Showing posts with label contemporary romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label contemporary romance. Show all posts

Thursday, 17 July 2025

Recensione: "REDEEMING 6. L'ULTIMA CHANCE" di Chloe Walsh

Buongiorno amic* lettor*!
Oggi vi parlo di una delle mie ultime letture, Redeeming 6. L'ultima chance, la seconda parte del volume che conclude la storia di Joey & Aoife. 


Titolo:
Redeeming 6. L'ultima chance
Autrice: Chloe Walsh
Data d'uscita: 17 giugno 2025
Editore: DeAgostini
Pagine: 512
Prezzo: 18,90€

Trama: Joey Lynch è cresciuto con le mani chiuse a pugno e il cuore in guerra. Lottare è l’unica cosa che conosce, che sia su un campo da hurling, nelle strade della sua città o dentro la sua stessa testa. Ma Aoife Molloy è l’unica battaglia che non sa come combattere. Perché lei non vuole salvarlo, non vuole aggiustarlo. Vuole solo amarlo. E Joey sa che questo è l’unico colpo che non potrebbe mai incassare. Aoife ha sempre saputo che Joey era complicato. Che stare con lui avrebbe significato dolore, incertezza e scelte difficili. Ma quello che non aveva previsto era quanto potesse essere devastante sentirsi spinta via dalla sola persona che vuole davvero accanto. Mentre le ombre del passato si allungano sul futuro, mentre segreti e dipendenze minacciano di trascinare tutto a fondo, Joey e Aoife dovranno scegliere: restare e combattere, o lasciarsi andare e perdere tutto. Redeeming 6 è una storia di amore e autodistruzione, di promesse difficili da mantenere e di due anime che si scontrano, si allontanano e si ritrovano. Perché alcune persone ti entrano nella pelle. E non importa quanto cerchi di scappare, saranno sempre la tua casa.



Serie:
1. Binding 13 (recensione qui)
2. Keeping 13 
3. Saving 6 (recensione qui)
4.1 Redeeming 6. A un passo dalla meta (recensione qui)
4.2 Redeeming 6. L'ultima chance
5. Taming 7 (non ancora uscito in italiano)
6. Releasing 10 (non ancora uscito in italiano)


Recensione:

Voto: 4.75 stelle!

Redeeming 6. L'ultima chance è la seconda parte del volume conclusivo della storia di Joey & Aoife. Riprende la narrazione esattamente da dove si era interrotta la prima parte e racconta la storia di Keeping 13, ma dal punto di vista di Joey e Aoife. 

Ci ritroviamo con un Joey che si è arreso. Quello che è successo alla sorella è stata la proverbiale goccia che ha fatto traboccare il vaso e orami la situazione per lui è diventata ingestibile. Non riesce più a stare nella sua testa e a sopportare le responsabilità che ha portato sulle sue spalle fin da piccolissimo e così intraprende la strada dell'autodistruzione. Aoife viene trascinata anche lei in questa spirale, in cui cerca di tenere a galla in tutti i modi la persona che ama e che spera non si perda del tutto. 

Avevamo già visto altre volte come Joey affrontava la vita in casa Lynch, le dipendenze che ha sviluppato per poter sopportare tutto quello che accadeva a lui e ai fratelli, ma lo avevamo anche visto impegnarsi per carcare di rimanere pulito. La lotta che combatteva contro se stesso tra la voglia di avere un secondo di pace e quello che sapeva doveva fare. Ma fin dalla prima pagina di questo volume si percepisce come Joey non voglia più lottare per sopravvivere. È stanco, sfinito delle situazioni che continuano a ripetersi a oltranza nella sua vita e quindi si arrende. Questo lo porta a ricadere pesantemente nella dipendenza, unica soluzione che ritiene sia possibile per finalmente lasciare andare le responsabilità che gli sono state affidate fin dalla tenera età. 

Se però Joey si è arreso, Aoife continua a lottare con tutta se stessa per cercare di riportare a galla il ragazzo che ama. E proprio per questo lo segue nella sua discesa personale verso la cancellazione di sé. Lo protegge, lo aiuta, ma non riesce a far si che lui voglia combattere per loro e il loro futuro. Mette Joey davanti a tutto, fino a quando non si rende conto che non può più farlo, che cercando di salvarlo sta distruggendo se stessa con lui. 

Anche nei momenti bui l'amore tra i due è palpabile in tutte le scene presenti. Lui che la ama e vuole proteggerla da se stesso e dagli errori generazionali che sembrano costantemente ripetersi, ma non ha la forza di lottare per lei e il loro futuro, portandola così a fondo con lui. Lei che non si arrende neanche un secondo e continua a lottare per quel ragazzino a cui sono capitate delle carte sbagliate e che nonostante tutte le volte che ha provato a reagire e a migliore in un modo o nell'altro è sempre tornato al punto di partenza più ammaccato di prima. 

