These books were ALMOST 5 star reads

Yesterday I had shared the books I've rated 5 stars in 2023. I thought it would be interesting to see which books were ALMOST 5 stars. The books that I loved so much but were just missing that little something extra to give it that push to 5 stars. These stories captivated me. I fell for the characters. I immersed myself into the worlds. When the stories ended I definitely suffered from book hangovers.

I tell ya those book hangovers were intense. Some were stronger, and longer lasting, than others, but each made an impact. I would gladly return to these settings, and these characters. You know, if I was a re-reader.

What are the seven books that were almost 5 star reads?  Let's take a look.

Bent by Rue Lennox 

Listen I love Rue's writing, and the characters that are brought to life. The suspense that she adds into these books of hers are just amazing. So when reading Bent it was no different. We had these great characters, a enjoyable storyline, and spectacular suspense. All that with a happily ever after. So why wasn't it a 5 star? Honestly it was Avery and her stubbornness, her actions...I just couldn't fully connect. That doesn't mean that I didn't like her. I definitely sympathized with everything that happened. It was just a little something that was off, and so that held me back.

Bad Boy's Downfall by Gina Azzi

I LOVE the Thunderbolts. LOVE THEM. I had been anticipating this book since reading Brawler's Weakness. Knowing that Lola was getting her happily ever after, and the fact that it would involve one of her dad's teammates - it was just too good. River and Lola's relationship tugged on the heartstrings, hit me in the emotions, and I was waiting for Axel's reaction (which did not disappoint). Why 4.5 stars instead of 5? It came down to River and Lola. In this book they felt different from the characters we had come to know in previous books in the series. There was this shift, and it felt as though they were being held back, or just not as intense/dramatic/sincere as they should have been. Again it's this minor thing that had me realizing it wasn't a strong 5, but it also wasn't a 4, so I went in the middle.

Devious Obsession by S Massery

First things first, this book was such a trip. Steele is an intense man, and he found the perfect person to fall for. It's as though Aspen was made for him. Seriously. This book took us on such a journey, and I couldn't put it down. Now when it comes to the rating, this one is easier to explain, and I mentioned in my review of the book. My rating choice all came down to Steele's online activities, and one specific scene in the book. In all honesty I probably could have given it 5 if it had just been one of those reasons. That combination of the two though, had me realizing that I couldn't do it. My gut said no. Doesn't change my love of the book though.

Reclaiming Brave by Gina Azzi

Denver and Sierra were my favorite couple of this trilogy! Their story just hit a bit harder, and I felt this connection to the two of them. It was so opposites attract that I couldn't help but love it. Then add in the best friend's sibling trope, and it just heightened everything. My reasoning on the rating honestly came down to the fact that there were still questions that went unanswered. Those certain storylines throughout the trilogy that just had no closure. I don't like it when that happens in books, and so it does affect my rating.

Defensive Hearts by Alley Ciz

Chance, Gemma, and those dogs...I tell ya! Defensive Hearts had me laughing, I was swooning, and I wanted to knock some sense into our characters. Here's the thing that rubbed me wrong, and kind of had me wavering on my rating - Chance's reaction to that photo, and the words that spewed out of his mouth. That just put such a damper on it. I could not get over that situation. Maybe I'm being too nit picky, but I don't think so.

Made for You by Natasha Madison

Natasha Madison and her hockey romances bring me so much joy. There has not been a single one that I have not loved. It just makes sense that Xavier and Vivi continue on with that trend. Then there's the fact that Matthew Grant was there, and he brought his over the top ways into every scene. He just brings me such happiness. Let's get into what happened that I wouldn't give it 5 stars. It comes down to Xavier. Xavier changed his tune way too quickly (hate/enemies to lovers). I didn't necessarily know if his attraction to Vivi was authentic or opportunistic. I feel horrible saying that. Yet it was something that lived in my head while reading. A smaller part that affected the rating was the Grant/Horton/Stone family. I hate saying that because I love them. There was just too much of them in this book. 

The Owner by Xavier Neal

The Owner showed me what I've been unknowingly missing from other hockey romances. The chirping. The hockey lingo. I freaking loved that, and I talked about it in my review. However as much as I loved that, it also distracted a bit. Between the lingo (where I needed a glossary), and certain moments with Harper it just had me feeling 4.5 stars. Again not a 4, but not a 5 either. It's right in that sweet spot.

See I told you that my reasonings are minuscule, and not necessarily something that others would dock for. Yet I know, for me, I made the right choice. Also these books that I mentioned are some of my favorite reads of 2023 so far.  I've recommended all of these books numerous times on social media, and I stand by my ratings.

What are some books that you went back and forth on with ratings? If you've read any of the books I mentioned, how did you rate them? Were they 5 stars? 4? 4.5? Less than 4? I'm curious.

