Book Review: The Love Algorithm

One of the best aspects of Camilla Isley’s books is her strong female main characters. I love their independence, career focus, and no-nonsense attitudes—they always make me laugh. Her female characters give off a vibe that says, “Love would be great, but I’m also perfectly content with my career for now.”

“The Love Algorithm” stays true to this characteristic in Camilla Isley’s work. Reese Campbell, a 28-year-old with a PhD, heads Research and Development at Mercer Robotics. She adores her work, colleagues, and her robot companion named K2P. Everything is going smoothly until she’s called to the CEO’s office and informed that she’ll be training his son, Thomas, during his rotation in her lab as part of his departmental training.

Reese is shocked that a businessman with no engineering experience will one day lead their department. But when Thomas walks into her lab, she’s captivated. Thomas Mercer is charming, despite lacking robotics knowledge. He compensates with a strong desire to learn and a genuine interest in Reese, both professionally and personally.

How can they make their relationship work when Thomas will soon be Reese’s boss? She fears any connection beyond professional could undermine her hard-earned career reputation.

This book felt like a breath of fresh air—it didn’t feel like reading at all. Each chapter played out like scenes before my eyes, with no unnecessary drama straying from the book’s premise. No third-act breakup, which was a big plus!

The characters were also endearing. I empathized with Reese’s internal struggle to balance feelings for Thomas with her career aspirations. Being a woman in a male-dominated field isn’t easy, and she’s determined to earn respect and recognition.

Thomas’ charm is undeniable. I liked him since he appeared in “Not in a Billion Years” as the main character’s brother. He’s genuine and the perfect prince ready to sweep the love of his life away. What I admire most is how he respects Reese’s decision not to date, despite knowing her feelings. That’s a huge green flag!

“The Love Algorithm” is now available in bookstores. If you want a captivating, heartwarming, romantic read with some fun moments, this book is for you—perfect for a summer read.

Book Review: Seven Summers

Have you ever read a book that left you wishing it hadn’t included an epilogue? That’s exactly how I felt after finishing “Seven Summers” by Paige Toon. Don’t get me wrong—I’m a fan of Paige Toon and her writing style. She has a knack for drawing readers in and making us fully invested in her stories and characters. I was captivated by the plot of “Seven Summers” right up until the epilogue, which felt like a concession to those rooting for Liv and Finn.

I appreciate love stories with strong, realistic storylines. I’m not opposed to endings that don’t necessarily result in the main characters ending up together. In fact, if it’s well-written and there’s a valid reason why they shouldn’t be together, I’m all for it.

Liv and Finn share a tragic past that brings Finn back to St. Agnes each summer to be with Liv. They become each other’s support system, but Finn’s life is based in Los Angeles, where he’s pursuing his dreams and trying to escape his own tragic history in St. Agnes. They agree not to contact each other during the rest of the year, with the plan to rekindle their relationship each summer if they’re both single.

This arrangement works until they both fall in love with other people. Now, Finn and Liv are faced with difficult choices and ultimatums. Will Finn leave LA and his girlfriend to be with Liv in St. Agnes? Or will Liv leave everything behind—her life in St. Agnes, her brother, friends, and boyfriend—to be with Finn in LA?

I don’t have any issues with the main characters, Finn and Liv. They’re both broken souls finding solace in each other and facing the consequences of their arrangement maturely. They’re relatable and realistic, and their determination to pursue their passions despite emotional struggles is inspiring.

Tom, Liv’s boyfriend, is also a compelling character with personal struggles and losses. However, his storyline felt like a contrivance to push Liv and Finn together.

Honestly, “Seven Summers” could have been a solid five-star read for me if it had ended in the last chapter without the epilogue. Liv finds someone who chooses her despite difficulties, someone who is present emotionally and physically, someone she can depend on.

While I understand Finn’s trauma and his struggle to commit, it felt like he was testing Liv’s loyalty and willingness to uproot her life for him. When he sees Liv choosing Tom, suddenly he’s ready to commit to St. Agnes for her sake. But Finn needs to resolve his own issues before he can be a stable, reliable partner for Liv.

