Ann AguirreCritiques

I feel like I have read better versions of this book.

I really enjoyed this book, it did give me that Practical Magic feel, it was cute and fun to read. A definite cozy read and if you love the movie Practical Magic you will definitely like this because it is very very close to it.

I liked it and while it wasn't exactly a cliffhanger ending, like the previous book it felt like the end of a chapter rather than the end of a book. I'm not quite negative on this as there was a definate 'ending', but it is starting to feel more like a big book that was split because of size (or sales).

Considering that there are a lot of Fantasy books that top 1000 pages, perhaps this series should have joined that group.

Okay, wow, way too far into negative territory! The story was quite good and I particularly liked how Deuce is slowly growing whilst remaining true to herself. The worldbuilding exposes the reader in same slow expanding of the horizon.

I am looking forward to seeing more of Deuce and her friends along with some more of this world.


MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD
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I read the novella that takes place between Enclave and Outpost - while disappointed in the lack of an appearance by Stone and Thimble, I hope to see them both as Deuce leaves the Outpost into the rest of the settlements.

I thought this was a fun read. I really liked both characters and also loved how the world was built in this read. I look foward to future books as the world gets more complicated. I also thought the romance was fun and engaging. It def a very steamy read and i was not expecting that but it was a fast read. I also loved the male baker aspect and it was a very fun read!! I will def check out book 2!!

I thought this was a fun read. I really liked both characters and also loved how the world was built in this read. I look foward to future books as the world gets more complicated. I also thought the romance was fun and engaging. It def a very steamy read and i was not expecting that but it was a fast read. I also loved the male baker aspect and it was a very fun read!! I will def check out book 2!!

Nice and easy reading, between some bigshots.

Whatever author says on that matter (if she say at all) there is a great Firefly feel to it. Not a fanfic. Just inspiration. Something in the world, story, characters, rhythm.

This is both good and bad of course. With every other piece in place the book is just lacks that visual impact of the TV show. It brings out in the open that naive something that was very good hidden in Firefly.

And then... maybe it's just me. Maybe I just could not fell in rhythm with the book.

Nira works for a publishing house, yet it is not her passion anymore. After five years if sloughing through business books, watching her friends move in, and feeling stuck, she knows a change has to come. She doesn’t quite expect it to be Andrew, a rising star in the author world, but her world is about to change in so many ways. Nora doesn’t quite get this thing called life. She rates herself on the happiness scale as a three out of ten. Andrew, a ten! Following Nora’s journey if self discovery, passion for books, and honesty about not having much of anything under control will help readers to identify. The book gently mentions some differences Nina feels coming from a mixed race family, though not developed beyond the surface. I found the character enjoyable and real. Worth curling up and getting taken away in the world if books, romance, friendship and owning your screw ups.

7/10

Allow a full day for this contemporary steamy single-parent mafia kidnap coming-of-age romance set in Chicago.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is the first book I've read by this author and I must say, I liked it!

World building is good, while in the beginning, it wasn't quite clear where the story situated itself, we got more bits and pieces to complete the picture. The scenes and environments that were described were clear and detailed.

Character development is truly the strong point of this installment. We get to know Pru and Dom on a very deep and intimate level, knowing their history, insecurities, hopes and fears. They work well together and I found it heartening to read how they would fall and eventually stand up stronger, together. Some parts were a tad too mushy for me, but all in all the romance level was top notch.

Pacing and flow were good, a nice balance between action and conversation. You pretty much got swept away by everything that happened and putting the book down was a big no-no.

The book itself was well written with near to no (noticeable) errors. And yes, there is sex described in this book (if that is important to you).

All in all, a series that I will surely continue reading! If you're in the mood for some shifter romance with a cast that's flawed, insecure and a tad broken? Then this is the book for you!

An unlikely sci-fi story that never tries to hide its intention to not be anything more than an incredibly cheesy romance.
To its credit, it very intentionally puts away with quite a few of the incredibly dominant romance tropes like the alpha male and the hunky human-like body.
In a few sections, the book shows a surprising amount of insight into genuine sci-fi topics like the efficacy of cloning and what rights a clone should have compared to its original and it briefly introduces the concept of artificial consciousness and its ramifications which builds a rare bridge between sci-fi alien romance and actual sci-fi but it clearly doesn't have any intention to compete with "real" sci-fi overall.
The book isn't willing to have the actual discussion behind a lot of popular sci-fi topics even though the author seems to be familiar with at least some of them.
But what am I writing... This is essentially a diabetes-inducingly sweet and cheesy romance with frequent sexy times.
Fair warning though, the guy is truly alien which includes all of his anatomy and this doesn't include a conveniently shaped "organ" that is unlikely well suited to pleasure a woman as is typical in the genre.

There are a lot of interesting ideas and concepts in this book but the writing and the characters are hot garbage.

Edit: I remember nothing about this anymore so I'll give it another try.
well, dnf again. I remember again. Really great concepts but the TSTL goes through the roof. Not from the MC herself but from everyone around her.
The entire plot setup is way too contrived for it to work without an endless amount of absurd excuses and flimsy justifications for every detail.

If you're expecting a thought-provoking in depth book this is not it. If you're looking for a book that's a little spicy, a little different, and something that has quirky humor than this is it. did not think that there was such a thing as science fiction romance. Overall was a fun read. Of course there's a talking dog so I had to give it a start for that

Allow two days (or an extremely long one) for this contemporary, steamy second-chance romantic comedy set mostly in Millers Glen where Kira Chappell has been raising her son Landon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I really liked this, his mom is "special" and I like how he caught himself being that special to Alicia. He just jumped to all the conclusions rather than ask a damn question or do some math.

