The Boy Toy by Nicola Marsh (2020)
Samira has returned to Australia to help her cousin launch her new business, and after many years of relationship troubles, she finds herself having a fling with a younger man - but could it be something more? I really wanted to like this book, but a few things just held me back. I was expecting a sweet and sexy romance, which it was for a little while, but then things got real serious and the whole tone of the book changed. It felt unrealistic and unnecessary. I liked the inclusion of Samira's Indian culture, even though it was frustrating that her mother and her friends judge Samira's worth on marriage and children, completely ignoring the amazing career she's built. Rory is a total sweetheart, and I loved his story of overcoming childhood issues to get to where he is today. But my big issue with the book is that Samira is 10 years older than Rory and they are constantly referencing that fact. Samira is the exact same age as me, and they were making her sound ancient - harsh! 3 stars
This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens (2020)
Minnie and Quinn were born at the same hospital on New Year's Day, but because Quinn was born just minutes earlier, his family won the cash prize for the year's first baby born. Minnie thinks her bad luck stems from this day, and she's resentful of Quinn, until they run into each other on their 30th birthday and she finally gets to know him. I thought this was such a sweet and charming story. Quinn has become this almost mythical figure in Minnie's mind, but when they actually start spending time together, she realizes his life isn't as charmed as she thought it would be. I could have used a bit more romance in this book, but I enjoyed Minnie's growth throughout the story as she finally takes control of her own life. I also liked the flashbacks to other New Year's Eves, where we see all the times Minnie and Quinn have run into each other without realizing it. It really made it feel like these two were fated to be together! 4 stars
Someone just recommended This Time Next Year to me, so I am glad to hear you liked it as well. I will have to get a copy!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it, Christina!
DeleteThis Time Next Year sounds like such a sweet read.
ReplyDeleteIt really was!
DeleteI was surprised by the turn Boy Toy took, but I still liked it.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I was in the right headspace for that twist!
DeleteSorry to hear about The boy Toy- I think that would irritate me too! :) But glad to hear that This Time was good. The flashbacks to New Years Eves' sounds fun!
ReplyDeleteI always love those little stories of near-misses!
DeleteLol. I can't help but laugh at your last statement for The Boy Toy. I'm guessing since this leaned more towards the serious side that it went into questioning the age gap but I'm sure in others it wouldn't.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting premise to This Time Next Year. That's such a romantic comedy type of plot that I am taken with it instantly. I love the idea of the flashbacks and everything about this. Adding to my tbr!
Yay, hope you love This Time Next Year!
DeleteYeah, the age gap was definitely focused on, and I agree, 10 years can be a lot, but they were making this woman sound like she was 100!
This time next year sounds so lovely — and such a unique premise to build a romance around!
ReplyDeleteIt was a very sweet read!
DeleteI have This Time Next Year still sitting on NG for review. I started it and just wasn't feeling it. I think that it is time that I pick it up and give it another try! :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it more this time around!
DeleteThis Time Next Year has such a unique premise! Haha, I think we're pretty close in age, so probably The Boy Toy would really bug me too :)
ReplyDeleteHaha, I get I'm not a teenager anymore, but I'm not that old!
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