Ancora una volta Chloe Walsh riesce a darci dei personaggi reali, che nelle loro imperfezioni riescono a conquistare chi legge, che spera con tutto il cuore di poter vedere con loro la luce in fondo al tunnel. Sbagliano, si arrendono, ma combattono anche a più non posso, per amore l'uno dell'altro. 
Con uno stile sempre semplice e che va dritto al punto, senza essere troppo grafico, l'autrice riesce a descrivere scene difficili che colpiscono al cuore e che ti segnano, nel bene e nel male. 

Dovendo questo volume ripercorrere una storia già conosciuta l'autrice si è concentrata maggiormente a riempire gli spazi vuoti che non sapevamo della vita dei personaggi, tenendo al minimo le scene che potevamo aver già visto in Keeping 13. Se questo da una parte ci permette di capire quanto una storia non si può mai sapere del tutto finché non si legge da tutte le prospettive delle persone coinvolte, dall'altra in alcuni momenti clue ho trovato che la narrazione nel libro di Shannon e Johnny fosse più incisiva ed emozionante. 
Avendo dovuto praticamente riprendere due libri in uno, posso capire le scelte che sono state prese per decidere a cosa dare spazio e a cosa estromettere, ma devo ammettere che mi sarebbe piaciuto avere alcune scene in più, soprattutto tra i fratelli Lynch. 

Redeeming 6. L'ultima chance è un libro che vi farà soffrire. Un viaggio all'inferno e ritorno per stare accanto alle persone che si amano, combattendo per loro anche quando quest'ultimi rinunciano a farlo, nella speranza di un futuro migliore.

- Camilla 

Tuesday, 13 May 2025

ARC Review: "ON GUARD" by Kels & Denise Stone

Hello readers!
Today's article is about a new sport romance I read the last month thanks to @valentine_pr who send me the digital arc. Are you ready to be On Guard? 😏

Title: On Guard
Author: Kels and Denise Stone
Publishing Date: April 9, 2025
Publisher:  Between the Sheets Publishing
Pages: 452 (paperback)
Price:
18,99

DANTE HASTINGS
You might have heard of me.

I was the defending Olympic champion—until I used my fist instead of my sabre during a match. Needless to say, I was suspended. Which means no competing for a year…and cleaning up my image.
So, instead of continuing to dominate the fencing world, I’m working on a film that’s poised to be next year’s blockbuster action flick.
The upside? Working with Reese Sinclair, my celebrity crush whose poster was on my wall growing up. Spending time with her will help wash the tabloids of my suspension and convince the league that I’m reformed.
But America’s sweetheart is nothing like I imagined. She’s stubborn, ambitious, and struggling to prove herself in a role that no one thinks she can handle. Still, her determination runs red-hot, and I can’t help but admire her.
When our late-night training sessions turn into something more, I start to realize that I’m outmaneuvered by feelings I never saw coming.

REESE SINCLAIR
The girl next door. The best friend. The love-struck heroine.
I’ve played them all.
But with thirty creeping closer, I need to prove to myself that I can be more than Hollywood’s darling. And this movie is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for, the project I can use to break out of my typecasting.
The problem? I’m not cut out for action-packed stunt work.
Enter: Dante Hastings. He’s hedonistic, insufferable, infuriatingly gorgeous—and my last shot at making this career move work.
I should stay away. His reputation alone could sink mine. But the more time we spend together, the more I see past all his tabloid exploits and rule-breaking. He knows what it means to fight for something.
But a leading lady doesn’t simper over her co-workers, right?
Yet as much as I try to resist, part of me wants to let Dante put the sin in Sinclair.

Review: 

Rate: 3.25 stars ⭐

Family standalone series and sport romance are two of my favorite elements in a novel, and after loving Close Knit so much I was eager to keep going with The Hastings series.

On Guard has new main characters, Dante and Reese, and focuses on several serious topics which include being able to freely express without the restraints created by the image that people or society depicts on us, the woman's right to fight for being respected and treated as professionals; the importance on believing in someone and don't give up on them just because they're "difficult" to deal with, especially if we're talking about children and teens.

I really appreciated how Reese starts to get back her voice and strength not only against misbehavior and sexism, but also against all the lies media can create and weave around a person without a concrete reason. In fact, the book shows clearly how often people start spreading false information about someone just for the chance to stay in the spotlight, no matter the costs their “victims” would pay. Moreover, On Guard stresses the problematic issue of the "good girl" label and the unrealistic expectations related to that. Society created this idea of perfection that includes determined physical appearance, look, way to behave, interests and precise kind of people to be associated with, and choosing something different from that only causes to switch to the "bad girl" label, or similar not very cute nicknames. How unhealthy is that? That’s why I was more than happy to see Reese understands that she could be more than that, and she doesn’t need to fit in a certain category to be appreciated, she can be just herself.

