Throw Back Thursday Book Review: The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich

Welcome to my weekly post where I share some of the great books I read before starting Nicole’s Nook.

Today’s book: The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich

Publication Date: May 16, 2017

Date Read: April 15, 2018

My Star Rating: 4 Stars

Favorite Quote:

“I don’t exist to teach her a lesson, and it irks me that she thinks labelling me is okay now. Like, by liking guys, I automatically take on that role in her life. That I’m suddenly a supporting character in her story rather than the hero of my own.”
― Cale Dietrich, The Love Interest

Goodreads Synopsis:

There is a secret organization that cultivates teenage spies. The agents are called Love Interests because getting close to people destined for great power means getting valuable secrets.

Caden is a Nice: The boy next door, sculpted to physical perfection.
Dylan is a Bad: The brooding, dark-souled guy, and dangerously handsome.

The girl they are competing for is important to the organization, and each boy will pursue her. Will she choose a Nice or the Bad?

Both Caden and Dylan are living in the outside world for the first time. They are well-trained and at the top of their games. They have to be – whoever the girl doesn’t choose will die.

What the boys don’t expect are feelings that are outside of their training. Feelings that could kill them both.

My Thoughts:

The Love Interest had mixed reviews on Goodreads. The key is not to take it too seriously. It’s meant to poke fun at the overused tropes in YA romance. It is full of angsty romance and teen discovery. I enjoyed the concept of an agency manipulating major events through romance. I also liked the repeated analogy of life to a book as Caden fights to be the protagonist in his own life. Overall, it was a fun read with a good mix of romance and action.

March 16, 2023

Throw Back Thursday Book Review: Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie

This is week two of my new blog feature where I review books I read prior to starting the blog.

Today’s Book: Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie

Publication date: January 1, 2004

Date Read: May 8, 2009

My Rating: 5 Stars

Favorite Quote:

“Your cat just got cat hair on me.” “It’s only fair,” Min said. “Your suit just got expensive suit lint on him.”
― Jennifer Crusie, Bet Me

Goodreads Synopsis:

Minerva Dobbs knows that happily-ever-after is a fairy tale, especially with a man who asked her to dinner to win a bet. Even if he is gorgeous and successful Calvin Morrisey. Cal knows commitment is impossible, especially with a woman as cranky as Min Dobbs. Even if she does wear great shoes and keeps him on his toes. When they say good-bye at the end of their evening, they cut their losses and agree never to see each other again.

But Fate has other plans, and it’s not long before Min and Cal meet again. Soon, they’re dealing with a jealous ex-boyfriend, Krispy Kreme donuts, a determined psychologist, chaos theory, a freakishly intelligent cat, Chicken Marsala, and more risky propositions than either of them ever dreamed of. Including the biggest gamble of all—true love.

My Thoughts:

This was one of the first books I discovered on goodreads. It was number one on a list of contemporary romances. It’s been fourteen years since I read Bet Me, and nearly twenty since it was published. It’s still the book I use as the standard for all other humorous contemporary romances. I was shocked to see how long ago I read it, because so many of the scenes are still so clear to me. This book is so funny, yet the romance is touching. Years later, there are still scenes that melt my heart just thinking about them. I love it when characters show small gestures that make them perfect for each other, like when Cal pulls a spoon out of his jacket for MIn’s ice cream.

March 2, 2023

My Favorite Read of February 2023: The Happily Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez

“This was just a season, and there’s beauty in all seasons. Even if you are looking forward to the next one.”

Abby Jimenez, The Happy Ever After Playlist

Goodreads Synopsis:

Two years after losing her fiancé, Sloan Monroe still can’t seem to get her life back on track. But one trouble-making pup with a “take me home” look in his eyes is about to change everything. With her new pet by her side, Sloan finally starts to feel more like herself. Then, after weeks of unanswered texts, Tucker’s owner reaches out. He’s a musician on tour in Australia. And bottom line: He wants Tucker back.

Well, Sloan’s not about to give up her dog without a fight. As their flirty texts turn into long calls, Sloan can’t deny a connection. There’s no telling what could happen when they meet in person. The question is: With his music career on the rise, how long will Jason really stick around? And is it possible for Sloan to survive another heartbreak?

