June 2024 Mini Reviews

Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley
Published: 23rd May 2024 by Zaffre
I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my review.

I'm really not sure how I feel about this book - it almost feels as if completely split into two separate halves, with my wildly different levels of interest on either side. I was completely gripped in the beginning by the premise of this, and the whole enemies-to-lovers thing that Addie and Logan had going on, but I just didn't fully believe in the build-up to their romance, or much of anything that came after. The switch from hating each other to feeling anything more didn't convince me, and my interest seemed to slowly wane after the beginning of their relationship, when normally it would be at its peak. I didn't find the writing hugely compelling, but it wasn't bad at all! I think the pacing just felt off to me, and the characterisation of the primary and secondary people wasn't at its strongest. I did love the Scottish setting, and all the tours that they went on, but that shouldn't have been the best bit! It just wasn't particularly memorable for me, I'm afraid.
3 stars

Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan
Published: 7th June 2022 by Hodder & Stoughton
I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my review.

I can't believe it took me this long to get around to reading Nora Goes Off Script, especially considering how much I enjoyed reading Same Time Next Summer when I read it last year! The characterisation in Monaghan's novels are just unparalleled - I truly feel as though I went on Nora's whole journey with her, from the aftermath of her separation from the father of her kids, to the whirlwind romance she experienced with Leo, to picking herself back up afterwards! The setting for this was beautiful, and I loved that it almost exclusively took place in and around Nora's home, as it really reinforced the importance of her kids in her life, and the house as a representation of her independence, even after people may leave her. I was so happy that she got the redemption she deserved, and that explanations were finally given. I devoured this and I can't wait for her next one.
4 stars

Love Game by Emma Rae
Published: 16th May 2024 by Hera
I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my review.

This book frustrated me! I feel so conflicted about it, because on the one hand, the chemistry between Elle and Nicky was so so strong, and their passion for one another was undeniable, but on the other hand, I do really feel as though I was misled as to what this book would be about, and the amount of cheating that occurred in this book! It seemed as though everyone was cheating on someone at some point in the book, from Nicky to Mac to Tag - and I had a problem with almost all of it. I know that this as a trope isn't a dealbreaker for everyone, but I feel pretty strongly about it, and I know that many others do too, which is why I can't help but be disappointed that it was such a strong part of the storyling. I also didn't love Nicky or Elle massively as main characters - Nicky's ego and arrogance became rude at points, and Elle pining from home wasn't a strong look.
2.5 stars

The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy
Campus Diaries #2
Published: 14th May 2024 by Piatkus
I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my review.

I am becoming such a strong fan of this series! I didn't know if I would connect to these characters as much as the ones featured in The Graham Effect, but I loved that both Diana and Shane had such strong personalities, neither of them backing down at any point but actually made for them being such an equal match. I also really enjoyed the fact that the majority of this took place off-campus, and that they weren't fresh 18-year olds, new to living independently - it just made the fact that they were neighbours even more fun! I thought their chemistry was great, and I loved that Diana grew able to become vulnerable around Sean and let her guard down, while he was also able to mature and prove himself to her, and to his family. I can't wait for the next installment!
4 stars

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Top Ten Books I Read In 2014

June 2024 Mini Reviews | Part 2