Happy Reading,
Laura

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I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

2023 5 Star Reads {so far}

Since the first quarter of 2023 is almost complete I figured now would be the perfect time to look back on the 5 star reads I've had thus far. Now I fully admit there are not that many. To be fully upfront about it, there are SIX books that I've given 5 stars to. Four of them are romances, one is a memoir, and one is a manga. Out of those six, only one of them was an advanced reader copy. 

What books have I given 5 stars to? Allow me to fill you in. Although if you've read my weekly reading recaps, or even my monthly wrap ups, then you know which books I've rated 5 stars. If you haven't read those posts, or just want all that info in one handy dandy little spot, then please continue reading.

I fully admit that it takes a lot for me to give a book 5 stars. I'm looking for something very specific, and honestly I cannot fully put it into words. It's more of a feeling than anything else.

What books have you rated 5 stars in 2023?

Happy Reading,
Laura

Spare by Prince Harry

From the moment this book was announced I knew that I would be reading it. I remember when his mom died (I had been up late watching an Audrey Hepburn movie on tv), and how gutted I was. Then there was watching the funeral, and of course watching Diana's boys grow up without her. Of course I've also heard the talk over the years, especially in the last few, so I wanted to hear Harry's side. That is what Spare is. It is his side of the story. You can argue some may have been embellished, but maybe it hasn't. This is how he remembers the events, so it's his reality. This man speaks of the pain, heartbreak, anxiety, loss, etc that he has experienced at this point in his life. He speaks on the fear of losing another family member the way his mom died. Honestly, I would have that same fear. Not only that but he's sharing that the institution is more important than the family. That's just sad.

Spy x Family by Tatsuya Endo

This was my first ever manga, and I was captivated. I read it in a day, and fell hard for the story. It gave me so many things that I love in one spot. There is the spy aspect, a found family, a mystery, some suspense, and also a fake romance. I'm here for it all.

Broken Love Story by Natasha Madison

This freaking book broke my heart. The story of what our heroine went through was jaw dropping. My heart broke for her, and her children. Then she found love again with an unlikely person. I could not put this book down, and was so invested in what I read.

Off to the Races by Elsie Silver

I wrote an entire post about this book where I shared my love for the story, and the couple. Not to mention that freaking horse. I think I loved that horse as much as I did the couple. 

The Front Runner by Elsie Silver

Is this where I admit I actually have two posts about this book? One is my thoughts while reading, and the other is about my favorite quotes. I honestly think I might love The Front Runner more than Off to the Races. I once again fell for the characters, everything that they've gone through, and the horse. I held my breath many times while reading because of the intensity of the scenes. I regret nothing. If you like small town romances then you need to read this one. Actually read the entire series, it's worth it.

The Sky at Night by Samantha Lovelock

This book was a 5 star hopeful. From the moment Samantha Lovelock announced the book, I told myself I could see myself giving it 5 stars if it lived up to the hype in my head. It did. It completely did. Plus it had me approving of a redemption arc for a character I previously could not stand. My full thoughts are listed in a this post. Samantha Lovelock had me laughing, crying, and realizing I didn't give a character a full chance. There were also some quotes that I loved, and one that hit home personally. I cannot wait for The Sea at Dawn, and I'm hoping it is Kess & Vann's story. If it's not, that's okay too, but I'm hopeful.

Thank you Samantha Lovelock for an advanced copy of The Sky At Night.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

What I Read Last Week

Spring break is officially over, and my kids are back to school. We had a great week together, and didn't let that little bug ruin too much of our plans. My kids did a lot of fun activities, and hopefully made some good memories. I think the highlight was bowling. We all had a good time, and bowled decently. 

When it comes to reading my week was really good. I read 6 books, and enjoyed the majority of them. Four books were advanced copies from the authors (and/or PR teams), and two were already on my kindle. There were 3 small town romances, 2 sports romances, and 1 paranormal. It was a nice little variety.

So what were the six books that I read this week? Keep scrolling to find out!

I would love to hear about the books you read, or booktubers you watched, and anything bookish. Please share!

Happy Reading,
Laura

 Yours to Take by Emily Silver

The meet cute in this book had me laughing. The setting was fabulous. I love a good small town, and it being set on a family ranch was just that much better. Our heroine was lovable. Our hero had potential. While the story was good, this wasn't my favorite. It felt lacking, and that connection between the characters wasn't strong. I'll still be returning for the next book in the series because the Winchester family intrigues me. I want to see each of them get their happily ever after. I went into a little more detail with my review over on Goodreads.

A False Start by Elsie Silver

I LOVED this story. Seriously so good. Elsie Silver is an amazing writer, and the characters she creates are some of my favorites. While I did enjoy this story, I felt like it was missing a lot of Griff's point of view. I wanted more of his history, and his struggles. Plus there was that reveal that seemed major at the time, but then didn't really amount to anything. Again, I went into more detail over on Goodreads if you're curious.