In summary, I have mixed feelings about “Seven Summers.” I wanted to love it as much as I loved Paige Toon’s “Only Love Can Hurt Like This,” but a major flaw in the story’s resolution left me disappointed. However, this won’t stop me from reading more of Paige Toon’s work, as her writing feels like home to me.

“Seven Summers” will be available on May 21st. Thank you to Paige Toon, Netgalley, and Penguin Group Putnam for providing early access to “Seven Summers” in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Rebecca Yarros

While I was totally enamored with the premise of this book, the actual reading experience left me with mixed feelings. Beckett Gentry, a military man, receives his best friend’s final letter during a classified mission. In it, his friend asks Beckett to offer support to his younger sister, Ella, who is raising twins, one of whom is battling cancer. Ella and Beckett had been exchanging letters while he was deployed, and out of love and respect for his friend, Beckett goes to Telluride without revealing his true identity. Together, they navigate through love, loss, and the ups and downs of life, learning valuable lessons along the way.

This book was an emotional rollercoaster for me. Like many readers, I found myself shedding tears in the wee hours of the night while reading the poignant conclusion.

However, while the emotional depth of the story was commendable, I found the abundance of tragedy and loss to be overwhelming. The story seemed to rely too heavily on heartache, detracting from its otherwise compelling narrative.

Additionally, I struggled to see the necessity of the tragic events that unfolded towards the end of the book. While grief and loss are central themes, the magnitude of these events felt excessive and somewhat forced.

Despite these reservations, the characters in the story were well-developed and engaging. Ella’s strength as a single mother and Beckett’s unwavering support were particularly admirable. However, it was the twins, Maisie and Colt, who truly stole the show. Their presence added depth to the story and tugged at my heartstrings in ways that the main characters did not.

In conclusion, while “The Last Letter” offers a compelling narrative and well-drawn characters, the excessive tragedy may not be to everyone’s taste. However, if you’re a fan of emotional reads and don’t mind a few tears, this book might just be your next five-star read.

Book Review: Book Lovers

Nora Stephens epitomizes selflessness, prioritizing the needs of her family, particularly her younger sister. Despite her own aspirations of becoming an editor, she remained a literary agent to ensure her sister’s well-being and shield her from the hardships they faced after their mother’s passing. Her commitment to providing stability for her family contrasts sharply with the romanticized small-town life her former partners chose, leaving Nora feeling like she’s been left behind in favor of more traditional relationships.

Enter Charlie Lastra, a successful book editor known for his stern demeanor and uncompromising work ethic. Beneath his brooding exterior lies a compassionate man who fulfills his duties as a devoted son and a supportive colleague-turns-partner to Nora. Together, they navigate the complexities of their respective pasts while grappling with personal and familial challenges.

What sets “Book Lovers” apart is its exploration of love beyond romance. Nora and Charlie’s story delves into the intricate dynamics of sibling and parental love, offering readers a multifaceted portrayal of familial bonds rarely seen in contemporary romance novels. Through Nora’s lens, readers are given a glimpse into the sacrifices and responsibilities shouldered by first-born children, resonating with those who share similar experiences.

Emily Henry’s narrative expertly captures the essence of small-town life, where gossip spreads like wildfire and everyone knows everyone else’s business. Nora’s habit of comparing her life to the tropes found in the books she represents adds an endearing layer to her character, highlighting the influence literature can have on shaping our perceptions of reality.

Charlie Lastra emerges as a standout character, blending humor, intelligence, and unwavering support for Nora’s dreams. His selfless love and ability to articulate his feelings with honesty and sincerity make him a charming and relatable figure. Despite the physical distance between them, Charlie’s unwavering support for Nora’s ambitions serves as a beacon of encouragement throughout their journey.

