Honestly, I just can't seem to read as much as I'd like to at the start of this year. I already feel like I'm going to have to push myself to reach my goal of 85 books.
On the other hand, in terms of ratings, this is probably my best month yet!
March reading wrap-up
An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn
Synopsis
Sophie Beckett sneaks into a masquerade ball and shares a magical night with Benedict Bridgerton before disappearing at midnight. Years later, Benedict rescues a familiar-looking housemaid, unaware that she is the mysterious woman who has haunted his dreams.
Review
Rating: 3.68/5 stars
So far, I’ve only read the stories of Daphne, Collin, Eloise, and Benedict, and the latter is my favorite so far. That’s mainly because Sophie is so much more relatable than our beloved Bridgertons, who are perfect and wealthy. I was rooting for her, I wanted her to finally have a real family. And who better than the Bridgertons to take in an orphan…
It was a very enjoyable read, although I found the conflict resolution very easy.
Want to read this book with me? Get your annotated book here
To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn
Synopsis
Eloise Bridgerton impulsively leaves London to meet Sir Phillip Crane, a moody widower she has only known through letters. Expecting a desperate spinster, Phillip is surprised by the vibrant Eloise, while she must decide if this rugged father of two is the husband she truly wants.
Review
Rating: 2.5/5 stars
I was disappointed from the get-go when I realized there wouldn’t be any back-and-forth letter-writing to develop their relationship. Instead, we’re told they’ve been talking for a year, and Phillip asks her to marry him. She goes to see him without telling her family—to whom she’s so close—and what follows is the least romantic romance I’ve read in a long time.
Phillip is despicable and basically treats Eloise like a candidate for the position of his new wife. They have absolutely no chemistry, and every moment feels rushed like their first kiss, for example.
The only interesting topics, such as the depression of his first wife and Eloise's late cousin, are brushed aside. But I suppose that fits the era well. In any case, I’m delighted to see that it doesn’t bother Eloise either to steal her deceased cousin’s life.
Want to read this book with me? Get your annotated book here
Game Changer by Rachel Reid
Synopsis
Scott Hunter is a closeted NHL superstar in a slump until he meets Kip, a charming smoothie shop barista who turns his luck around. As their secret romance grows, Scott must decide if he’s ready to risk his career and reputation to live authentically.
Review
Rating: 3/5 stars
Having read Heated Rivalry first, I get the impression that this is a simplified version of it.
It’s hard to believe from the weak meet-cute and first date that they have anything more than insta-lust. I know their whole thing is to be impulsive but I don’t feel like the writing was conveying that. It just looked like love declarations way too intense way too early.
Not much happens, it’s mainly smut but the ending is satisfying.
Want to read this book with me? Get your annotated book here
Don’t Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews
Synopsis
At a boarding school, Andrew discovers that his best friend Thomas’s disturbing drawings are coming to life as deadly monsters, forcing them to secretly fight the creatures each night.
Review
Rating: 4/5 stars
This was my first young adult horror romance.
Beautifully written with a good twist and ending.
It was probably meant to hide the book’s real mystery, but I found the conversations and situations to be pretty repetitive, making certain things predictable.
As for the monsters, they’re more intriguing before they’re introduced. Once you see them, it’s kind of like, “Here’s what’s happening, let’s go kill them.”
The real letdown for me is the romance/friendship. I don’t doubt they liked each other, but I didn’t feel they had much chemistry. It’s mostly Andrew telling us how much he loves him. I wasn’t a fan of the conflict they had toward the end regarding Andrew’s sexuality, either.
Now I feel the need to reread it to catch all the clues I missed.
Want to read this book with me? Get your annotated book here
The Long Game by Rachel Reid
This is a direct sequel to Heated Rivalry. Professional hockey rivals Shane and Ilya have been secretly in love for years, but keeping their relationship hidden begins to strain them. As one longs to go public and the other fears the consequences, they must choose between protecting their careers or finally choosing each other openly.
Review
Rating: 3.53/5 stars
I thought this was much better than Heated Rivalry, even though I was very skeptical at first. I wondered what this book was even going to be about.
It was much more developed in every way. There was more going on, the plot was more satisfying, and there was also less smut. Unlike the first book, I really felt like they loved each other, and there are plenty of memorable lines and moments. Shane and Ilya (especially Ilya) evolve throughout the book, addressing everything that might have been left out in the past.
Their family and friends are just as delightful to see again and provide many funny scenes.
The only real downside is the book’s length. I felt this particularly after an event occurring before page 300. After that, I didn’t really see the point in continuing, and I found that several scenes and cameos were unnecessary.
Want to read this book with me? Get your annotated book here
April TBR
For now, I don’t have any books to annotate for clients. So I’m going to try to take advantage of this time to read things that people don’t usually ask me to read! I’m keeping some space open, though, in case orders come in this month.
A Good Person by Kirsten King
Lillian is determined to turn her situationship with Henry into a real relationship by becoming the perfect girlfriend. But when he suddenly breaks up with her, she puts a hex on him. When Henry is found dead, Lillian becomes the prime suspect and spirals as she tries to control the narrative, clear her name, and claim her place as his grieving girlfriend.
This sounds so fun. I can’t wait to see how far it will go!
An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister
Sadie Shaw and Jonah Fisher, longtime academic rivals, agree to a marriage of convenience to secure the same university job through a partner hire loophole.
Shipped by Angie Hockman
Henley and Graeme, coworkers competing for the same promotion, are forced to work together on a cruise project despite their rivalry.
How to Write a Love Story by Catherine Walsh
Ciara Sheridan is a writer struggling to finish her late father’s fantasy series. Sam Avery, an ambitious New York editor is sent to Ireland in order to help her meet the deadline.
Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Ari and Russell, coworkers at a TV station, team up to reunite their feuding bosses in hopes of improving their toxic work environment.
The Fourth Wife by Linda Hamilton
Hazel Russon, forced into a plural marriage with Jacob Manwaring, becomes the fourth wife and moves into a decaying mansion shared with her resentful sister wives, where she begins to experience terrifying supernatural phenomena.
Related posts
- February Reading Wrap-up & March TBR
- January Reading Wrap-up & February TBR
- December Reading Wrap-up & January TBR
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