Tag Archives: Chic lit

Lost and Found in Mexico by Carla Luna

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Lost and Found in Mexico
Author: Carla Luna
Series: Romancing the Ruins #1.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary romance, Travel
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2024

Thoughts

I love that both Sofia and Olivia (Field Rules) are second chance romance girls. Both the sisters have polar opposite personalities and desires, but at the core, they both just want to be loved and to find love. Honestly, as much as I loved Olivia’s story in Field Rules, I think I actually liked Sofia’s more. Olivia and Rick are so damn alike and it’s impossible not to imagine how they will fit together. Sofia and Javier are total opposites and I like how they are able to find their own happily ever after with such different goals and personalities.

We might not have Vegas in Australia, but I do love the idea of a drunk wedding leading to a happily ever after. Alright, Sofia and Javier have a lot more to base their relationship on. But the point remains the same – a couple who got married drunk. Stuffed up the divorce and just end up reconnecting in the most picturesque of ways. Alright, maybe not everyone would think that a dig site would be picturesque, but the way that this one is described? It gives a girl who doesn’t have the travel bug some serious wanderlust.

I’ve never given much thought to what it actually means to be an insta-influencer. Particularly not one who is a travel influencer. I follow the occasional one, but that’s about as far as my brain cells go down that track. I loved that in this story, Sofai as a travel influencer who is kind of an adrenaline junkie. She manages to not only find her place at an archaeological dig site (and I swear all academia field sites are rough as guts), but she also goes diving whilst there. I might be kind of scared to go diving myself, but, having family who does… I could really appreciate the technicalities of writing this. And the joy that Sofia finds in her experiences.

This is such a fun, short and happy novella. Sofia and Javier have a whole lot of history, and although there are enough hurt feelings to make it interesting, they very quickly dive into their relationship. There isn’t that painful refusal to admit feelings and angst. Rather, just a story all about the joy of finding yourself in your person. And having support even when your passions don’t always align.

<- Field RulesTroy Story ->

Image source: Mondastore

Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center

Book Review, ,
Overview

Title: Happiness for Beginners
Author: Katherine Center
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2015

Thoughts

I did really enjoy this story, but I probably won’t be reading anymore Katherine Center books. As much as I loved this, I just didn’t feel like I was totally drawn in. Honestly, this was just one of those rare moments when I actually enjoyed the movie more than the book. Something about the book just didn’t quite sit right with me. Everything about this story was just pleasant. I wasn’t engaged. But I also wasn’t overly bothered.

One of the things that made it difficult to connect to this story was Helen. I know that she was going through a time of drastic change, I just found her to be a little bit too whiney and judgemental. Don’t get me wrong, I probably would’ve had some very similar thoughts if I was in her shoes. But, I’d also work on moving past the judgement to acceptance. She never quite got to that point of maturity. Mostly she maintained her judgemental nature and didn’t quite move on from it.

Then there was the fact that Helen was very entitled when it came to Jake. She turned him down repeatedly, but then still felt possessive and entitled to all of his attention. It was somewhat difficult to read about. And if it was a man showing that possessive entitlement, he would’ve been completely called on it. I just wanted a little bit more growth in the person as well as the relationship.

I enjoyed this story, and I’m glad that I had the pleasure of reading it. But I didn’t quite love it. It’s one that I will happily shelve and move on from. I’m not gunning for another story of this calibre. But I definitely enjoyed my brief foray into Center’s world.

<- More chic litMore contemporary romance ->

Image source: MacMillan

Field Rules by Carla Luna

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Field Rules
Author: Carla Luna
Series: Romancing the Ruins #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I love that this is a contemporary romance which takes place on an archaeology dig. And that it has a lot of the politics of academia and the nuances of working within the system as its backbone. The setting alone would make me want to dive into this story more. Plus, it was a completely unique setting that I wanted to keep knowing more about. I loved finding out more about what it is like to live and work on an archaeology dig. That, and what actually goes into being a budding archaeologist.