My Thoughts:

I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this book. I really liked Sloan and Brandon’s relationship in The Friend Zone and his death felt unnecessaary to the plot (I later learned that Jimenez wrote this book first and went back and wrote The Friend Zone). While the relationship between Sloan and Jason moved quickly, it still respected Sloan’s history. Even thought Jason was all-in from the beginning, he understood that Sloan would need some time. At times I found the drama frustrating, but I think it was realistic to what it would be like to be in a relationship with someone in the public eye.

What I liked about this book:

Even though Jason helped pull Sloan out of her grief, it was clear that Sloan had found her own strength
Tucker: the dog knows what he wants and how to get it
Jason is the perfect combination for a modern romantic hero: Hot Rock Star and Sweet dog-lover
Balance of humor and serious scenes

March 1, 2023

Favorite Read of October 2022: Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley

Words matter, in fact. They’re not pointless, as you’ve suggested. If they were pointless, then they couldn’t start revolutions and they wouldn’t change history. If they were just words, we wouldn’t write songs or listen to them. We wouldn’t beg to be read to as kids. If they were just words, then stories wouldn’t have been around since before we could write. We wouldn’t have learned to write. If they were just words, people wouldn’t fall in love because of them, feel bad because of them, ache because of them, and stop aching because of them.
Cath Crowley, Words in Deep Blue

Goodreads Synopsis:

Years ago, Rachel had a crush on Henry Jones. The day before she moved away, she tucked a love letter into his favorite book in his family’s bookshop. She waited. But Henry never came.

Now Rachel has returned to the city—and to the bookshop—to work alongside the boy she’d rather not see, if at all possible, for the rest of her life. But Rachel needs the distraction, and the escape. Her brother drowned months ago, and she can’t feel anything anymore. She can’t see her future.

Henry’s future isn’t looking too promising, either. His girlfriend dumped him. The bookstore is slipping away. And his family is breaking apart.

As Henry and Rachel work side by side—surrounded by books, watching love stories unfold, exchanging letters between the pages—they find hope in each other. Because life may be uncontrollable, even unbearable sometimes. But it’s possible that words, and love, and second chances are enough.

My Thoughts:

I am always drawn to books that are centered around bibliophiles. Usually the protagonists in these books are well into adulthood. I liked that this was a new adult book, showing a young man who loves books and poetry. There is drama and misunderstandings, but I felt like they rang true for that age.

What I liked about this book:

Their bookstore has a library where customers exchange notes in the books. I loved this concept, and the excerpts were an innovative technique for adding depth to the story.
There is a deep appreciation for the power of words in this book, balancing Henry’s love of poetry and Rachel’s love of science.
Rachel is dealing with her brother’s death and how to move on without feeling guilty. She and Henry have a lot of deep discussions about life and death.
George and Martin are fantastic side characters. Even though the central romance is between Henry and Rachel, I was more drawn to their story. George is Henry’s cynical sister, but Martin wiggles his way into her heart by refusing to take her insults personally.

November 1, 2022

My Favorite Read of August 2022

“Libraries are like a net, there to catch those of us in danger of falling through the cracks.”
Freya Sampson, The Last Chance Library

Goodreads Synopsis

June Jones emerges from her shell to fight for her beloved local library, and through the efforts and support of an eclectic group of library patrons, she discovers life-changing friendships along the way.

Lonely librarian June Jones has never left the sleepy English village where she grew up. Shy and reclusive, the thirty-year-old would rather spend her time buried in books than venture out into the world. But when her library is threatened with closure, June is forced to emerge from behind the shelves to save the heart of her community and the place that holds the dearest memories of her mother.

Joining a band of eccentric yet dedicated locals in a campaign to keep the library, June opens herself up to other people for the first time since her mother died. It just so happens that her old school friend Alex Chen is back in town and willing to lend a helping hand. The kindhearted lawyer’s feelings for her are obvious to everyone but June, who won’t believe that anyone could ever care for her in that way.

To save the place and the books that mean so much to her, June must finally make some changes to her life. For once, she’s determined not to go down without a fight. And maybe, in fighting for her cherished library, June can save herself, too.

