be sad.
content notes: Kal is a Black young man, a track star; Asha is a light skinned young Black woman. Miscarriage mention; inappropriate professor/student relationship discussed; Kal's father is incarcerated
If not for my book club, I would have DNF'ed early on. I was hoping for some fun, fish-out-of-water hijinks and what little we had were mostly lost to story jumps where the 1740s highlander and the heroine were binging movies together off page.
Truly this completely lost me for the very obvious "this is James Fraser" but with a different name and then the really meta talking about Outlander the book series and Outlander the TV Show.
also, i almost gave an extra star for the grand gesture at the end (see spoiler) because it was so silly and i could appreciate the dark humor.
Should have been a novella.
**spoiler
our highlander creates a five year plan spread sheet // power point to show he's committed to staying in her time and not going back to be killed at Culloden
Truly this completely lost me for the very obvious "this is James Fraser" but with a different name and then the really meta talking about Outlander the book series and Outlander the TV Show.
also, i almost gave an extra star for the grand gesture at the end (see spoiler) because it was so silly and i could appreciate the dark humor.
Should have been a novella.
**spoiler
our highlander creates a five year plan spread sheet // power point to show he's committed to staying in her time and not going back to be killed at Culloden