While I may find certain chapters to be slower-paced, detracting from the overall momentum of the narrative, it’s a minor flaw in an otherwise engaging read. “Book Lovers” offers a poignant reminder that the challenges of being a first-born child are not borne alone, resonating with readers who seek validation and solidarity in their familial roles.

Book Review: The Bodyguard

The excitement of diving into a good book! Katherine Center’s “The Bodyguard” brought back my love for stories about protection and romance. Remembering movies like “The Bodyguard” with Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, and “First Daughter” with Katie Holmes, I was eager to see how Center would put her own spin on this classic theme.

In “The Bodyguard,” we meet Hannah, a skilled protection agent assigned to guard the famous actor, Jack Stapleton. As Hannah tackles her duty, she finds herself caught up in a mix of suspense and emotions, unsure where her professional responsibilities end and her personal feelings begin.

Center’s storytelling talent shines in “The Bodyguard.” She creates a world filled with interesting characters and gripping tension. We get to know Hannah’s struggles and Jack’s complicated past, making the story feel real and engaging.

At its heart, “The Bodyguard” is about forgiveness, acceptance, and the power of love. Through Hannah and Jack’s journey, we learn about the healing power of opening up and connecting with others.

One of the best parts of the book is the relationship between Hannah and Jack. Despite their roles, Jack treats Hannah with kindness and respect, and Hannah’s dedication to her job is inspiring.

Katherine Center has a knack for crafting stories that stick with you long after you’ve finished reading. “The Bodyguard” is no exception. With each page, she invites us on a journey of discovery and emotion, leaving us eager for more.

So, if you’re looking for a heartfelt and exciting read, “The Bodyguard” is definitely worth picking up. Thank you, Katherine Center, for another great story!

Book Review: The Rom-Commers

Bookworms, gather around for a delightful story that’s sure to capture your heart and leave you longing for more. Katherine Center’s latest masterpiece, “The Rom-Commers,” is an absolute gem that deserves a spot on every book lover’s shelf.

As someone who devours books like there’s no tomorrow, I can confidently say that Center’s work has earned a permanent place on my TBR list. Much like her previous novel, “Hello Stranger,” this book whisked me away into a world brimming with captivating characters and enchanting journeys.

Meet Emma Wheeler, a woman who has dedicated the past decade of her life to caring for her father and ensuring her younger sister lives her best life. With a knack for writing screenplays, particularly romcoms, Emma’s world is turned upside down when her ex-boyfriend-turned-friend and screenwriter manager, Logan, lands her a gig ghostwriting for the renowned Charlie Yates.

Charlie, a celebrated screenwriter with a string of Oscars to his name, finds himself in a bit of a rut with his latest romcom script. Despite his reservations about working with an anonymous co-writer and critic, Charlie reluctantly agrees to collaborate with Emma. Little does he know, this partnership will not only reshape his screenplay but also his outlook on love and life.

Now, let me tell you, I could rave about “The Rom-Commers” all day long. This book had me staying up until the wee hours of the morning, eagerly flipping pages and shedding tears of joy over the heartwarming dialogue and character dynamics.

Sure, Charlie may come off as a bit of an ass at first, but hey, don’t we all have our rough edges? And Emma? She’s a shining beacon of goodness in a world that often feels too dark. Her selflessness and unwavering kindness tug at your heartstrings, and as her story unfolds, you can’t help but feel a sense of empathy and admiration for her.

The banter between Emma and Charlie is simply sublime, a testament to Center’s masterful way with words. Each exchange crackles with wit and charm, making it impossible not to fall in love with these characters.

Speaking of character development, let’s talk about Charlie’s transformation. From “Charlie before Emma” to “Charlie with Emma” to “Charlie after Emma,” his journey is nothing short of remarkable. And Emma? Well, let’s just say she gets the ending she truly deserves—a testament to Center’s storytelling prowess.

So, if you’re in the mood for a rollercoaster ride of emotions, sprinkled with witty banter and sweet moments, look no further than “The Rom-Commers” by Katherine Center. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this enchanting story.