My Thoughts

There’s no lack of books featuring an introverted millennial who spends their life absorbed in books, avoiding real life. That is until their beloved bookstore or library comes under threat, and they must step out of their comfort zone to save it. Naturally, a handsome potential love interest will show up as well, and they must learn to risk their heart. While it might be turning into a cliche, there’s a reason these books are so popular. They leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling and a sense of belonging with the reading community. The Last Chance Library was both funny and touching. I really liked the way it emphasized the role of a library in a community beyond just providing books.

What I liked about this book:

the group of “pensioners” occupying the library was so funny
the way June and Alex shared books with each other to convert the other to their favorite genre
even the minor characters were well developed and showed different sides
it’s about the love of books!

Book Review: Thumb Fire Desire by Carol Nickles

I received a free ebook copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Description

In the Spring of 1881, indigent seamstress Ginny Dahlke arrives in one of the earliest Polish American settlements—Parisville, Michigan.

Deemed charmless and awkward by her mean-spirited sister-in-law, Ginny disparages her chance of securing love.

But sought-after widowed farmer Peter Nickles is enamored by Ginny’s perseverance, her pioneer spirit and, her inclusive acceptance of the indigenous peoples of Michigan.

The seductiveness of a buxom heiress, a twisted story of an old-country betrothal, and the largest natural disaster in Michigan’.s history—The Great Thumb Fire of September 5, 1881, challenge their fledgling attraction and ultimate committal.

My Thoughts

Thumb Fire Desire is set in the “thumb” of Michigan during the late 1800’s. Ginny Dahlke comes to live with her brother and sister-in-law in a Polish American community. I was not very familiar with the area or culture and liked how the author included lots of details about Polish culture. While the characters are fictional, it is based on a real event, a fire that devastated the area. The perseverance and faith of these people shown through in Nickles’ writing. While I knew nothing of the Thumb fire, I was pleasantly surprised that there were many references to the town of Dansville, NY which is a small town in the same county where I grew up. It was a cool connection for me.

I liked Ginny a lot. She was caring and hard-working, but also had a sense of humor. Peter, her love interest, was also a good person liked to play jokes. Peter has suffered the loss of a wife and infant daughter and is naturally hesitant to start another relationship. I enjoy a romance where the relationship really develops and the characters get to know each other. You definitely get that in this story, but I would have preferred that it go a little faster. Peter’s indecisiveness grew tiresome at times. Overall though, it was a sweet, slow-burn romance.

August 28, 2022

My Favorite Read of June 2022

She knew that love was the answer, but it was more than love- or rather more than the marshmallow kind of love that people understood when they thought of the word. Sometimes love meant you had to take the hard line and had to force people to do things they didn’t want to do.
Dale Mayer, Aaron (Hathaway House, bk 1)

Goodreads Synopsis

Former Navy SEAL Aaron Hammond has no idea how he wound up at Hathaway House, Texas. Nor does he particularly care. All he can see is his anger. Anger at the betrayal that destroyed his physical body and at the loss of the future he wanted but that he’ll never have now. He’s a cripple, less than half a man, and all he can look forward to is a half life, alone with himself and his pain.

Dani Hathaway runs Hathaway House with her father, an ex-military man nicknamed the Major, and she knew Aaron and his brother SEAL Levi in another life. Levi was a good friend to her through her difficult teen years, but it was Aaron who caught her eye more than a decade ago. When she heard what happened to him, she moved heaven and earth to get him to Hathaway House, where she could help him regain his health and return him to the man he used to be.

Old feelings resurface as Dani continues to push Aaron to acknowledge that his life is not over, and that, if he chooses, he can find both love and a future at Hathaway House.

Welcome to Hathaway House. Rehab Center. Safe Haven. Second chance at life and love.

My thoughts

I downloaded the free ebook version of Aaron by Dale Mayer for a quick romance. Which it was, but there was more depth than I was expecting. Even though the story is primarily a romance, it is equally about healing. Like most people, Aaron doesn’t accept help easily. HIs time at Hathaway house helps him to realize that we all need help at times, and there’s no shame in accepting the kindness of others.

