May 2023 Mini Reviews

 The Plus One by Mazey Eddings

A Brush With Love #3

Published: 4th April 2023 by Headline

I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my review.

This book was exactly what I needed at the moment! I feel like I've been reading a lot of more heavier novels, so although this does deal with some heavy topics like PTSD and abandonment issues, the cute romance in this really worked for me as a bit of a palette cleanser. I didn't realise this was the third in a series, but as a companion rather than a direct sequel this was absolutely fine, and good to get a glimpse of the previous protagonists as I will definitely be going back to read their books! I thought the fake-dating trope in this worked really well, but didn't last long at all - which I didn't mind. The chemistry between Jude and Indira just felt so natural and I loved how they worked through each other's problems together. The setting of the wedding was really nice to read about, especially the family elements between Indira and her brother, and I loved the vulnerability shown throughout.

4 stars

Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody

The Shadow Game #1

Published: 17th May 2018 by HQ Young Adult

I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my review.

I remember being so intrigued by this book and its concept when it came out 5 (!) years ago, and I can't believe it took me this long to get around to it. The world of New Reynes and all of the different aspects of this city were so interesting, but I did feel overwhelmed by the plethora of characters and worldbuilding at times, though I hope this is something that readers would feel more comfortable with in the sequels. I thought the characterisation in this was so strong, particularly the 4 more central characters, and I thought their dynamic worked well. While I understand that it was very much the secondary storyline of Ace of Shades, I found the romance between Levi and Enne to be too much of a slow-burn for my liking, especially as I thought it would have been well-served being used as a relief from all of the tension of the various situations going on.

3.5 stars

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

Part of Your World #2

Published: 11th April 2023 by Piatkus

I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my review.

I have been hearing nothing but great things about Jimenez's romances for years now, so I was very excited to dive into her newest work and see what it was all about! Like with The Plus One, I didn't realise this was part of a companion series but it didn't take away from my enjoyment at all. I found it really refreshing that it was Jacob, the male protagonist, who struggled with anxiety, as I find it to be stereotyped in books as a very female-majority condition to have. I also loved how Briana immediately started implementing things to help make Jacob more comfortable without belittling him in any way. The dual narrative is something I always enjoy, but I did find myself getting frustrated at times with both of them self-sabotaging by not admitting their feelings for each other! That is a testament to Jimenez's writing, however.

3.5 stars

Open Road Summer by Emery Lord

Published: 14th June 2018 by Bloomsbury

I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my review.

I loved this book! I remember reading When We Collided a few years ago and really enjoying it, and I feel as though Emery Lord is a veteran in the YA romance genre, so I knew to expect good things from Open Road Summer, which feels like such a popular book, and it was just what I needed. The roadtrip, on-tour setting was so fun, and was the perfect structure to see this summer romance play out. I felt that the relationships in this were really strong, from Dee and Reagan's friendship to Reagan's romance with Matt. I liked that the whole fake-dating storyline didn't take over the narrative, and instead Lord let the genuine connection between Reagan and Matt take lead. Yes, this book was full of cliches, like troubled families and first heartbreak, and while it might not have done anything groundbreaking, I absolutely flew through this book and couldn't put it down.

4 stars