Barbara Rachel's Reviews

The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah by Jean Meltzer My rating: 5 of 5 stars First of all, I love a second chance romance — this was one of the best I’ve read as far as tension and chemistry between the main characters. I loved the Jewish representation in this book — it was there without being overly explained. It was very much normalized and diffused throughout the book in a completely natural way. Last note… Jared Sparks was hilarious and was totally giving Russell Brand, Get Them To The Greek. That movie might not have aged well, but Russel Brand was still hilarious in it. What I didn’t love… Did Evelyn need to tell us in her head how much she hated her ex ad nauseum? It was as if she lacked insight into any of her own mistakes and it made her kind of unlikable in my mind. In comparison to David’s introspection it made her seem Regina Jones-ish and not in an ironic, funny way. Tropes: Second chance romance. He falls first. Grumpy-Sunshine. Forced p...

For the Fans by Nyla K. My rating: 5 of 5 stars This book... LOVED. Admittedly, this was a wild ride. I have now read the ebook, paperback and listened to the audiobook. The audiobook is fire. The 2 voice actors are top-notch amazing. No notes. RE: the book/story... These two boys are a mess and I am here for it. Yes, the book is long. I wouldn't change one second of it.. If you are not into super steamy MM romance... this book is not for you. Trigger warnings: off the page childhood sexual abuse that is described (religious associated). Some parents that don't parent/suck. Could not put this down. Have read it 3 times now. Highly recommend. View all my reviews

I loved this book. ⭐️ Overall Impression ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ 🔍 ADD Ease Of Focus: 🔍 🔍 🔍 🔍 🌶️ Spice Level: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️  🌶️ 🖤 Darkness Level: 0/5 🎤 Audio Quality 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤  📝My review: Ethan and Taylor have immediate chemistry complicated by forced proximity, forbidden romance and both MC’s have a background of hurt, Ethan from losing his marriage to his ex’s career ambitions and Taylor from neglectful parents.  What I ❤️ This is such a sweet romance, the chemistry between the 2 MC’s is off the chain. It was spicier than expected and most surprising was the adult ADD rep. It was so on point and accurate — especially behaviors that in the past were attributed to being space or unfocused.  What I 💔👎🏻 The narration on the audio was a little too fast. Had to re-listen to most chapters. 📗 📗 🏷️ Tropes: Forced Proximity, Forbidden Romance, Love at First Sight, Age Gap 📗 📗 #IAmAnUnapologeticNerd #ADDFriendlyBookReviews #BookLoverAndReviewer #ADDisMySuperpowe...

In Brief:  funny and cozy but spicy hockey romance. I definitely recommend this book! 📗 📗 ⭐️ Overall Impression ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ 🔍 ADD Ease Of Focus: 🔍 🔍 🔍  Random side characters with storylines that went nowhere… And 2 people have names that are almost the same. Maeve and Fable. First of all. WTF are these names. No One Uses These Names. And I say that as a Barbara. WTF. Also too many characters… Needed to have a boss and an above boss? Why?  🌶️ Spice Level: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ Just Wow. 🎤 Audio Quality: 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤 🎤  The audible was excellent: loved the detail of dual narrators even within conversations.  🖤 Darkness Level 🖤 1 for surprising dirty talk. And also, MMC was a little bit of a stalker. ⚠️ Trigger Potential:  Terrible Parents. Near Fatal Car Accident. Living with Scars 📗 📗 📝My review What I ❤️ I really enjoyed this, even more than the 1st book in the series. This was touching, funny and SPICY. Loved the hockey rep, as always. Anyone ...

Enemies of the State by Tal Bauer My rating: 5 of 5 stars The first of a series, this is the unlikely and rule breaking romance between the US President and the head of his secret service detail. This is an incredible book. First of all, the descriptions of the DC area are spot on, I know well from living here. Tal Bauer is able to intertwine a complex political thriller with a steamy romance like no one else I have ever read. The challenges and journey facing Jack and Ethan had me biting my nails. Listened to the entire story in two days because I could not stop. The reader, John Solo, was incredible at the voices and the international cast of accents. Cannot wait for the next in the series. 5/5 stars! Highly recommend!

Time to Shine by Rachel Reid My rating: 5 of 5 stars Introverted goaltender Landon gets called up to the NHL for a temporary assignment and is set upon by the team's party boy, Casey, who is trying to help Landon feel at home. Underneath it all, Landon seems to be hiding something that's keeping him isolated while Casey gives a vibe of someone that can't stand their own company. Put them together and they become unlikely friends and maybe something more. I loved this book. I read a few other reviews and I wish I hadn't. Neither Landon or Casey are perfect. But maybe they are perfect for each other. There were some moments that were hilarious. Other moments were cringe inducing fumbles that were so human and relatable. I adored this story and the characters and I cannot wait to read it again and again, like I do with all of Rachel Reid's books. 5/5 stars.

The Paris Bookshop for the Broken-Hearted by Rebecca Raisin My rating: 4 of 5 stars Coco is having to flee London for her parents' home in Paris with almost no money, her career in tatters and a sulky teenaged daughter with whom she now has to share a bedroom. Broken hearted and fleeing scandal, she is having to cope with her daughter's grief and being removed from her home and friends as well as her own. Thank you to Net Galley, Boldwood Books and the author for the ARC. The opinions here are my own. This was a well crafted story with vivid descriptions that brought Paris to life. Most of the story centers takes place in this quirky and incredible sounding bookshop. The characters were well rounded and their intersecting storylines made me not want to put it down, once I got going. The interactions with Coco and her teenaged daughter will likely be relatable for anyone that is trying to navigate that. Found it a bit slow at first, but...