I really suffered for all the pressure Reese and Dante are put under, but they are always mature enough to have each other back, without overstepping. And talking about Dante, his growth path is my favorite: I loved the way his self-centered ego leaves space to his true nature, showing the caring and dedicated man he is. He respects Reese in such a loving way, more focused on her than maybe himself (and in that I missed a little bit of balance, if I have to be honest), and he believes so much in Em she succeeds in expressing her true potential in fencing. After a comprehensible rough start, he was always there for her, challenging her but also trying to keep her away from the wrong track. It was cool seeing him in a coach position, even if Lev remains iconic. It reminds me a little of coach Jensen from the Off Campus series (if you don’t know it, what are you waiting for?).

Plus, Dante exudes charm like a very dangerous weapon, and I love his confidence in certain open doors moments, it indeed made certain moments even steamier. At the same time, I admit I was a little bit confused about his preferences, whether he enjoys have or give control to the partner. That is still an open question for me.

I was also expecting to see more of the Hasting family, but nonetheless the text exchange with Dante and his sisters were so hilarious I really loved them! And that moment with Dante and his parents? It moved me so much.

Furthermore, every mention of fencing and saber's swordplay were absolutely so interesting to hear I would have loved to have more of it in the story than the Robin Hood part. That was cute and I understand its use in the general plot, but I think some moments could have been left out or rewritten in a more captivating way. Especially, I was curious about the water scene, given Reese’s trauma, but in the end it was just mentioned. It was a pity, because it would have been good to see her overcome her fears.

In all truth, if I compare it with Close Knit, I feel there’s something off.

I’m aware that we have two wealthy main characters, but everything seemed to be a little bit exaggerated. And it's not only about Dante’s rich and decadent attitude, because thankfully he is so much more, but the majority of things he and Reese do together is always (or have something to do with) something special, reserved or luxurious. I'm sure that people can go out of their comfort zone or enjoy new things even if not expensive, “prohibited” or peculiar. Maybe what was missing in On Guard is the value of little and small things, while in Close Knit I found more balance in that sense. Same as per the fact of Reese doing bad girl's things. Isn't it a cliché itself, especially while we're stressing the issues around the "good girl label"? Where’s the “bad” in what she does with Dante? Clearly, we’re not talking about tea time with some ladies in a country club and the majority of that was oriented to making media talks, but this whole point felt flat. Plus, thinking about the idea Reese gave me in the initial part of the book, she doesn’t seem a person that has a certain look and aspect only for some third party’s requests, so even if I understand what lead to certain moments, those as well seemed a little bit exaggerated, instead of cherishing her rediscovering herself, embracing all the changes she felt she needs.
So, probably some things could have arranged better, but with its pros and cons On Guard is still a lovable and enjoyable romance I really suggest you to savor and try. I’m sure Dante Hasting won’t disappoint you.


To the next review!

Chiara

Wednesday, 7 May 2025

Recensione: "ADDICTED FOR NOW" di Krista & Becca Ritchie

Buongiorno amic* lettor*!
Oggi vi porto la recensione del terzo volume dell'Addicted series, una serie a cui ancora una volta vi invito a dare una possibilità per scoprire uno dei found family più belli di sempre. 


Titolo:
Addicted for Now. Ricominciare insieme a te
Autrici: Krista & Becca Ritchie
Data d'uscita: 12 febbraio 2025
Editore: Giunti
Pagine: 592
Prezzo: 16,90€

Trama: Finalmente Loren ha terminato la disintossicazione e lui e Lily sono di nuovo insieme, pronti ad affrontare questa nuova fase della loro relazione. E non sarà semplice, perché rimanere sobri è solo metà della battaglia: Lily deve imparare a controllare la sua compulsione e ora che Lo è nel suo stesso letto, notte dopo notte, è ancora più difficile. Il suo ragazzo, però, è più determinato che mai a essere parte della cura e non del problema e segue alla lettera le istruzioni ricevute dalla psicologa di Lily. Una lista di restrizioni che dovrebbe aiutarli a far sì che la loro vita sessuale non interferisca con gli studi, il lavoro, le attività quotidiane. Ma c'è qualcos'altro che turba la loro serenità… qualcuno minaccia di rivelare il segreto di Lily alla sua famiglia e alla stampa, e Lo farà di tutto per proteggerla. Sono molti i nemici che pensava di essersi lasciato alle spalle e se non scoprirà in fretta chi cerca di ricattarlo, il rischio è che Lily sia presa di mira per colpa sua. La difficoltà di controllare il desiderio, la paura di perdersi e restare da soli, le dolorose ricadute: la strada verso la completa guarigione è lastricata di alti e bassi. E solo stando insieme Lily Calloway e Loren Hale potranno salvarsi da sé stessi e da chi cerca di far loro del male.