This second chance romance is built on a relationship that was destroyed by misunderstandings and immaturity. It’s a fairly common set of mistakes, and I really enjoyed how the couple were able to figure out how to work their way back to one another. Plus, I just enjoy how the two leads were able to talk through their past and difficulties. It’s also interesting how one mistake as a barely adult so drastically shapes both of their lives. And all of the decisions that they make in the interim. One choice and one moment in the past can be enough to shape an entire future, and that was certainly true beyond the relationship foibles within this story.

I love that, second chances aside, it is a shared passion and drive to find out the mysteries of the past that bring them back together. Both Olivia and Rick are passionate archaeologists, yet, they show two different sides of a fascinating field. Olivia’s drive to pursue academia in her research and understandings is phenomenal. Rick on the other hand is more practical in his archaeological pursuits, and I love that both are completely valid in their pursuits. I honestly don’t know if I enjoyed the archaeology deep dive or the romance more throughout Field Rules.

This is a wonderfully feel good and adorable story. It had little conflict, and a lot of the pressure comes from external forces. There is even some poetic justice for the villains throughout this story that just want to stop Rick and Olivia from acting like consenting adults. I honestly loved everything about this story. It was a feel good and light story that I didn’t want to stop reading, even after I turned that final page.

<- More Carla LunaLost and Found in Mexico ->

Image source: Goodreads

Fluffy by Julia Kent

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Fluffy
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Do-Over #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I love that this story starts with a total misunderstanding. About what a fluffer is. Honestly, I probably would’ve made a similar mistake and misunderstanding to Mallory. And I actually know what a fluffer in porn is. And from there, honestly, it just got funnier and funnier. I mean, the misunderstanding leads to Mallory’s re-Meet Cute with Will. And it involves lots of yelling, insanity and the filming of a porn-o. Kent is incredibly gifted at creating humorous meetings with unforgettable beginnings. And this one is no different.

This isn’t quite a second chance romance, but one that does have that kind of flavour. Mallory and Will went to school together, and have a bit of a history. I love that they both had a thing for each other, but a total lacking of maturity to act upon it. Plus, they’re from vastly different social circles, and that is still a point of contention, even as they find their way to one another. I love that they do find a way to get over the social expectations and find a way to move forwards.

The school reunion scene in this was great. I actually missed my ten year reunion due to COVID, but I can imagine that it would be all too easy to fall back into those patterns. Regardless of how much time passes. But, I love that, although both Will and Mallory fall into those patterns at moments, they do find a way to move beyond that. Primarily Will, who apologises for his place of privilege in the social hierarchy and owns his mistakes (yay for a man who is capable of apologising).

Not only was this a wonderfully fun contemporary romance, one that I couldn’t put down. I just wanted to see what was going to happen next for Mallory and Will. Plus, then there’s Mallory’s two friends, Perky and Feisty. The epilogue for Fluffy leads perfectly into the next in this series, Perky. And now I can’t wait to dive right in!

<- Little Miss PerfectPerky ->

Image source: That Artsy Reader Girl

Shopping for a Billionaire’s Fiancée by Julia Kent

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Title: Shopping for a Billionaire’s Fiancée
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Shopping for a Billionaire #6
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2015

Thoughts

Following the tone of the rest of this series, OF COURSE Declan’s proposal was going to end seriously awry. I mean, you can’t really get much worse than ending up in the ER (which is what is explained on the first page). But the journey there, as with everything in the Shopping for a Billionaire series, is absolutely priceless. It had me grinning the whole way through.

I love that the first five books in this series are written from Shannon’s point of view, and then this book is written from Delcan’s. It’s a great departure and gives a whole new perspective into their relationship. It also means that Declan touches upon his past decisions and mistakes. Again, giving a wonderful, new perspective to their relationship.

As someone who has a somewhat close-knit family, and one that isn’t always great with boundaries, Delcan’s difficulties with dealing with this are quite intriguing. Particularly as it made me understand a little more just some of the difficulties my own SO has with my family. Family dynamics are always difficult, but Shannon’s definitely take the cake.

