More mini reviews from books I’ve enjoyed to varying degrees over the last few weeks.
Not Pretending Anymore by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland
Rating: ★★★★☆
Release Date: April 10, 2021
This was really cute. I love the easy friendship that quickly develops between Declan and Molly and how their affection for each other grows naturally over time as the get to know another and spend time together. It felt like they were supposed to end up together, not orchestrated within a book. There’s some emotional family moments that I enjoyed, but I would have liked more development with both of their families.
Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: April 5, 2016
This is truly a magical story. It’s so captivating and lush, while dealing with heavy topics of doubt, belonging, and loss. I love the concept – the different worlds and characters and references to other myths, stories, and legends. I loved so many of the characters and can’t wait to see their stories explored and how their time in other worlds has impacted them. 10/10, I can’t recommend this enough and I’m happy I finally started this series.
Make It Sweet by Kristen Callihan
Rating: ★★★★☆
Release Date: February 23, 2021
This was a cute story. There’s a ton of great moments with family, food, and healing while both the hero and heroine are dealing with loss and challenges in their lives. It’s a great way for the two to come together and I loved how their relationship developed. I’m so happy with where Luke and Emma ended up and loves following their journey.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5 stars)
Release Date: May 3, 2022
While I did enjoy this and all the flirty banter between Nora and Charlie, this isn’t my new favorite Emily Henry book. I expected more from the small town setting – we got a few quirky events and colorful characters, but it was all very much background noise to Nora, Libby, and Charlie. And it does work within the story, it didn’t feel like it was fully utilized, especially with Libby’s bucket list. And while I think Nora and Charlie are well matched and definitely belong together, no individual characters made an impression. Overall it was a nice and enjoyable story, but it was missing something to wow me.
What books have you been reading lately? Share below.
Life of a Literary Nerd 
So glad you enjoyed Every Heart A Doorway! I absolutely love the series and I hope you love it too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was so magical and beautiful. Now I just need to make sure it doesn’t take me years to read the rest of the series.
LikeLiked by 1 person