Serie:

1. Addicted to You (recensione qui)
2. Ricochet (recensione qui)
3. Addicted for Now
4. Kiss the Sky
5. Houthouse Flower
6. Thrive
7. Addicted After All
8. Fuel the Fire
9. Long Way Down
10. Some Kind of Perfect 




Recensione:

Voto: 5 stelle!

Addicted for Now è il terzo romanzo della serie Addicted e quello che dal mio punto di vista cambia tutte le carte in tavola, andando a intraprendere la strada che porterà alla storia dei prossimi libri. Al pov di Lily si aggiunge quello di Lo e vengono approfonditi anche i personaggi secondari che poi diventeranno protagonisti e voci narranti dei volumi successivi. 

La storia riprende il giorno in cui Lo sta tornando a casa dalla riabilitazione. Lui e Lily sono stati separati per bene novanta giorni e questo ricongiungimento, che dovrebbe essere un momento di gioia per i due, provoca in entrambi anche molta ansia. Ormai hanno entrambi accettato di avere delle dipendenze e di volersi curare, ma il percorso che hanno intrapreso potrà essere fatto in coppia o dovranno dividersi per poter migliorare?

Lily ha paura che Lo non la voglia più ora che si è lasciato alle spalle l'alcol, anche perché il suo percorso di guarigione non può essere drastico come quello del ragazzo. Ha paura che la persona che è sempre stata al suo fianco adesso possa vederla per com'è veramente e che possa trovarla disgustosa. 
Al contrario ci troviamo un Lo diverso da quello che avevamo lasciato. Più maturo e pronto a impegnarsi per la guarigione sia sua che di Lily. Grazie all'aggiunta del suo pov possiamo approfondirlo come personaggio, capire meglio le motivazioni complesse che lo hanno spinto a bere e quanto si incolpi per la dipendenza di Lily. Inoltre possiamo avere uno scorcio dei suoi pensieri anche su eventi avvenuti prima di questo romanzo, rendendo il tutto ancora più doloroso. 

L'unica strada possibile per i due è quella di intraprendere insieme un percorso per battere le loro dipendenze, sostenendosi a vicenda verso la guarigione. Quello che stanno affrontando non è un percorso lineare, infatti possiamo vedere alcuni passi avanti, ma anche altri indietro. Possiamo osservare l'impegno che mettono per cercare di essere migliori per se stessi, l'altro e anche gli amici e la famiglia che li sta sostenendo. Ma ci saranno più volte momenti di stallo o problemi esterni che andranno a intaccare il lavoro che hanno fatto fino a quel momento. 
Le scrittrici sono ancora una volta molto brave a parlare del tema delle dipendenze, dando a questo argomento lo spazio consono e una rappresentazione veritiera delle difficoltà che queste persone possono incontrare anche mentre ricercano aiuto a livello professionale. 
Anche se tecnicamente siamo ancora all'inizio del percorso di Lily e Lo possiamo già vedere come sono cambiati dal primo libro. Loro stessi riconoscono di essere cambiati e di prendere decisioni migliori, riconoscendo al lettore cosa avrebbero fatto solo pochi mesi prima. 

Se Lily e Lo sono ancora al centro della narrazione in questo volume si inizia veramente ad ampliare la storia di Connor, Rose, Ryke e Daisy. Coloro che sono sempre stati al loro fianco, sostenendoli e supportandoli iniziano a mostrare le prime crepe. Anche loro sono esseri umani con problemi, debolezze e traumi. Le autrici fanno un buon lavoro a introdurli sottilmente per prepararci al fatidico passaggio di testimone nei prossimi volumi. 

L'Addicted è una serie che amo dal profondo del cuore, che riesce a coinvolgerti emotivamente nella vita di queste persone che pensano di non meritare di essere amate, ma che in realtà lo sono tantissimo. Di questi personaggi che hanno sbagliato, ma che vogliono migliorare per se stessi e per l'amore che provano l'uno per l'altra. Non è una storia sempre semplice da leggere e serve una buona dose di empatia per poter apprezzare appieno quei tesori che sono Lily e Lo. 
Con questo volume li salutiamo per un attimo, vedendoli avviati, non senza difficoltà, verso la guarigione, ma non preoccupatevi perché torneremo presto da loro per vedere come si conclude la loro storia.

Tra passi avanti e alcuni indietro, Lily e Lo affrontano le loro dipendenze per un futuro insieme. Amicizia, amore e dubbi si intrecciano in una storia da cui difficilmente riuscirete a staccarvi.

