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551 reviews by:
puppytalesandpages
I was so impressed with this debut novel. I love a thriller that keeps me guessing, and The Business Trip definitely delivered. While the main character wasn’t always likeable or relatable, she still had me rooting for her—which speaks volumes about Garcia’s writing. I especially appreciated the use of multiple perspectives; it added depth and tension to the story in a really effective way. The ending? Absolutely incredible. Twisty, unexpected, and deeply satisfying. I’ll be thinking about it for a while—and eagerly watching for what Jessie Garcia writes next!
Of the first four in The Improbable Meet-Cute series, this was probably my least favorite. The concept — two people trapped together during an earthquake — had potential, and while it was certainly a cute idea, it felt like the least believable execution so far.
I could see what the author was going for: the classic “grumpy guy actually has feelings” dynamic. But the shift from tension to resolution felt a little too abrupt and unrealistic. The pacing felt rushed, with a major conflict that was resolved too quickly and neatly for the stakes that had been set up. I wasn’t totally convinced that the ending would truly pan out for them, and it left me wanting a bit more depth and development.
Still, Jasmine Guillory’s writing has its charm, and there were sweet moments — it just didn’t land quite as well as the others in the series for me. A solid 3 stars.
This was such a cute story that genuinely made me believe in happy endings. Sally Thorne has a gift for creating heartfelt, swoony connections in the most unexpected settings, and Rosie and the Dreamboat is no exception. The concept was refreshingly unique — charming, a little offbeat, and emotionally resonant in surprising ways.
As someone who struggles with severe claustrophobia, I found parts of the story a little triggering, but that only made the emotional payoff more satisfying. I was completely invested in Rosie and her unexpected romance. Honestly, I almost wished this wasn't a short story — I wanted more time with these characters and to see what happened next. A full-length novel would have been a dream!
If you love quick reads that pack in both heart and humor, with a dash of vulnerability, this one's for you.
This was a solid four-star read for me. From the very beginning, when Phoebe tells the bellboy at the Newport hotel that she doesn’t have any baggage, it’s clear that couldn’t be further from the truth. As her story unfolds, she unexpectedly finds herself swept into the week-long wedding festivities of Lila and Gary.
Over the course of the week, Phoebe forms surprising friendships and slowly peels back the layers of who she thought she was, realizing she’s never truly lived authentically. What follows is a moving story about chance encounters, self-discovery, and the beautiful chaos of rerouting your life when you least expect it.
Worst Wingman Ever is a touching and emotionally layered short story that pairs heartache with unexpected connection. In this second installment of The Improbable Meet-Cute series, the main character is facing a deeply personal loss, and yet she finds an unlikely source of support in someone dealing with his own quiet struggles. Their chemistry is genuine, their conversations honest, and their moments together quietly powerful. The story delicately balances grief and hope, reminding us—through the wise words of someone at the end of her life—that “if you don’t love your life, change it.” Bittersweet yet uplifting, this is another beautifully written gem from Abby Jimenez that lingers long after the last page.
The Fall Risk is another win from Abby Jimenez. Even though it’s a short story, it packs in all the heart, humor, and relatability she’s known for. I loved how she took a typically taboo topic and handled it with a light, witty touch without minimizing its seriousness. It felt real, raw, and surprisingly funny in all the best ways. It's a quick read, but one that will definitely stick with you—especially if you’ve ever been in a situation where you had to watch your back. Another charming, smart story from an author who always gets it right.
Beg, Borrow, or Steal is a sweet and satisfying conclusion to the When in Rome series. Emily and Jack’s story starts under less-than-perfect circumstances, but watching their relationship grow from the ground up was truly heart-melting. Their journey feels authentic—full of messy moments, small victories, and the kind of slow-burn connection that makes you root for them every step of the way. Sarah Adams delivers the perfect blend of humor, heart, and healing once again. This final book captures all the cozy charm and feel-good romance that made me fall in love with the series in the first place. I adored it!
The Exception to the Rule is an adorable short story that starts with a simple typo and unfolds into something truly special. What begins as a random mistake turns into an annual email tradition, allowing two strangers to form a deep and intimate friendship—despite not even knowing each other's names. The premise is sweet, and the execution is even sweeter. The story is well written, capturing the charm, vulnerability, and slow-burn connection between the characters in a way that feels natural and heartfelt. It's a quick but satisfying read that leaves you smiling and wanting more.
Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez is another beautiful reminder of why she’s a go-to author for stories that dig deep and stay with you. A broken heart slowly patched up—that's what led me to give this book 5 stars.
Jimenez masterfully weaves a story that pulls at every heartstring, with characters that feel incredibly real. Sometimes, you just know, and when the heart knows, there's nothing to be done. The emotional weight of the book is balanced with such grace and care; the heavy topics are handled with tact and empathy. Anyone who’s walked through similar experiences will feel truly seen and validated.
And then there’s Hank—my absolute favorite character. He’s a beautiful reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can have a life-changing impact. This book is a must-read for anyone who believes in second chances, quiet strength, and the power of love that refuses to give up.
Practice Makes Perfect is a super cute and satisfying second installment in the series. It was so nice diving back into a familiar setting with characters we already know and love. The story gave off The Bodyguard vibes with a fun twist of pirate romance energy that totally worked. Beneath the sweetness and humor, there's also a tender exploration of grief and healing. But what really stayed with me was the message that the heart knows what it wants—and sometimes, love finds you in the most unexpected ways.