Batter Up by Hallie Bennett

Oof, this book was a hot mess. I went in knowing it was a baseball romance with a plus size female main character. I also knew it was instalove. Instalove is fine. It is. As long as there is a connection between the characters. I did not feel that what so ever. Our heroine clearly hated her body, and her self esteem was in the trash. Then there was our hero who was over the top and quite annoying. He was trying to be all alpha-ish, but it was a miss. Thankfully this book was a novella so it all went quickly. Unfortunately I still wasted time reading it. 

Captive of the Night by Meg Anne & K Loraine

The Mate Games: Pestilence continues to pull me in. Not as much as War did, but that's okay. Different characters, different storylines, same world. I still am enjoying it. Now when the second book ended I thought that someone else was taken over. So when this book started and it was a different character I was confused. That could have just been my reading though and not fully paying attention. I liked this change up though, and how the possession played into the story. Also when the one characters past was revealed that was interesting. I knew there was something "special" about the character, but didn't know what it was. So this new piece of info just has things making sense. I am curious as to what will happen in the future, and how everything will play out. If you're wanting to read this book, it will be releasing on April 10, 2023. (although paperbacks are typically available a bit before hand.)

Almost Goodbye by Nola Marie

Oh Nola! This author continues to pull me into her storytelling, and has me falling for the characters. Almost Goodbye is Henry's story. We met him in the Sons of Sin series, and while I knew his story was coming, I didn't know what to expect. This age gap romance duet ends on a doozy of a cliffhanger. It is very much a second chance romance, and it is forbidden. Plus this small town is completely against Henry. Now because of what happened the town is also against Ashleigh. I loved that we were able to get to know Henry, and see all that he had been through over the years. I wish we had a point of view from Ashleigh during the same time. I would love to know what she dealt with during those 5 years. The way the secret came out was just what I was expecting. That being said I wasn't expecting what went down with Carter. Then there is Ashleigh's dad, and OOFTA he's a lot. I'm not a fan. I need the second half of this duet ASAP, but I have to wait until May. 

The Third Baseman by Lulu Moore

I don't even know what to say about this book. It wasn't really what I was expecting. Maybe it had to do with this being my introduction to Lulu Moore's storytelling. Or maybe it was the adding in of british terms (diary for schedule/calendar being one). Or it could have been the way the high school was portrayed that felt very hollywood, and not realistic. Or perhaps it was Jupiter and Marnie that I just didn't completely vibe with. I still cannot fully understand why 18 year old Jupiter did what he did. Yes it's been explained, but it still isn't sitting right. Now flash forward 14 years, and I'm confused as to why 32 year old Jupiter did what he did. I mean yes, he wanted her back, and was using that influence to make it happen, but again, not sitting right. Then there is Marnie, and I don't understand why she accepted the job. It doesn't matter how irresistible the owner is, you can still say no if it's not something you're interested in. Now did these two have a connection? Absolutely. From day one they had that connection. I'm not denying that. They are meant to be together. That much I can see. Now don't think I didn't like the book, because I did for the most part. I'm always up for a second chance romance, add in that it's sports related, and I'll read it. Will I read another book by Lulu? Possibly. I mean now that I know what to expect, I might give her books another go. The Third Baseman releases on March 29, 2023.

Thank you Emily Silver, Nola Marie, Lulu Moore, Meg Anne, and K Loraine for the advanced copies you provided me with.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

Jagged Thorns by January James {a review}

 "I like it here. The Isle of Crow is beautiful. It deserves to be seen."

January James is about to release Jagged Thorns. This is the first book in the Thorn trilogy, and hold on to your hats for a wild ride. The Isle of Crow is quite exclusive, and it is shrouded in mystery. Now outsiders are wanting to visit the island, not only to find out what happens here, but also to learn about a medication they are producing. It is this new venture that is bringing Vivian to the island. She has just been hired as the tour guide, but she has an ulterior motive for accepting the position. This item is the only thing that can help her sister. 

Let's talk tropes. From what I have gathered, Jagged Thorns falls into these categories: Forbidden, workplace, hate to love, billionaire, and suspense. It could also be a little forced proximity, and maybe soul mates; I haven't fully wrapped my head around it to make that declaration.

Before we get to my review, allow me to share the description for Jagged Thorns:

The Isle of Crow is elusive, exclusive and untouchable. Only the richly beautiful, and the beautifully rich are allowed in. But, a century has passed, and they want to open their doors, and I’m the new tour guide.

I’m to work for the latest generation of Thorn billionaires on the stormiest island in the British Isles. Home to the cruellest hearts that ever lived and the most thunderous eyes I’ve ever seen. He says he never wanted me there, but when his hands catch my hips, his dark stare tells a different story.