- Camilla

Friday, 18 April 2025

Recensione: "HATE MAIL" di Donna Marchetti

Buongiorno amic* lettor*!
Oggi vi parlo di un contemporary romance che è riuscito a sorprendermi e a farmi dubitare del funzionamento dei miei neuroni.


Titolo:
Hate Mail
Autrice: Donna Marchetti
Data d'uscita: 11 marzo 2025
Editore: Mondadori
Pagine: 396
Prezzo: 15,00€
Serie: Autoconclusivo

Trama: Naomi e Luca sono amici di penna fin dalle elementari. Più che altro, sono acerrimi nemici impegnati in un'epica battaglia a suon di insulti e sfide verbali. Quello che è iniziato come un esilarante scambio di lettere piene di veleno si trasforma però, negli anni, in una bizzarra amicizia che si estende tra la California e l'Oklahoma. Fino a quando, improvvisamente, smettono di scriversi. Sono passati ormai due anni dall'ultima volta che Naomi ha avuto notizie da Luca, da quell'ultima lettera che ha cambiato tutto. E quando la ragazza vede comparire sulla sua scrivania un'altra busta, è ben decisa a non lasciare che sia lui ad avere l'ultima parola.




Recensione:

Voto: 3.75 stelle!

Questo libro mi ha preso in contropiede fin dalla prima pagina, perché prima di iniziare la lettura ero convinta che i personaggi fossero degli adolescenti e invece sono degli adulti! Naomi e Luca iniziano a scriversi come progetto scolastico per le elementari, ma le loro lettere si distinguono da tutte le altre perché al posto di conoscersi i due passano il loro tempo a mandarsi messaggi cattivi, insultandosi più volte a vicenda. Mentre i loro compagni di scuola smettono di tenere una corrispondenza abbastanza presto, i nostri protagonisti continuano per più di quindici anni ad essere amici nemici di penna. 

Il libro mi ha divertito tantissimo. Alcune delle email che si sono scambiati erano veramente cattive, ma altre mi hanno fatto morire dal ridere. Ci sono momenti romantici, altri dolci, alcuni tristi, ma anche divertenti. Una vera e propria montagna russa di emozioni, che riesce a coinvolgerti e a spingerti a continuare a leggere. È presente anche un piccolo mistero, che è abbastanza scontato, ma allo stesso tempo ti tiene sul filo del rasoio fino alla rivelazione finale. Vi giuro che a un certo punto il libro mi ha preso così in contropiede che ho pensato di doverlo rileggere da capo per vedere se non mi ero davvero accorta di una cosa. Un'esperienza mistica che non mi aspettavo da un romance con una copertina così fluffy. 

Ho finito il libro che ero soddisfatta di quello che avevo letto, ma ragionandoci nei giorni successivi mi sono resa conto che la caratterizzazione dei personaggi è un po' la pecca del romanzo. Infatti arrivata alla fine del libro non posso dire di conoscere veramente Naomi e Luca. 
Nelle lettere che si scrivono per più di quindici anni, i due non raggiungono mai un livello profondo di conoscenza. Continuano per tutto il tempo a dirsi cattiverie e non parlano mai di questioni personali. Riusciamo a conoscere il Luca del passato attraverso i suoi capitoli, che sono ambientati nel passato e ripercorrono i momenti che hanno inciso maggiormente la sua vita. Ma quello del presente risulta un po' un'incognita, perché sappiamo cosa ha fatto prima, ma chi legge non riesce a capire affondo il Luca di oggi. Naomi, al contrario, rimane un mistero completo. Non sappiamo niente della sua vita passata. Ogni tanto viene nominato qualche evento, ma niente che venga approfondito. La sua caratterizzazione gira intorno al suo lavoro, che è praticamente l'unica informazione che abbiamo su di lei. 

Insieme mi sono piaciuti, anche se a posteriori ho trovato molto debole il legame che li unisce perché l'attaccamento che hanno mostrato prima di conoscersi non ha delle motivazioni, per me, abbastanza solide. La scrittrice è stata comunque in grado di dare loro un'evoluzione adeguata, anche se si è un pelino persa sugli ultimi capitoli che sono stati, a mio parere, troppo frettolosi.

Hate Mail è un libro davvero carino, che ricorda le rom-com dei primi anni 2000. Penso che i personaggi avevano un po' di più da raccontare di quanto è stato mostrato, ma il risultato finale è comunque una lettura piacevole che riesce a intrattenere. 

- Camilla

Thursday, 12 December 2024

[REVIEW] Why did "FUNNY STORY" by Emily Henry win the Goodreads' Choice Awards' Romance Category?

Hello readers! 

I discovered I've never posted yet my Emily Henry's annual review😱, so what better time to do it after her double win at the Goodreads Choice Awards?

