Bebe Rachel's Whimsy and Reviews

Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail by Ashley Herring Blake My rating: 4 of 5 stars A repressed and anxious interior designer falls for the lead carpenter/client’s granddaughter in this sapphic tale of enemies to lovers. The second in a series (the first of which I have not read yet/ADHD oops), this very steamy FF Romance was an enjoyable read overall. Both MC’s are jettisoned from horrible breakups which were very steeped in the drama, and I was totally here for it, TBH. It did seem that the backstory of why it was hard for Astrid to come to accept her feelings did drag on a bit. Also the other MC, Jordan, has a twin, Simon, who was a bit underdeveloped and just came off as an annoying side character whose motivations I did not really understand. Overall it was a fun read, with a few twists and turns along the way. Both MC’s were characters I was rooting for and it is a book I would recommend. ⏰ very quick read 🌶️ very very very spicy ⚠️ mommy dearest #

Unfortunately Yours by Tessa Bailey My rating: 4 of 5 stars Tessa Bailey is, hands down, the Queen of Dirty Talk and this book gives multiple opportunities for one to blush and feel uncomfortable if anyone else is in the room. Honestly this book seemed next level spicy to me, even for T.B. A follow up to  Secretly Yours , this MF enemies to lovers romance centers on wayward daughter of a prominent family, Natalie, who has a penchant for sabotaging her own life, and her accidental romance with an ex-Navy seal, August. This involves both the fake romance and, subsequently, the forced proximity tropes. This book had multiple comedic moments, particularly centered around the MC’s disdain for one another. Not to mention some real laugh out loud moments involving the rescued cat, Menace.  TBH, what did not thrill me was the portrayal of August as a stereotypical meat-head ex solider. That felt unnecessary and a bit flat for me. Also it seemed as if

  I absolutely LOVED this book. Once again, Jackie Fraser delivers a slow burn romance-ish novel that I could not put down.  A middle aged woman runs away from her old life and towards the possibility of a new one. Whatever she is leaving behind is terrible enough that she does not talk about it (or even want to think about it) to the point that it is not initially clear exactly what has happened.   This MF romance-of-sorts is free of most of the usual tropes as this woman struggles to accept a male friend into her life, let alone admit there may be some romantic feelings there. Our heroine, Jess, is a patchwork of seeming contradictions - brave yet terrified, attractive yet scarred, beginning her life after an ending. Her self-deprecating inner dialogue was painful to read but only because it is so relatable.    This book delivers an honest account of a middle aged woman who is both victim and survivor. Essentially, I just wanted to root for her (and for the male MC) and I could not w

Marry Me by Midnight by Felicia Grossman My rating: 4 of 5 stars Read by Justine Erye The premise is fantastic: a gender-swapped Cinderella story set in Regency England’s Jewish community. TBH, this selection was a must for me based on the cover alone. The fact that a hero is dancing on the cover with a kippa on his head was hook enough for me. I adore a historical romance, and this is so well researched and intricately written. I could picture the costumes, the people and the community around them in my minds eye. It provided a really rich background for the story. Particularly interesting, to me, was the dynamics between the Sephardic and Ashkenazi communities. Of course, better known to most people would be the tension between the non-Jewish community and the Jewish community, and while it had to be mentioned, I’m glad not too much time is spent on this. It did seem to me the two MC’s came together more in lust than love. Also I was surprised by t

Updated for my post movie thoughts: August 2023 Overtime, this has become a comfort read - one I go back to when I need a pick me up. Ahead of seeing the film and being who I am, I purposely did not read reviews or even go near booktok until I had a chance to see the film for myself.  Loved this    movie. I will be watching it over an d over - I am sure. I think what I loved mos t of all from the movie, which, in retrospect, is also one of my favorite aspects of the book, is the transformation for both MC’s from “game face on” in to their private selves. That type of vulnerability that one can have to be one’s authentic self in front of another person - both actors capture that so well and I was really impressed. Particularly in the Paris scenes, the absolute presence of Henry/Nicholas Galitzine - it was so sincerely played, that I almost felt voyeuristic - like I was intruding. There are so many great book quotes that were not in the the film but the movie had its own great lines. Mo

 Search no further, this is the best of both worlds as a romance and a fantasy.  From start to finish, I was loathe to put this book down. I felt drawn to learn the fate of our main characters and felt invested in Nora and her path from the beginning. Her internal and external challenges and insecurities were so palpable and relateable. Overall, the depth of development of the characters was remarkable. Also, I loved the hints of possible plot twists and turns throughout. I was really impressed by the descriptions of the fae world - I felt I could easily see it all in my minds eye. The romance was full of passion and hit all the breathtaking notes without being crass. It was adult level, to be sure.  Overall, I loved this book and cannot wait for the next one!  Please note, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. #romancefantasy #fantasyromance #bodydiversity #faehumanromance #darkfantasyromance #readyfornextbookplease

  I’m glad I don’t typically read reviews by other people before I read a book. I genuinely adored this book although I see where some of the criticisms come drone. I jumped into this knowing I really enjoy what Tessa Bailey writes and I’m so glad I read it with an open mind.  I was intrigued by the buttoned up character of Julian and thoroughly enjoyed seeing his carefully controlled world  completely turned inside out by the chaos that is Hallie. Frankly, I was completely invested from start to finish. I did feel the secret admirer letters were a bit extra, but it was fine, I guess. The whole small town in Napa vibe was a nice play on an old trope. Also really appreciated the rep of anxiety and depression and how it truly can look so different in different people.  Overall, I loved the book. The spice on this one was extra spicy. I mean Tessa Bailey can make a girl blush, I will say that.  🎤  dropped. This was a #pageturner and I cannot wait for book 2. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️  I mean wow.   ⏰