The Thorns are enigmatic, cunning and dangerous, and keeping one of the world’s deepest, dirtiest secrets. I can’t unsee it. I can’t unlearn it. And I can’t forget it. Because I’ve just fallen for the brightest, most beautiful Thorn of them all.

 

My rating for Jagged Thorns is:

4 stars!

Now on to my review!

First things first, THAT CLIFFHANGER! Even though I KNEW there was going to be a cliffhanger, I hadn't begun to process how it would be. Then it happened. Ugh. January James you're torturing me! It cannot end that way! 

Let's back up though. I can understand why Vivian applied for this job. It was what she felt she needed to do. So while yay for getting a job on this mysterious island, but I can also imagine how difficult it was for her to leave home. Now she has benn thrust into this new location, this new job, and knows no one. All this for one reason, and one reason only. It's very selfless of her. Then there is Rupert. He is determined to push back as much as he is able to get away with when it comes to the family business. That is his focus. That whole married by 27 thing isn't even at the front of his mind. Stopping his brother, or at least slowing him down, is. Now though this tour business is about to begin, and that's the last thing he wants.

I really liked the instant connection that Rupert felt with Vivian. It was very hate to love, and I'm here for it. He tried his best to avoid falling, but the wheels were already set in motion from the moment he saw her. You could tell that Vivian wasn't really feeling it at first. Was he gorgeous? Yes. Was she looking for a relationship? No. Nothing could happen between them. Nothing. Another thing that I loved was the mysteriousness of the island. We knew what was being created on the island, but we didn't know how, we didn't know really much of anything. That is what pulled me to the book when January approached me about an advanced copy. Then there is Ossian. January had me hating this man early on, and rightfully so. He is clearly one of the villains, and I cannot wait for the next two books to see what happens with him.  I'm also intrigued by Minty. She seems like a good sidekick for Vivian, and has taken her under her wing. This "townie" is going to be just what Vivian needs.

I have many questions regarding the consortium. Okay fine, I just have many questions, and the consortium part is just one. For those who haven't read the book, the consortium is the billionaires on the island who really control everything. They have rules and expectations for their families to adhere to, and if they don't there are grave consequences. I mentioned Ossian in this graphic ↓, but seriously what is this man's issue? He's probably going to end up on my love to hate list. I highly doubt he will redeem himself.

Now I will say that the first quarter of this book was a struggle for me. I get that a new world is being created, these characters need to be introduced, and the stage needs to be set. Yet at the same time it was a lot to get through. It seemed more of an intense build than I've experienced by other authors. Even with the paranormal books I've read, the build doesn't seem this grand. So I'm not 100% certain what to think about that. If I'm honest it did cause to me to almost DNF the book. But then as I sit and think about it, was it truly the book, or was it me coming off of another book and dealing with a book hangover? Doesn't really matter I guess. Once I made it past the set up the book became really interesting. Even more so as Vivian and Rupert began their working relationship. It began to show different things happening, it opened up more about the family, the island, and the issues taking place. When all this was happening, I found myself looking at all the details to try and figure out what was happening, as well as who could be behind it.

Obviously I have questions about things. I referenced that above. There was just something about what was revealed toward the end that had my jaw dropping. Everything that was uncovered just amped up the story that much more. I have this desire to know what is going to happen next. Pushing that aside though I also want to know more about the Thorns. Based on things that were shared there could be a major shake up about to happen. 

Let's talk about the relationship between Rupert and Vivian real quick. The attraction is there. That's been established. It is mutual. But we also know it cannot happen. So you need to cherish those steamy moments they give us because they will not last. Or at least I don't think they will until probably until book 3. 

I loved the conversation that Rupert had with Hector after the grand experience of the night before. Rupert has a point. Hector cannot deny it either. Especially given what's going on in HIS romantic life.

This book has a chokehold on me. While things may have started off a bit rocky, I cannot get this storyline off my mind. I need the next book immediately. Unfortunately, January James has said (in her group) that it won't be out until late May or early June. So now I need to exercise some patience. All I know is that I need to know what happens after that cliffhanger. That was quite the bomb to drop, and with the way things ended I just have more questions.

Do you read romantic suspense and/or mystery? I love them and cannot get enough. I hope you'll consider checking out Jagged Thorns when it releases on March 21! (psst: although if you want the paperback it looks like it's available NOW!)

Happy Reading,
Laura

Thank you January for providing me with an advanced copy of Jagged Thorns!

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

Splendid Spring Book Tag

My kids are on spring break this week! Therefore it is the perfect time to participate in a spring themed book tag. I stumbled upon the Splendid Spring book tag when I did a google search, and it lead me to Paperbacks and Planners blog post. After taking a peek at the questions, I decided that I would play along.

How would you answer these questions? Do any books come to mind immediately, or do you need to sit with it a little bit?

Happy Reading,
Laura