As always, I have to thank @prhinternational for the arc and the chance to read this beauty in advance, and to Julia Whelan because I've already re-read it in audiobook format (my first one!!) and it was an amazing experience. So, why is this story so good to win again in the romance category? After the usual information you'll find my opinion about it.


Title: Funny Story
Author: Emily Henry
Publishing Date: April 23, 2024
Publisher:  Berkley
Pages: 384 (paperback)
Price:

Plot:
Daphne always loved the way her fiancé Peter told their story. How they met (on a blustery day), fell in love (over an errant hat), and moved back to his lakeside hometown to begin their life together. He really was good at telling it…right up until the moment he realized he was actually in love with his childhood best friend Petra.

Which is how Daphne begins her new story: Stranded in beautiful Waning Bay, Michigan, without friends or family but with a dream job as a children’s librarian (that barely pays the bills), and proposing to be roommates with the only person who could possibly understand her predicament: Petra’s ex, Miles Nowak.

Scruffy and chaotic—with a penchant for taking solace in the sounds of heart break love ballads—Miles is exactly the opposite of practical, buttoned up Daphne, whose coworkers know so little about her they have a running bet that she’s either FBI or in witness protection. The roommates mainly avoid one another, until one day, while drowning their sorrows, they form a tenuous friendship and a plan. If said plan also involves posting deliberately misleading photos of their summer adventures together, well, who could blame them?

But it’s all just for show, of course, because there’s no way Daphne would actually start her new chapter by falling in love with her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex…right?

Review: 

Rate: 5 stars!⭐

Emily Henry never disappoints me. I've said that. I'm usually very superstitious about saying things like that because disappointment could always hit, but this author (as Mariana Zapata and very other few ones) owns my heart. It's like she knows exactly what story narrate to me and when. But, let's be honest, it's always the right time for an Emily Henry's romance, because I always find some connections with myself or my life. This book is no exception.

Funny Story is one of those novels that catch your attention from the very beginning. I adore every one of her incipit because they're crafted with a meticulous attention worthy of an artist, and that helps entering in the story like you just got inside a parallel world where those people really exist. I think that's why, for me, reading one of her works has the same feeling as coming home again. You can feel her characters breath, and you live their ups and downs beside them.

Here we meet Miles and Daphne in a very low moment: Peter and Petra, their partners respectively, left them few months before Daphne and Peter's wedding, discovering just now, after an entire life as best friends, they love each other.
So, since Peter expected that, after their romantic escape, Daphne would find another place to live, she decided to ask Miles to be his roommate, since she had no other place to go and her mother lived away.
At first they might seem too different to be even friends, but it was simply amazing to discover how easily they started to get along and really know each other, with a so natural chemistry I was swooning for them even before the 20% of the book. I liked the spontaneousness of their relationship and how they fit together as they were just meant to be. I've seen very few romance couples express this exact feeling with such a strong intensity without great acts or dramas to overcome, but Miles and Daphne are just two puzzle pieces that match together, it can't be otherwise. You can't stop smiling reading their scenes.

Another interesting point was how an almost immediate attraction became a slow burn one, held back by their both attempts to not ruin their new friendship (besides others matters). And, in addition, there's the fake relationship trope. It was fun to read how this started and how Emily used it to push them together, but at the same time turned it into an obstacle to really understand that their feeling for the other one were real and reciprocated.

I didn't expect to be so connected with Daphne. Well, we both love books, and that's always a good starting point, but I totally understood her struggle to make friends. She's a quite type of person, who opens herself only with someone she really trusts, always feeling a little bit clumsy and not very interesting for people to stick around. I totally relate with her fears to "not be enough" for others, and being easily replaceable when someone more cool appears around (same for Georgia in The Ex Vows). Plus, I also deeply understood Ashleigh's speech about Daphne being a we girl. I think it's good to be someone who does things with people we love or care about, but it's essential to still be independent of our other half, because when this "we" becomes too much, we risk to loose our identity, or personal group of friends, and it's not right. That's not how an healthy relationship works.

That's why I loved even more when Daphne took a chance to open up with Ashleigh, and her relationship with Julia. It was adorable to see her creating her place in the community, and how people included her without a second thought. She gained back herself, and the sweetest thing about that is that Miles helped her without taking control of it. 

Moreover, it was (painful but) interesting to see Daphne's relationship with her father. Their versions related to past events didn't always coincide, sometimes at large measure, others with slight but significant differences, and Emily has been a master to make us notice that her father was hurt by that too. That means that sometimes people don't want to see when we failed others, and without expressing that, they wouldn't understand that what they are and were doing is wrong. Communication still remains the foundation of every relationship, and not only romantic ones. One of my favorite phrases (from Miles) is: 

"Do you want to know why your dad doesn't stick around? [..] Because you see him. And he can't stand it."