What I loved about this book:

Aaron and Dani were both likeable characters
I love the idea of Hathaway House, a full rehabilitation center for both veterans and animals
It was a great set up for future books in the series (there are 18 as of now)

July 1, 2022

My Favorite Read of April 2022

I’ve been waiting for this one. I finished reading it on April 2, but already knew it was going to be my favorite read of the month. It’s not just my favorite read for April, it’s one of my favorite reads ever.

Goodreads Synopsis

When a reaper comes to collect Wallace Price from his own funeral, Wallace suspects he really might be dead.

Instead of leading him directly to the afterlife, the reaper takes him to a small village. On the outskirts, off the path through the woods, tucked between mountains, is a particular tea shop, run by a man named Hugo. Hugo is the tea shop’s owner to locals and the ferryman to souls who need to cross over.

But Wallace isn’t ready to abandon the life he barely lived. With Hugo’s help he finally starts to learn about all the things he missed in life.

When the Manager, a curious and powerful being, arrives at the tea shop and gives Wallace one week to cross over, Wallace sets about living a lifetime in seven days.

Under the Whispering Door is a contemporary fantasy about a ghost who refuses to cross over and the ferryman he falls in love with.

Things I loved about this book

Original concept: I loved this interpretation of the afterlife, where people are given time on Earth to adapt to being dead before crossing over
The characters: There are so many great, diverse characters in this book.
The message: the story has a great message about how to live your life and what really matters
Humor: When I read the description of this book, I had no idea how funny it would be. Not many books make me both laugh and cry, and this one did

May 1, 2022

My Favorite Read for December 2021

Goodreads synopsis:

When Meddelin Chan ends up accidentally killing her blind date, her meddlesome mother calls for her even more meddlesome aunties to help get rid of the body. Unfortunately, a dead body proves to be a lot more challenging to dispose of than one might anticipate, especially when it is inadvertently shipped in a cake cooler to the over-the-top billionaire wedding Meddy, her Ma, and aunties are working at an island resort on the California coastline. It’s the biggest job yet for the family wedding business—”Don’t leave your big day to chance, leave it to the Chans!“—and nothing, not even an unsavory corpse, will get in the way of her auntie’s perfect buttercream flowers.

But things go from inconvenient to downright torturous when Meddy’s great college love—and biggest heartbreak—makes a surprise appearance amid the wedding chaos. Is it possible to escape murder charges, charm her ex back into her life, and pull off a stunning wedding all in one weekend?

My thoughts:

This was such a fun read. When her blind date is too aggressive, Meddy accidentally kills him. The situation snowballs and soon Meddy, her mother and aunts are in the middle of a huge cover-up. While the situation is crazy, Sutanto does a great job creating insane , yet realistic, family dynamics.

This book is perfect for readers who like

…loving, meddling families

… second generation immigrant stories

… crazy, humorous situations

… second chance romance

January 2, 2022

My favorite Read for September 2021

One of the first metaphors we learn as children is “Do not judge a book by its cover”. In the case of The Bookstore on the Beach by Brenda Novak, I made the mistake of judging a book by its title.

I saw the title The Bookstore on the Beach, would be a perfect end of summer read. I assumed it would be a light “beach read” for booklovers. In reality, neither the bookstore nor the beach are significant to the plot, other than providing a setting, and the issues are anything but light.

The conflicts in the novel are a refreshing contrast to secret affairs that permeate women’s fiction. Shifting between four different points of view, Novak follows the typical themes of family secrets and self-discovery with unique twists. Mary (the matriarch), Autumn (Mary’s daughter), Taylor (Autumn’s daughter) and Quinn (Autumn’s high school crush and new love interest) each experience issues, which would be national-news-worthy.

One of my biggest pet peeves in literature is when minor problems are turned into major issues that could’ve been easily solved if the character simply told the truth. There were plenty of secrets, but the characters had solid reasons for keeping them. When secrets were revealed, the others were upset enough to be realistic, but ultimately empathetic and forgiving. Therefore, even though there were serious issues in the book, I still got the warm fuzzy feeling I wanted.

If you want a book that is pure lighthearted fun, this probably isn’t the book for you. However, if you want more grit to the story, while still keeping the warm-hearted feel of a Hallmark movie, this is the book for you.

October 2, 2021