For Love or Honey by Staci Hart (2021)
She's a small-town bee farmer. He wants to acquire the mineral rights to her land. They're at complete odds, but their chemistry is undeniable. This one was a bit of a slow start for me, but it ended up being a great read. Jo is basically repulsed by Grant at the beginning, because of his job, but she can't help ogling him at every opportunity - it was a weird dynamic for me. But, I enjoyed when they finally got to know each other and realized their feelings could be deeper than surface level. I especially liked Grant's growth throughout the story, in terms of both his personal and professional lives. I always enjoy a small-town setting, so that was fun, although I wish there had been a little more focus on how the residents planned to spruce up Main Street and attract more business. I felt like this secondary storyline could have used more attention. Overall, though, another steamy, romantic hit from Staci Hart! 4 stars
Love Notes (The Austens #4) by Staci Hart (2018)
As much as I love Staci Hart's books, this one was unfortunately a bit of a miss for me. Annie and her family move to NYC to live with relatives after the loss of her father and their family home. Even though she has a heart defect, Annie is determined to live her life to the fullest and gets a job at a local bookstore. There she meets Greg. Even though they friendzone each other, it's clear there's deeper feelings at play. This book is inspired by Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility, which I haven't read. Annie's character is innocent and naive (I mean, she's only 18, but seems much younger). Her actions and words were sometimes so frustrating. Although the setting is thoroughly contemporary, the writing (and especially Annie's dialogue) felt very old-fashioned at times, like it was trying to emulate Austen. It didn't work here, especially when other characters talked like regular modern people and Annie was speaking in such purple prose. There were so many story elements to keep track of; at times it almost felt like there was too much going on. But, I liked Greg's character and how he struggled not to show his feelings for Annie but eventually couldn't hold them in anymore, and the secondary characters also added some lightness to what was a heavy story at times. 3 stars
I desperately need to catch up on Staci Hart's books!
ReplyDeleteShe has so many good ones!
DeleteI've not tried this author before, but I have heard good things. I am glad that you enjoyed the first one. The second book would frustrate me as well.
ReplyDeleteThe Austens is the one with the flower shop family, right? They have a lot of characters to keep track of, but I did enjoy the first book.
ReplyDeleteI think that's the Bennett Brothers series? She has quite a few Austen-inspired books across two series, I think.
DeleteFor Love or Honey sounds so cute! Sorry that Love Notes was a miss, I always find it really annoying when characters seem even younger than they are.
ReplyDeleteI know, especially in a romance!
DeleteSorry to hear Love Notes wasn't the best, but that first one sounds really cute. :)
ReplyDeleteIt was!
DeleteI've never read anything by Staci Hart. Sorry to hear the second one didn't knock your socks off. Purple prose in a modern setting is a bit odd.
ReplyDeletehttps://wavesoffiction.blogspot.com/
Yeah, it just didn't work for me!
DeleteAw that's a bit of a bummer about the second one, but glad to hear the first one was good! :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great start to the week!
Thanks, Greg!
DeleteI see Hart's books all the time but have yet to try anything by her. I'm glad For Love or Honey worked so well for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tanya!
DeleteDespite her many books, I've never read anything by Staci. However her ones inspired by Austen always look cute. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm always up for a good retelling!
DeleteI definitely want to read some more Staci Hart this year, they always sound adorable and funny!
ReplyDeleteThey are so good!
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