Because it's also true that sometimes is easier not to think about other people and their feelings, and just following our desires, but that will mean that someone will suffer for this. I appreciate how Emily always makes us face with those overlooked realities that, actually, creates more problems, issues and hurts that others.

Let's move on to Miles. There will ever be a Emily Henry's male character I won't like? No, probably not. I super appreciated this caring, sensible man, that has empathy but at the same time is absolutely honest, without being mean. He was my hero for always being polite with Peter, even if he didn't deserve it. And he really, really didn't deserve it. Miles was steady and supportive when Daphne needed it, respecting her space, and I loved how Emily balanced it showing his own uncertainties, that made my heart ache. His complicated relationship with his parents hasn't been developed too much, but it was enough to understand his (and Julia's) emotional background.

At last, the side characters. I found them a little bit deepened than the previous books. After all, Funny Story isn't just the story of Daphne and Miles, but also Ashleigh's, that found a new friend and maybe will start to have more faith in people, and Julia's, who at the end I'm sure had strengthened her relationship with her brother. I also adored Daphne's mother, not too present on pages, but their dialogues always warmed my heart because their connection was clear and strong.
Then, we have the "main antagonists" of this story: Peter and Petra. It was easy to not like them, considering their behaviors towards the protagonists, but at the same time it was clear they weren't completely bad people, so I couldn't despise them with all my heart. Well, at least when love was not concerned, because in that matter they clearly needed help and should start not being so selfish.

Anyway, each one of those characters has their own complexity and it was a pleasure to read about them. This is the case I would have loved the book had no end, because I didn't want to leave them. I still don't want to leave them! 😂 I hope we will see them in the future, in some mini novellas as Layover or in other books. 

P.s. Is it only me, or we had a Beach Read's Easter Egg?


So, that's why I totally voted for it at the Goodreads' Choice Awards and I was so happy about Emily winning again - but there were multiple books that I equally adored, I have to say that. A pity you can pick just one.

Again, thank you, Emily, with all my heart for this beautiful book (I know she won't ever read it, but in case) 💗, and to @prhinternational for this free copy. 

And what about you, readers? Have you already read it? What did you think?

Let me know!


To the next review💖

Chiara


 

 


Tuesday, 29 October 2024

ARC Review: "FIND ME IN THE FIRE" (Nighthawks,#5) by Pru Schuyler & "MR. HEARTBREAKER (The Nest, #1)" by Piper Rayne

Hello readers!
How are you?💖
Be prepared because you'll have a good amount of reviews in the following days. Today we talk about sport romance, to be more precise, hockey romance. Do you like them? I do, a lot. I think they're one of my favorite sub-genre at the moment and I just can't get enough.
Here I present you two of new releases I read in the past weeks.

A warm thank you to the authors for the chance to read these books in advance.

FIND ME IN THE FIRE

Title: Find me in the Fire (Nighthawks,#5)
Author: Pru Schuyler
Publishing Date: September 21, 2024
Publisher:  Independently published
Pages: 368 (paperback)
Price:
Plot: When the inferno begins, will they find each other amongst the flames or become lost in the smoke?

Piper Hartwell exudes confidence and sex appeal, having no problem speaking her mind or going after what she wants. As a highly successful wedding planner, she is detail-oriented and a bit of a control freak. But behind that hardened shell, sky-high walls, and painted-on smile lies a girl who has sworn off love, knowing firsthand the damage it can leave in its wake.

Brett Burns, a powerhouse forward for the New York Nighthawks, lives every second with his heart on his sleeve, loving nothing more than spending time with his family and his team. He is playful, kind, and a hopeless romantic to the core. When the two run into each other at a Nighthawk player’s wedding, they can’t deny their intense chemistry, happily giving in to their every desire. Piper quickly informs Brett of his skillful shortcomings in the bedroom despite his impressive tools.

Desperately wanting to see her again, he offers that they become exclusive friends with benefits. She gets her no-strings-attached relationship while he gets sexy lessons from the girl of his dreams. They are a perfect pairing, but their deal has to remain hidden because Piper is the daughter of one of Brett’s assistant coaches, and their relationship threatens Brett’s professional hockey career. Their plan should go perfectly. But the late nights, intimate moments, and secret hookups in the arena begin to lead to something more. Before they know it, they become intertwined in one another’s lives in ways they never see coming, including discovering a dark secret that lingers in the shadows.

Although their forbidden romance is fiery hot, there’s a problem when you start playing with fire...you can get burned. But sometimes, that blazing heat can forge things stronger than they ever were before.