Even though this is a story just filled with calamities, Shannon and Declan do still get their perfect moment. Actually, I find their true moment so much better than what Declan had planned. It was such a wonderful read, and I can’t wait to see how Amanda and Andrew find their own way to a HEA.

<- Christmas Shopping for a BillionaireShopping for a CEO ->

Image source: Amazon

Christmas Shopping for a Billionaire by Julia Kent

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Christmas Shopping for a Billionaire
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Shopping for a Billionaire #5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

This is a nice, funny and light Christmas story. One with plenty of steam and yum. I mean, how could it not be with Declan and Shannon taking centre stage? A couple that is definitely unorthodox and has some dramas… but one that always ends with a happily ever after and a smile on my face.

I love how, although Shannon lost her job, she manages to continuously get sucked into some seriously questionable secret shopper moments. I mean, there haven’t been many in this series that she’s actually enjoyed. Or had much pleasure in achieving, so having her say yes, yet again… you know its going to be hilarious. And filled with nonsense that, quite honestly, no one should really deal with. The fact that Declan ends up going along with it just makes it all that much better.

Sexy Santa and how quickly it goes viral online and attracts, well, the desperate, was kind of hilarious. The fact that he’s paired with the busty elf (poor Shannon) had me outright laughing. I mean, how is that not a hilarious situation? Also a reminder of how damn… creepy some people can be in their pursuit of others.

As someone who has a toddler, I’m honestly dreading the days when I have to go line up so that she can have a picture with Santa. Partly because creepy. But also because of the sheer insanity of Christmas. This story just supports that feeling… seriously dreading that in the future.

<- Shopping for a Billionaire 4Shopping for a Billionaire’s Fiancée ->

Image source: Goodreads

Shopping for a Billionaire 4 by Julia Kent

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Shopping for a Billionaire 4
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Shopping for a Billionaire #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

I love that throughout this series, Shannon just seems to make one dopey mistake after another. None are really her fault, but they are still not necessarily great decisions… and mostly just have some not-so-great and very entertaining consequences. I get a little bit of a second-hand embarrassment from this, but mostly I just get pure and unadulterated joy and entertainment.

Although it’s the first five books in this series that are really that first major story arc, this fourth instalment kind of acted as a finale. The next book is more of a Christmas epilogue if I’m being honest. I love that Kent is able to not only resolve all of the issues throughout this, but also find a way to want you to keep diving into Shannon and Declan’s relationship.

There are a lot more epiphanies and truth-sharing than awkward moments throughout this story. At least in comparison to the first three. I like that some of those secrets are actually about Shannon’s mum and Declan’s dad. They give a little more context to the struggles that Declan and Shannon face. And also just remind us all that parents have a past that happened before they did – one that can still impact the future.

It’s nice to have the majority of the questions you’re left with at the end of Shopping for a Billionaire 3 tied up in a nice, neat bow at the end of this. Particularly, finding out just why Declan does such a full 180 on Shannon in a completely unexpected way. This story definitely gave me the feels and comfort to not just dive straight into the next book in this series (although I still want to).

<- Shopping for a Billionaire 3Christmas Shopping for a Billionaire ->

Image source: Amazon

Shopping for a Billionaire 3 by Julia Kent

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Shopping for a Billionaire 3
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Shopping for a Billionaire #3
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

I love that this moment in the courtship of Shannon and Declan starts with a date that almost ends in death. It’s a hell of a way to experience a first date and to find out about Shannon’s allergies. There are also a lot of bits of Declan’s past unravelling as they’re racing to salvage literally the worst date ever.

Declan and Shannon are working really well throughout this story (death-adjacent dates not withstanding). I mean, they manage to find a way to be close to one another and embrace their new love. That, and the fact that they are both falling in love with one another. It’s kind of sweet and cute. I definitely enjoyed the ride, and spent the whole time trying to figure out just what was about to go haywire – since there is one more Shopping for a Billionaire story before the titles and blurbs begin to change tone.

