High school sweethearts Elliot and Wade broke up when he enlisted in the Army and she refused to follow him. Now, 7 years later, the two have to face their unresolved feelings for each other when Wade returns home to help his father after a terminal diagnosis.
I've read a couple books by Staci Hart now, and this one felt like such a departure. Unlike her rom-coms, this story is somber and full of angst. There's the element of Wade's father discovering he has terminal brain cancer and how the other characters react to it; this part was heartbreaking and felt so real. However, I really didn't enjoy the Elliot-Wade relationship drama. Neither has moved on in 7 years; there is such a frustrating lack of communication between them, both then and now. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at how many times each assumed they knew what the other was thinking, and they were completely wrong. Elliot is a huge doormat for all the other characters, when she's not fading into the background altogether. And way too much repetitive purple prose! 2.5 stars
Valentine March is a lady's companion; Tristan, Viscount St. Ashton, is a notorious rake who has hit rock bottom. When they meet, it's love at first sight, but will their pasts stand in their way?
This was a sweet Victorian romance. My favorite thing about this novella was Tristan; even though he has quite a scandalous past, the moment he meets Valentine, he's a changed man. He wants to prove himself worthy of her. Valentine, though, is unsure, because she has secrets of her own. The relationship moved quickly, especially on Tristan's part, but I don't think that was necessarily out of place for the time period. I enjoyed Matthews' writing, and I just wish the story had been longer! 4 stars
An actor and a teen author fall for each other but find it difficult to navigate a relationship in the spotlight in this adorable YA romance.
Although there were parts of this book that have to be taken with a grain of salt, I still really enjoyed it. Teddy is an up-and-coming actor who gets hired for his dream job; the movie is based on the wildly successful series by teen author Bennett Campbell. Although I enjoyed Bennett's drive and realism, Teddy was the star of this show. I loved that he wasn't the typical perfect YA boyfriend. He has flaws, doesn't take himself too seriously, and is kind to everyone. The writing is very readable, and I breezed through the story in a day. The movie set setting was really fun, and there are plenty of amazing side characters as well. 4 stars
Have a great break, Angela!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear A Thousand Letters was a bit disappointing. The lack of communication would bother me too.
Love Scene, Take Two sounds fun and adorable though!
Thanks, Lindsey! I think you would enjoy Love Scene, Take Two!
DeleteOh wow that's disappointing to hear about A Thousand letters. It's still on my TBR but might have to change things up now. I hate lack of communication between characters in books. It's so frustrating! Luckily the other two books sound better. :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, it was a bit of a bummer because I'd been enjoying her books so much!
DeleteI enjoyed Love Scene as well. I loved the setting and the characters were really likable. Adorable, just the way I like my books.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's a very "Sam" book!
DeleteLove Scene, Take Two sounds super cute. That one is new to me. I am also intrigued by the Viscount--I love a good Victorian romance. I hope you have a great week off!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christina!
DeleteI'm sorry A Thousand Letters was a letdown! Although, I'm happy to see you enjoyed Love Scene, Take Two since it's on my TBR. :)
ReplyDeleteLindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? 💬
I think you'll like it, it was a really sweet read!
DeleteI'm sorry A thousand Letters didn't work out -- I like the premise though. Love Scene, take two just made me go AW! I love the sound of it!
ReplyDeleteIt was so cute!
DeleteLove Scene sounds great. That's a shame about A Thousand Letters. The purple prose would have done me in as well. Hope you're getting to do something fun on your blog break!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Suzanne!
DeleteI haven't read any of these yet and I am off to find out if Love Scene, Take Two is on my list. Sounds like it will be lots of fun! :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome, hope you love it!
DeleteHave a good break! Glad these were good other than the first one.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Greg!
DeleteI hope you are enjoying your break, Angela! Great reviews too!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to see Love Scene, Take Two get a mention. I really enjoyed that one and wish it had got more attention when it released.
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely a hidden gem!
DeleteHave a lovely break!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Heather!
DeleteEnjoy your break, and I hope you have some good books with you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Emma!
DeleteEnjoy your break Angela, take care of yourself <3 I'm happy to see you enjoyed Love Scene, Take Two, it sounds like a lovely read I'd enjoy! :D
ReplyDeleteI think you would love it!
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