jaihook's Reviews (389)

"Spicy Love" by Gia Ash is a delightful and steamy novella that brings together two unlikely characters in a fun, opposites-attract romance. Mina Park James, an adventurous and energetic woman focused on running her family's ranch, meets Jensen Roth, a seemingly dull reporter whose curiosity extends beyond the ranch and into Mina's life. Their differences create a sizzling chemistry, especially with the classic 'one bed/room and a jacuzzi' scenario🥵, which adds just the right amount of tension and heat. 

Despite its short length, the novella manages to develop both characters quickly, making their connection feel genuine and engaging. Mina's humor and adventurous spirit are well-matched by Jensen's steady, inquisitive nature, making their dynamic both entertaining and heartwarming. While a bit more backstory could have added depth, "Spicy Love" succeeds as a quick, feel-good read with plenty of charm and spice. 

I thoroughly enjoyed Embrace and loved the friends-to-lovers trope. Blaze, the male lead, is such a good man, and the way the story set up the arranged marriage was perfect—you could tell who was meant to meet her at the aisle from the start. The honeymoon scenes were steamy, and I loved that the book was set in Houston, TX. This is my second read in the Arranged Hearts series, and it’s a great follow-up. I appreciated how seamlessly they transitioned into married life after being best friends for so long. 

However, around the halfway point, I found myself wondering where the story would go, as they seemed to have an ideal life post-marriage and honeymoon. Unlike Desire, there wasn’t much conflict or a significant plot twist. That being said, I still really enjoyed the book and Blaze as a character, and the narration was excellent throughout. If you’re a fan of low-angst romance, this is definitely a great read! 

 Bridesmaid Undercover by MQ was a fun read with some enjoyable moments, but it left me with mixed feelings. I appreciated the friendship between Everly and Hardy, especially how they built a solid foundation before any romance blossomed. The banter between them was playful and entertaining, with standout scenes like the zoo visit and their hilarious undercover code names. The narrators did an outstanding job, really enhancing the story with their performance. However, the audiobook felt long, with extended chapters and some unnecessary dragging after the romance developed. Hardy was a bit clueless, and while he had some sweet moments, his behavior after their first intimate encounter made him less likable for me. Overall, it was a decent read, but it would have fallen flat without the narration. 

I don’t know where to begin with this book. It is so spicy and I ate it up!! It is a next-level spice, so please read the content warnings and decide if it is for you. I did not read the first book in the series (typical of me🤦🏾‍♀️) but I don’t feel like I missed anything. I do want to go back and read it. From what I’ve gathered the MMC, Liam, met Jasmine, FMC, when her best friend married Liam’s dad. He was feeling her from the moment they met. 

Jasmine is a relatable character. Jazz is chaotic, doesn’t have approval from her parents, lives life on her own terms, and doesn’t think she deserves happiness, to name a few things. I think a lot of people have experienced one or more of the things she is experiencing as one gets older. Liam reads romance books and has a Kindle so of course we love him for that. 

I gave it four stars because sometimes Jasmine annoyed me. She needed a real therapist and not just s*x therapy. Also, Liam overused the word darling and I started to hate it. 

Desire was a quick and enjoyable read that kept me hooked from start to finish. The communication and development between the characters were strong, making the relationship between Desire and Mayor Aziel Harris believable and engaging. The honeymoon scenes were spicy and full of passion, adding a nice intensity to the story. While Mayor Harris occasionally made me cringe with his sneaky and controlling tendencies, he ultimately proved to be a good man and a dedicated single parent. His daughter, Azaria, was absolutely adorable, and her bond with Miss Chambries (the FMC) was heartwarming. I appreciated the positive portrayal of a stepmom relationship, which added depth to the story. The narration by Aria Addison and Chance Smolders was excellent, enhancing the overall experience with their compelling performances. Overall, this was a solid installment in the Arranged Hearts series, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest!

Fortunate Misfortune by Miah Onsha is a stunning example of how the rivals-to-lovers and slow-burn tropes can be perfectly executed. I was so captivated by the story and the rich character development that I found myself eager to read late into the night. Mallory, the determined FMC, resonates deeply, especially with her struggles of grief, managing type 1 diabetes, and her guarded heart—a journey that was particularly relatable for me. Kenneth Gray, with his quiet support, patience, and thoughtful gestures, quickly became a favorite. Their evolving relationship, from rivals to friends and eventually lovers, unfolds in such a beautiful and authentic way that I couldn’t help but root for them.

The character development in this book is top-notch, with serious topics like grief and mental health handled with care while keeping the story light and engaging. Mallory’s resistance to letting others in, combined with Kenneth’s unwavering presence, creates a dynamic that is both heartwarming and compelling. The multicultural aspect adds depth, and the sports elements bring an extra layer of excitement. This book perfectly balances emotional depth with a fun, easy-to-read narrative, making it an absolute must-read for anyone who loves a well-crafted romance.

"Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend" has an intriguing premise, blending post-apocalyptic chaos with social satire as it follows Dan and Mara on a vacation gone wrong after the sun explodes. The unique concept sets the stage for an engaging narrative, but the execution falls short. The story dragged considerably before the 72% mark, making it difficult to stay invested. Additionally, the use of a derogatory term towards gay people felt out of place and unnecessary, detracting from the overall experience. 

 

Characters like Pete Collins, the "pastor," came off as cringe and gross, with hints of racism, and the MLM vibes from mentions of "beach body" and Rachel Platten's "The Fight Song" didn't help. While the division of buildings and social commentary added some depth, it wasn't enough to maintain momentum. Overall, the book's pacing issues and offensive language overshadowed its potential humor and satire. I don't think I am the target reader for this book, as its style and content didn't resonate with me.