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mackenzierm's reviews
1519 reviews
This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
5.0
Lucy is a tourist vacationing in PEI. Felix is the local who shows her a very good time. Lucy doesn’t realize that Felix is her best friend’s younger brother. Lucy and Felix share chemistry that is unreal, but there is a list of reasons why they should stay away from each other and they vow to never repeat that night again. That’s easier said than done as each year Lucy returns to PEI for an escape from reality with her best friend, Bridget. When Bridget flees Toronto on the week before her wedding, Lucy drops everything to follow her to PEI. But Felix’s usual sparkling eyes and flirty quips have changed to something new, making Lucy wonder how safe her heart really is.
Okay, this was fantastic. I just knew that it would be, especially with the idyllic setting on magical PEI. The setting for THIS SUMMER WILL BE DIFFERENT is absolutely perfect. It honestly feels so authentic and reminded me of all the places I’ve visited in PEI over a handful of vacations that I absolutely adored. So, for the setting alone: A+.
A special mention to the Anne of Green Gables references which were so well placed and reminded me of my old love for L.M. Montgomery’s series, making me want to sit down and re-immerse myself in the timeless story.
Fortune’s exceeded herself here, writing what feels like a perfect story. She’s struck gold with her talent at writing a dual timeline romance. I adored Lucy and Felix’s story – which features just the right amount of tension, pining, chemistry, lust, and emotion, culminating into the development of beautiful and heartwarming relationship. Their story spans over the course of five years and I think this was the perfect gap, building upon their first meeting and every subsequent meeting afterwards.
I enjoyed all the characters featured in this story, each feeling well-written, developed, and realistic. I also liked the character growth that ensues over the course of this novel.
My one critique was that I was left wanting by this ‘twist’ that is built up to. I found it anti-climactic and was not overly impressed by what this ‘twist’ turns out to be – far too built up for what it was in my opinion.
Nevertheless, I do think that this is my favourite of Fortune’s books to date, and I’ll continue picking up whatever she chooses to publish next! Definitely an easy summer read.
Okay, this was fantastic. I just knew that it would be, especially with the idyllic setting on magical PEI. The setting for THIS SUMMER WILL BE DIFFERENT is absolutely perfect. It honestly feels so authentic and reminded me of all the places I’ve visited in PEI over a handful of vacations that I absolutely adored. So, for the setting alone: A+.
A special mention to the Anne of Green Gables references which were so well placed and reminded me of my old love for L.M. Montgomery’s series, making me want to sit down and re-immerse myself in the timeless story.
Fortune’s exceeded herself here, writing what feels like a perfect story. She’s struck gold with her talent at writing a dual timeline romance. I adored Lucy and Felix’s story – which features just the right amount of tension, pining, chemistry, lust, and emotion, culminating into the development of beautiful and heartwarming relationship. Their story spans over the course of five years and I think this was the perfect gap, building upon their first meeting and every subsequent meeting afterwards.
I enjoyed all the characters featured in this story, each feeling well-written, developed, and realistic. I also liked the character growth that ensues over the course of this novel.
My one critique was that I was left wanting by this ‘twist’ that is built up to. I found it anti-climactic and was not overly impressed by what this ‘twist’ turns out to be – far too built up for what it was in my opinion.
Nevertheless, I do think that this is my favourite of Fortune’s books to date, and I’ll continue picking up whatever she chooses to publish next! Definitely an easy summer read.
What Stays in Spain by Laurel Chelle
lighthearted
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Shira's plan never included running into the man that left her stranded on shore and broke her heart. She also wasn't ever supposed to return to Terra's sun-kissed shores. But she's in Terra on a work project, focusing on a coveted promotion in London which will help her ailing father. When she sees Alejandro on the hotel terrace, sparks reignite between them and turn into a no-strings fling. But as the days and nights pass, Shira discovers she's not ready to leave Terra.
WHAT STAYS IN SPAIN is a cute romance that would make an excellent beach read. It's told in Shira's POV with dual timelines, ten summers ago and present day. I adored the setting of Terra in Spain which is unique compared to many of the other romances I've read lately. The descriptions were vivid and lush, with many well described and lovely views on the hikes and adventures Shira takes over the course of the book.
The characters are well written and adorable. I loved both Shira and Alejandro's character - they're so cute together! The romance is carefully crafted with great chemistry and the spice was hot. The epilogue was the perfect ending to such a sweet story.
Many thanks to the author, Laurel Chelle, and SunnyBabePR for the gifted digital advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
WHAT STAYS IN SPAIN is a cute romance that would make an excellent beach read. It's told in Shira's POV with dual timelines, ten summers ago and present day. I adored the setting of Terra in Spain which is unique compared to many of the other romances I've read lately. The descriptions were vivid and lush, with many well described and lovely views on the hikes and adventures Shira takes over the course of the book.
The characters are well written and adorable. I loved both Shira and Alejandro's character - they're so cute together! The romance is carefully crafted with great chemistry and the spice was hot. The epilogue was the perfect ending to such a sweet story.
Many thanks to the author, Laurel Chelle, and SunnyBabePR for the gifted digital advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.