Steve is honestly still a knob throughout this. I mean, wow, what an annoying and horrible ex. Seriously, he manages to constantly be horrible and undermining towards Shannon, whilst still hinting that he wants to get back with her. Chaotic and horrible behaviour to begin with. Then, there’s the whole idea that he starts to act connivingly with Jessica and his horrible mother. I mean, how can you say you want to be with someone, but constantly work at undermining them? Bleugh, truly horrible.

Of course, with things that were working so damn well, it was inevitable that things were going to come crashing down. The fact that instead of having a huge, spectacular crash. But, instead one that is so damn ambiguous. I mean, it’s a misunderstanding and a lack of response to a text message. I can’t wait to find out just how bad the fall out is going to actually be from all of this.

<- Shopping for a Billionaire 2Shopping for a Billionaire 4 ->

Image source: Kobo

Shopping for a Billionaire 2 by Julia Kent

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Shopping for a Billionaire 2
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Shopping for a Billionaire #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

Following on from the first part of this story, this is really all about Shannon getting ready for her big date with Declan. And trying not to let that nagging voice in her head (which sounds much like her ex) from derailing the enjoyment she’s going to experience. It’s fun to get to experience the nerves along with her and how she deals with the anxiety that she’s experiencing.

Shannon’s family is legitimately insane. I really didn’t like her mother in Shopping for a Billionaire 1, but as the story unfolds and you get to know her better, she’s kind of growing on me. Maybe because she is just so damn comedic and, although kind of harmful in her actions, is also kind of well-meaning. She might not be the best or most supportive of mums, but she’s definitely one that I enjoyed reading about and getting to know better.

One thing I didn’t love about this (and is driving me to read the next instalment and quickly) is Steve. I mean, he’s a horrifying ex that is constantly, and actively trying to undermine Shannon. And now she’s agreed to go for dinner with him at some point? I mean, that just has disaster written all over it! Disaster that I’m incredibly excited for, but disaster nonetheless.

I love that there is heaps of anxiety and angst on the lead up to this story, but it actually doesn’t give you the peace of mind that you’re craving. Because this damn story finishes right as the couple are going on their first date. I mean, seriously?!?!?! Kent is just way too damn brilliant at leaving you wanting more with these stories…

<- Shopping for a Billionaire 1Shopping for a Billionaire 3 ->

Image source: Amazon

Shopping for a Billionaire 1 by Julia Kent

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Shopping for a Billionaire 1
Author: Julia Kent
Series: Shopping for a Billionaire #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chic lit, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

This is a very cute and quick novel. Also a very interesting way to start a series. Rather than having one long novel that features a couple in this contemporary romance, there are a series of four novellas that slowly show you how they get together. Almost like parts to a full-length novel. And I kind of dig it. It’s totally different, very unique and oh so much fun.

This is only the very beginning of the romance between Shannon and Declan – mostly it focuses on their Meet Cute moment and the insanity that follows this couple in their instant attraction. I mean there’s also their first, unofficial date and the complications of an ex thrown in. But, mostly I can’t move on from the damn hand in the toilet beginning to this relationship. Absolutely hilarious and kind of brilliant.

On finishing this story, two things really struck me. First, I really want to know just what is going to happen with Steve. I mean, he might just seem like a bit of an egotistical dumb-ass of an ex, but he’s going to be a pretty big problem I think – the kind of idiot that doesn’t like to lose and takes everyone down with him. Then, and this was the bit that I mostly focused on after finishing this, I thought about how absolutely delicious Declan and Shannon’s make out session is. I mean, seriously, deliriously yummy. And steamy… what a high note to end this story on.

Not only is this a wonderful and fun story, but it’s probably got the funniest and best Meet Cute that I have ever read. I mean, Shannon literally has her hand down a toilet, how can you not be hooked by that single moment? Now I can’t wait to read more about this unfolding relationship and the insanity that follows.

<- More Julia KentShopping for a Billionaire 2 ->

Image source: Amazon