But I did like how it was around Christmas time at the end and he saw how much love there was between her and their son. I really wanted an epilogue though, because it ended at such a transition. Shes pregnant for a second time, their kid is just getting to know him, and is he going to sue his mom for his inheritance or will he take his place back at the company? Will the introduce his mom to their kids? SO MANY OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS!!!!

A truly feel-good story with a most intriguing cast of characters. It reminded me of a couple books I read as a teenager by Mary Lasswell-One On The House and Suds in Your Eye. The similarities include a big hearted woman taking in a number of folks who need a place to live where there's understanding and unconditional love. There are also selfish and annoying relatives in each tale, as well as the good people finding ways to get by just as the wolf reaches their door. There are surprises aplenty as each newcomer finds a home at the Purple house. If you're looking for a very satisfying and feel-good read, look no further.

Its good enough

Best Friend's Little Sister
Noah and Sierra have an instant connection. He tries to keep his distance because Sierra's brother is his best friend. When he retires from the Navy Seals he sees Sierra all the time and it gets harder to resist her. He ends up being her bodyguard when he life is threatened and they can resist no longer. We know where it goes from there. Predictable romance with just some light suspense.

The Only Purple House in Town
Fix-It Witches, Book 4

I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.

Media Type: Audiobook
Source: BC Public Library
Dates Read: 7/20/23 - 7/22/23
Stars: 4 Stars
Narrator(s):Carly Robins

The Characters:

Iris Collins:
Eli Reese:
Henry Dale, Sally, Mira, I forgot the last roommate, but I know the name starts with an R

The Story:

I forgot how much I love a found family story. This one is excellent. I immediately loved the characters. Some of them doubt themselves a lot but I think they work through it well with the help of each other. I love how this little island of misfits take care of each other and never hesitate. Iris’s parentage adds a certain mystery but I gotta say I’m not sure I got all of the intricacies of what she is. All and all I enjoyed my time with these characters and hope I get to see more of them in the future.

The Random Thoughts:

The Only Purple House in Town by Ann Aquire
Paranormal romance. Fix-it Witches series #4. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Iris Collins doesn’t feel like she fits in with her family and her current roommate situation is no better. The news that she has inherited a house from a distinct relative is the perfect time to start over and get her own jewelry making shop started. Iris moves into the huge purple house with gingerbread trim and starts looking for roommates.
Eli Reese believes moving into Iris’s house is the perfect opportunity to thank her changing his life all those years ago. If he can help her now, he will think of it as fate. Spending time with her has his feeling deepening and he realizes he needs to come clean about their history, his job and the fact that he’s a hawk shifter.

🎧 I read an ecopy of this book and followed up with an audiobook. The narrator is Carly Robins and the performance is wonderfully done with distinct voices for Iris, Eli, Sally, Henry Dale, and others. The narration makes clear the careful steps Eli takes with Iris, the gruffness of Henry Dale and Sally’s exuberance. Emotions are clear and timing is well done. This narrator has an extensive catalog and it’s clear with this book that experience lends to an audiobook preference over reading.
I listened to this at 1.5 which is my preferred timing.

“When Iris smiled, stars might as well be twinkling in her gray eyes. He lost his breath a bit.”
Eli is a bit timid with Iris but so adorable in his wanting to help make her life better. When the home group teams up, it’s clear they are now a family. The paranormal twist for Iris is a bonus which brings joy and satisfaction.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media.½

The heroine is the black sheep of her family. With successful siblings and a messy life of her own, the heroine unexpectedly inherits a house that she plans to become as a bed-and-breakfast establishment. When that plan failed, the heroine decided to rent the rooms to people who are lost souls like her. Within this group of misfits is the hero, an outcast with a huge crush on the heroine. As time passed, the group becomes closer, especially the hero and the heroine.

This is the fourth book in the FIX-IT WITCHES series. It features dual perspectives and provides enough information to be a standalone within the series. I liked the cover of the book and enjoyed the found family aspect of the story. There were an eclectic group of characters, including the couple. However, there were certain actions of the hero and the heroine that made them unfavorable in my eyes. The book should also have additional details to make a smoother story. Overall, a nice book of this particular Ann Aguirre series.

** Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions and thoughts in the review are my own. **½

I have to admit, this has been an almost DNF book for me twice! However, I’m a mood reader and I prefer to finish books I start even if it takes several times trying to do so.

I really really wanted to love this book, cute cover, witches, queer rep, romcom…Yea it spoke to me! However, it just fell flat for me overall. The main character, Danica who is a witch always seems to fall in love with simpletons and mundane which is a big no-no. She does it again and imo the overall flow and dialogue between the characters didn’t peak my interest.

The ending did have some loose ends, but I now know it is a series that does make more sense.

I recommend this for anyone who enjoys very light romance books almost equivalent to a young adult read.

Yup, still enjoying the witchy world Aguirre has created. Gavin is wonderful, a great foil for Clem, and his story really gives us a chance to delve deep into the nature of prejudice and responsibility. This elevates the story beyond a typical romance. And it has all the elements of a great romance - natural conflict, strong relationships beyond the core romance, a fun group of supporting characters, funny and/or poignant scenes. Really looking forward to the next one.

This is a perfect example of how moody my taste is, because when I initially read the copy, I was super excited about this and downloaded it right away, but then when I started reading it, I was very disconcerted and almost stopped right away because the premise weirded me out so much.

This had some great romance, some delightful insights into friendships, and an impressive feat of chemistry. The overarching plot was quite complex (even outside of the premise) and the deus ex machina felt a little strong at times. A lot of suspension of disbelief required, but worth the read.