Friday, November 13, 2020

Quick Reviews: The Romance Edition

The Marriage Game by Sara Desai (2020)

After personal and professional disappointments, Layla returns home to San Francisco, where she discovers her father has set up several blind dates to find her a husband.  She also finds herself sharing an office with entrepreneur Sam, and sparks fly despite their differences.  This was a fun story full of love, family, and Indian culture.  It was interesting to see Layla, deciding that an arranged marriage is the best option for her, and Sam, distancing himself from his culture after his sister's disastrous arranged marriage, fall for each other, as much as they try to deny it.  Layla is surrounded by a huge, boisterous family and they provided a lot of colorful commentary.  I thought some of the dialogue got a bit silly at times, and Sam's character was sometimes inconsistent, but overall this was a quick, enjoyable read.  3.5 stars 

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle (2020)

Naomi and Nick are months away their wedding, but neither wants to go through with it anymore - however, whoever calls it off will be on the hook for all the expenses.  Each is now trying to force the other to cancel the wedding, but could they maybe find the love they used to share?  Although there was some humor and light moments in this book, I was struck by how real and deep this romance got at times.  The beginning of the book was almost hard to get through, because Naomi is so deeply unhappy and the issues they're facing (intrusive family, jobs) felt uncomfortably realistic.  Watching Naomi and Nick find their way back to each other was so sweet, as they started to put their relationship first and figure out all the things they could do to make it better.  I was really rooting for them!  I think the only thing that could have made this book better would be to have some chapters from Nick's POV.  We're in Naomi's head the whole time, and I'd like to know his take on some of the situations in the story!  4 stars
 
Carpentry and Cocktails (Green Valley Library #5) by Nora Everly (2020)

Willa has come home to Green Valley after a tough few years, but will problems from her past derail her potential relationship with Everett, her landlord, before it even starts?  I feel like we should all move to Green Valley, because it is completely inhabited by gorgeous and big-hearted men.  Everett's feelings towards Willa are so swoon-worthy; I loved how protective he is of her.  I also loved how Willa wanted to take time to figure out her stuff before getting into a serious relationship with Everett.  The issues with her ex-husband added layers to the story, and I really enjoyed the way Willa's family and friends rallied around her.  Her younger sister Gracie was a great addition to the story; she's so mature and low-key hilarious.  Overall, a sweet romance and a quick read - what more could you want?  4 stars

24 comments:

  1. These sounds really fun, especially You Deserve Each Other. Things have been so heavy lately in the world--I've been gravitating towards more light reads and trying out some romance!

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    1. Yes, that's how my reading has been trending this year!

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  2. I laughed so much when I read The Marriage Game, that I overlooked a few flaws with Sam. I almost DNFed You Deserve Each Other, because it got so ugly at one point, but once they started the gooey romance part, I was all in and ended up really loving the book. I agree that Nick's POV would have been helpful, but I did feel he was more open than Naomi during the story, so I knew enough

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    1. I agree that once Naomi started talking to Nick, really talking, he did open up. I loved watching them find their way back to each other.

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  3. You Deserve Each Other sounds like it would make such a fun romcom movie!

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  4. I’ve seen so many mixed reviews for You Deserve Each Other. Some people enjoy it and some seem to think the relationship was toxic and they didn’t even belong together. LOL Carpentry and Cocktails sounds so cute. I just love a protective hero. Swoon!

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    1. In You Deserve Each Other, it was really toxic in the beginning; I couldn't see how it could get resolved. Like, if you hate this person that much, just break up! Don't wait for them to do it, and using money as an excuse was kind of weak.

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  5. I really enjoyed Carpentry and Cocktails - the Green Valley Library series was hit or miss for me but the two with the Monroe brothers were really good.

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    1. This is the only one I've read from that series, so we'll see!

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  6. I read The Marriage Game and agree about Sam's inconsistency, but still liked it overall. I really wanted to read You Deserve Each Other, but felt a little unsure because of mixed reviews, so I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it!

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    1. I can definitely see how there would be mixed reviews; it was tough getting through the first part!

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  7. I do like the sound of The Marriage Game, I’ll seek it out!

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  8. You Deserve Each Other looks fun!

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  9. This is such a trio of lovely reads! And the cover for Carpentry and Cocktails is just <3 !

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    1. That universe of book covers is just so fun!

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  10. I have a copy of The Marriage Game on my shelf and I really should give it a try! I had a feeling that it would get a bit silly, but sometimes I am in the mood for that. ;)

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  11. You Deserve Each Other sounds like one I need to check out. I'm still craving those light and fun reads. :)

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    1. It was a good mix of light moments and deep feels!

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  12. I don't love everything about "You Deserve Each Other," but did find some of it quite good, and what's most fun is that it's like a rom-com "in reverse." :)

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I'm so glad you stopped by, and I would love to hear your thoughts! Comments are always greatly appreciated!