Review: 

Rate: 3.8 ⭐

First of all, thanks to the author for the chance to read this book in advance.
This is my first Prue Schuyler's book and I'm quite confident it won't be the last.
The starting point was totally cup of my tea, but I didn't expect how this story unfolded. It was a good surprise, a little different from the usual.
I didn't immediately connect with Piper, but just because I'm shyer than her and totally way more insecure; that said, I appreciated her growth during the entire story. I would have been interesting to explore more how the ending between her parents affected her, but what I've read was absolutely enough to create a solid ground to explain Piper's averse feelings towards love and relationships. The scenes between her and her father were so bittersweet they squeezed my heart in a tight grip! (Btw, it would have been amazing to read about Coach's love story too💞)
Brett was my baby since the very beginning. I loved his relationship with Piper. He was always respectful and gave her the time and space to process things, even his feelings, so it was good to see that, when he understood he loved her, he didn't make her consider him just a distraction anymore. It was such a good relationship to read about, I'm totally satisfied with it.
Then: the hockey. 

I'm starting watching NHL for real and that has been useful in matches' chapters and scenes, because Pru Schuyler clearly knows what she's talking about and I loved it! I adore when a sport romance ACTUALLY talks about sport and takes the reader inside its dynamics. Plus, Brett's team was so fun to read I really enjoyed those moments.
So, a good starting point (for me) to discover this author who, I have this feeling, could do even better than this - and "this" is already very good.-

 

 

MR. HEARTBREAKER

Title: Mr. Heartbreaker (The Nest,#1)
Author: Piper Rayne
Publishing Date: October 13, 2024
Publisher:  Piper Rayne Inc.
Pages: 308 (paperback)
Price:
Plot: I made a deal with my brother a long time ago to never date his teammates.
Technically, Rowan Landry, the hot as hell center for the Chicago Falcons, is no longer my brother’s teammate. Or his best friend. Their college days are long behind them, and they barely talk now.
Also, I’m not dating him—we’re just sleeping together. There’s a difference.
Except there’s not a lot of sleeping going on, and neither one of us wants to stop what we’re doing. It’s all fun and games until my brother is traded to the Falcons, because Rowan doesn’t know I’m the new goalie’s little sister. Oops.

 

Review:

Rate: 3 ⭐ 

Again, thanks to the authors and @valentine_pr_ for the chance to read this book in advance.
This is the first installment of a series that is focused on "The Nest" inhabitants, an apartment building where some of the Falcons' players live.
The novel has a raw start: 
Kyleigh discovers her mother cheating on her dad and then, while attending a wedding party she helped her mum organizing, she meets Rowan and they end up in bed together. She don't tell him that she already knows him not only as an hockey fan herself, but also because he played with her brother in college - and the two of them were pretty close. It's clear she expects just a night of passion and nothing more, especially after her mother betrayal, that destroys her idea of love and relationships. Unfortunately fate has other in mind: they meet again almost immediately and the urge between them is so strong they decide to continue their only physical relationship until their chemistry will blow out; instead, they find themselves falling in love with each other. And then Connor arrives in the picture.

Generally, I enjoyed this story and I appreciated the comradeship between Rowan and his team, besides Rowan support toward Kyleigh, even if he didn't know what troubled her almost until the very end. After that, I really liked them as a couple, without the stereotypical moment where they doubt they're not good for the other. I also appreciated how Kyleigh and Connor's father dealt with his personal situation (even if his reaction and following actions were always a little bit too... detached? I didn't feel great emotions coming from him or his wife). Then, the romance. This book has multiple sex scenes that are really well written. So, if you're a fan of an open door story, I think Mr. Heartbreaker could be your cup of tea. If not, you would have to skip a good amount of pages, I'm afraid.
Furthermore, the secondary characters: they were all recognizable, and the authors added little pieces of details that it obvious will create the bases for the next books. I love this kind of things, and I hope that each novel will always have different dynamics to explore.

At the same time, I have to admit that, even if I'm not (at all) against a good amount of sex scenes, having them for the majority of the first 39% of the book has been a little bit too much. I would have loved if they had been more spaced out, leaving room for something else that concretely showed how gradually Rowan and Leigh started to bond and have feelings for each other. In my opinion, the passage between strangers with benefits to friends to lovers could be handled a little bit better, because it's almost nonexistent.
Another thing that didn't entirely convinced me was Connor's reaction. I understood it, but it felt juvenile, especially because no one seemed to find a way to make him come to his senses - and they're all adults. The thing is that every issue in this book misses some depth and empathy. I wasn't able to be totally involved in what I was reading, and that disappointed me because the potential was there to be explored in a better and mature way.

Anyway, with ups and down I still enjoyed the reading and I'm curious about the next book of the Nest series, hoping it will convince me more than the previous one.


Have you already read them?
What did you think about them?

See you to the next reviews!

Chiara