cjeannette's Reviews (602)

Open Minded follows Holly as she navigates the ups and downs of dating while exploring open relationships and Fliss as she dives into monogamy. This book had lots of moments that shed light on what happens when communication breaks down in a relationship. While I don’t practice ENM myself, I thought the book offered clear examples of what not to do, especially when honesty and boundaries are missing. That said, I really appreciated the friendship that blossomed between Holly and Fliss. Definitely a women supporting women vibe that grounded the story and just always holds a special place in my heart. I wouldn’t recommend it as a model for open relationships, but it was refreshing to see this kind of romance represented in the genre. Overall, a light and breezy read for romance fans.

Thank you Net Galley and William Morrow for an ARC in exchange for my honest review! 

 As much as I try to branch out into other genres, I’ll always be a romance girlie at heart, and Emily Henry remains one of my go-to authors for exactly that. What made this book stand out was its refreshing duality. It felt like two stories in one, mixing the rom-com vibes I adore with a subtle, mystery twist. Highly recommend for anyone looking for romance—with a hint of historical fiction and mystery—that’s both fun and emotionally satisfying. 

 Intermezzo follows two brothers navigating life and love in the wake of their father's death, capturing the emotional weight of grief and the complexities of family relationships. As someone who doesn’t typically gravitate toward MMC or sad stories, I found this a slower start, especially with some of the stream-of-consciousness style writing, which was at times hard for me to follow. That said, Sally Rooney shines in her ability to portray the raw, nuanced layers of human emotion and the complexity of navigating grief. The second half drew me in more, with deeper character development and emotional resonance that carried me through to the end. I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy introspective, character-driven stories. 

 Lore of the Wilds follows a human healer who becomes entangled in the dangerous politics and forbidden romance of the fae realm. I picked this book up because it promised everything I love—romance, adventure, magic, and a diverse cast—but it fell short of my expectations. Every time I started to feel invested in the storyline, it would abruptly shift, almost like it was trying to cram in every trope from an enemies-to-lovers fae/human romance without giving each moment the time it deserved. I really wanted to love this book, and while it didn’t fully land for me, readers who enjoy all things fantasy, especially with a diverse cast, may still find it worth the read. 

 I loved getting to revisit the whimsical, magical world Megan Bannen has built through the lens of a new character duo, Twyla and Frank. Their story is heartfelt, charming, and full of the signature blend of romance and fantasy that makes this series so special. If you enjoy your reads with a touch of magic and a whole lot of heart, I highly recommend diving into this one. 

 This classic had been on my TBR for ages, and I finally felt ready to dive into Isabel Allende’s signature blend of magical realism and richly layered characters. I went in not knowing much beyond her reputation as a gifted storyteller, which left me unprepared for the heavy themes, including rape and violence, that unfold—particularly in the early chapters centered around the deeply problematic Esteban. The prose is undeniably powerful, almost overwhelmingly so at times. I initially struggled to keep track of the characters until I found a family tree that helped anchor the narrative. The second half, especially Alba’s storyline, pulled me in and gave me the emotional momentum I needed to finish. A compelling read for those who appreciate introspective, multigenerational sagas that explore the depth and complexity of human emotion. 

 Quicksilver follows Saeris, a scrappy and determined young woman who stumbles into a hidden world of magic and fae politics she never knew existed. I did a mix of reading and listening to the audiobook, and the experience was made so much better by the dual narrators used for dialogue. I wish more audiobooks included a “full” cast like this! I really enjoyed the world building and the fresh take on a fae fantasy realm, with a magic system that kept me curious throughout. Saeris was a strong, compelling FMC, and I loved watching her navigate this unfamiliar world with grit and heart. I’m already looking forward to book two later this year! 

Life’s Too Short follows Vanessa, a successful travel vlogger whose world is turned upside down when she unexpectedly becomes the guardian of her baby niece and meets her charming, next-door neighbor, Adrian. Abby Jimenez always delivers a feel-good romance I can count on to make me laugh, cry, and swoon in equal measure. I love that her books work as standalones but still include cameos from past characters. It feels like being in on the best inside jokes and secrets. Always a top recommendation for anyone looking for a romance that hits you right in the feels.

Magpie Murders is a clever mystery-within-a-mystery that follows editor Susan Ryeland as she uncovers a hidden truth buried in the manuscript of a bestselling crime novel just as its author mysteriously dies. I’ll admit, I struggled to keep track of all the characters (I’m so bad with names) and eventually needed a cheat sheet after rereading chapters more times than I’d like to admit. Honestly, I might’ve rated it higher if not for that LOL. I didn’t read the description beforehand, so I thought the opening chapters were a real foreword—not part of the story—and that initial confusion weirdly hooked me until the end. Recommend for fans of classic whodunnits and Agatha Christie-style mysteries!

I didn’t love this one as much as Out on a Limb...maybe because high school sweetheart romances just aren’t my thing or something I can relate, too. Sarah wasn’t my favorite character, especially at the start, but I did appreciate the growth she went through over the course of the story. While it didn’t hit quite as hard for me personally, I’d still recommend it to fans of Bonam-Young and anyone who enjoys heartfelt, character-driven romance.