bookish_selkie's Reviews (2.14k)

Don’t Want You Like A Best Friend is the perfect mix of The Parent Trap and Bridgerton. Beth and Gwen have a sweet friendship that grows into something more. I enjoyed how they had to work together to entrap their parents and especially liked Gwen’s father. Due to Beth needing to get engaged, I feel like the romance got a little rushed at the end for the two girls. I really enjoyed seeing how creative they were in figuring out a solution and potential solutions as they get older. I’m looking forward to seeing what Emma R. Alban writes next! 

Thank you to Emma R. Alban and Avon for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

The White and Blue Between Us is a fast-paced and enjoyable queer romance. Hozumi and Mishima were in love during high school, but seven years have gone by. With the backdrop of the lighthouse, Hozumi and Mishima must decide if they can ever find their way back to each other. This was a sweet and angsty romance that it was easy to become invested in. I liked the lighthouse imagery! I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy a second chance romance.

Thank you to Kiyuhiko, Kodansha Comics, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lady Charlotte Always Gets Her Man is a lighthearted and fun historical romance. Readers who enjoy strong heroines, especially those determined not to let their fate be decided by others, will love this book. Charlotte could easily have followed societal convention and instead manages to save herself and other woman from her murderous intended. Matthew is a very sweet character who is head over heels for Charlotte. There are not really any steamy scenes and the mystery takes some zany turns, but Marsh has clearly done careful research on the time period. Readers who seek friends-to-lovers, cinnamon roll characters, and lighthearted historical romances will enjoy Lady Charlotte Always Gets Her Man.  

Thank you to Violet Marsh, Forever, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Break-Up Vacation had a promising premise but didn’t quite deliver for me. I most enjoyed it when Grace was with her friends and not when she was with the boys. Grace spends time reflecting on her experience being mixed and how this impacts the way she moves through the world. I almost wish there had been more of a focus on this. There are some hilarious discussions between the friend group and I enjoyed the witty banter between them. Unfortunately, I didn’t really like either of the guys that Grace found herself caught between and Grace makes some cringey choices.

I think if you’re looking for an escape with messy characters who make questionable decisions, this might be the book you’re looking for. I have enjoyed other books from Gracia (Boys I Know) and while this one wasn't my cup of tea, I still look forward to seeing what she writes next.

Thank you to Anna Gracia, MTV Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review

Trouble is the latest fantastic book from Lex Croucher. Emily is a mill worker and her sister Amy is a governess. When Amy falls ill, Emily must try and take Amy’s place to pay for her care. Emily does her best attempt at impersonating Amy, but finds herself challenged by the two girls in her care and their mysterious father. Aster and Grace could not be more unalike and Emily struggles to connect with them. Can she remain in her position long enough to support Amy? 

Trouble is a hilarious, slow-burn historical romance. I really liked Emily as a character and how she will do anything to help her sister. Emily is straightforward and convinced that she is not enough, despite being an incredibly hard worker. Emily’s interactions with her charges are both funny and heartfelt. The romance is achingly slow-burn. I loved the ensemble cast of servants who connect with Emily and help care for the girls. Readers who enjoyed the sisterly bond from Little Women between Meg and Jo will appreciate the similar dynamic between Amy and Emily. I loved the LGBTQ+ rep and how Croucher shows queer people have always existed throughout history. I can’t wait to read what Lex Croucher writes next! 

Thank you to Lex Croucher, St. Martin's Griffin, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.