Tag Archives: Susannah Nix

Intermediate Thermodynamics by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Intermediate Thermodynamics
Author: Susannah Nix
Series: Chemistry Lessons #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

Esther and Jeremy are a great opposites attract relationship. Plus, she’s also a strong, independent woman who works in STEM. With Jeremy working in the arts – a bit of a gender swap to what we more traditionally read about in romances. And I absolutely adored it. Like everything I read by Susannah Nix, I couldn’t put this down. It was such a wonderful adventure and I love that they both need to confront their issues.

Esther is kind of a prickly and harsh lead – I loved her, but even I found her harshness to be a little tough at times. Mostly because I tend to be the crazy person who loves with everything, whereas she struggles to show any kind of love. But, even with her prickly exterior, she’s also loyal and loving. Incredibly sweet, and capable of intense emotion.

Jeremy to contrast Esther works really well in that he is incredibly emotional. However, he does come across as a bit of a tool – mostly because he spends a lot of time mansplaining and being superior in his tastes. However, it very quickly becomes obvious that these behaviours come from his insecurities, not being an absolute fool. I did love that once he stops with the pretentious act, he was actually really lovely and definitely great boyfriend material.

I’m always a big fan of great female relationships in a book – even though Esther and Jinny have a massive fight. It’s not one that is about boys or any of that cliché. Rather, it is about their relationship with each other – and I honestly didn’t know which relationship I was more invested in. Probably Esther and Jinny because I love that there are women who will stick with each other through thick and thin.

Not only is this a great love story (both with Jeremy and Jinny), but it’s also a wonderful look at some of the sexism and inequality which women face in work. Particularly within the STEM fields. I also like that it’s not just the men that Esther has to contend with, but also her female boss falls into the trap of gender-based expectations. I love that Esther is able to weather all of the nonsense and come out better at the end. But, it was still a painful reminder of the crap women have to put up with on a daily basis.

<- Remedial Rocket ScienceAdvanced Physical Chemistry ->

Image source: Amazon

My Cone and Only by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: My Cone and Only
Author: Susannah Nix
Series: King Family #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Small town romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Reading this, it’s really obvious that Wyatt should’ve told Andie his feelings years ago when he first had them. Because, bleugh, so much angst and silliness. Plus, you know, the fact that he made decisions that weren’t actually great for his mental health because of the whole not telling her thing. However, then I wouldn’t have had the pleasure of reading this absolutely amazing story. One that was really, really cute and sweet. And that I enjoyed ridiculously. There’s a reason I’ve been loving Susannah Nix books.

Andie and Wyatt are that perfect friends to lovers, best friend’s brother trope. I love that they grew up together and had feelings for each other pretty much forever. Plus, there’s the whole keeping things secret drama that works perfectly. I mean, it leads to some bone headed moments from Wyatt, but that’s exactly what I love about reading romances – there are some doubtful moments that make you smile and appreciate the battles we all have to face over our own stupidity. Plus, the bone headed moments often remind me that I don’t actually make the dumbest decisions in the whole, wide world. Even if sometimes I don’t make the smartest decisions…

Even though there is a lot of external conflict (hiding the relationship, Andie’s brother, etc.) most of the conflict that threatens the relationship throughout this novel is actually Wyatt’s own issues. His self-confidence, which has been beaten down by his horrible father top the list. That, and the fact that others’ accidentally reinforce this idea. It made it a little bit sad to read in moments when he obviously doesn’t feel that he deserves to be loved and cared for. That, and the fact that his own self-confidence is what’s constantly holding him back in life in general. I love that Andie is quickly able to recognise this and help him find his own way in life and work towards some goals that he actually wants to accomplish.

My Cone and Only is the beginning of the King Family series, and I can’t wait to find out more about the King brothers. Particularly as the King patriarch is an absolute douche. And I look forward to finding out more about how his self-centred nature has negatively impacted his children. And how they all find their own happily ever afters to completely ignore his influence…

<- More Susannah NixCream and Punishment ->

Image source: Goodreads

Kilt to Order by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Kilt to Order
Author: Susannah Nix
Series: Kilt Trip #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

I loved, loved, loved this book! Which is no surprise because I have thus far loved all of the Susannah Nix books that I’ve read. This was a great, fun friends to lovers romance. The fact that the catalyst is Casey trying to lose her virginity and the pair of them making a somewhat unconventional pact made it all that much more enjoyable.

There was something kind of simple about this story while also being a little bit complicated. It’s a pretty easy read. But it still has such great character development that I wouldn’t call it a bland storyline. I mean, there’s a reason I’ve been loving Nix, and the very sweetness and predictableness of this storyline is EXACTLY why.

Normally I find stories that feature a virgin and discussions about virginity to be a little bit painful. But, again, Nix touches upon this wonderfully. Casey’s obsession with the concept is kind for frustrating. But in the way that it’s sucky that there is such a focus on the concept within society as a general rule. It was also nice that although their relationship started put with Casey being the vulnerable one, she manages to find her own confidence. And then she ends up being the one who is protective towards Gareth.

Quite often I find the male in a contemporary romance to be a bit of a bone head. Because, well, men can sometimes be incredibly dumb. But, where I would normally find Gareth’s ‘good guy’ hangups to be frustrating, I actually found myself liking him even more. Yeah, there’s still some wilful ignorance, but it’s kind of endearing.

I loved that this was a start to a new series. And I can’t wait to see who else of the amazing Highland Games cast will fall next. Now I just have to wait until Nix actually writes the next book!

<- More Susannah NixTBC ->

Image source: Amazon

Maybe This Christmas by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Maybe This Christmas
Author: Susannah Nix
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

It’s not all that often that I love the premise of a story, and then I end up loving the execution too. But the idea of a couple and their developing relationship over 10 years was already a great premise. The fact that it’s just the Christmas day every year that is written about… beautiful and seriously sweet. And, at this time of year, who doesn’t go gaga for a Christmas love story?

Not only is this a very cute Christmas story, it’s also a great coming of age tale. Alex and Lucas start out this story as two people leaving high school and on the cusp of adulthood. Although they actually get together in the first chapter, the whole story is honestly just about two people getting to know who they are. And then returning to one another.

I loved the tradition of a group of friends getting together every year at Christmas. The fact that over the 10 years of this story, each of the group still manage to find a way back every Christmas is beautiful. This might be a story about Alex and Lucas falling in love, but it’s also about all of the friendships along the way.

I absolutely adored this story. The uniqueness of taking one day a year and using that chapter to explain all of the happenings of the past year is great in and of itself. But the fact that this is also a really sweet coming of age romance made it all that much better. I’m definitely looking forward to rereading this next Christmas!

<- More Susannah NixMore Christmas ->

Image source: Goodreads

Lucky Star by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Lucky Star
Author: Susannah Nix
Series: Starstruck #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

This is a nice, cute and easy read. A fairly common (but still awesome trope) about a fake relation becoming something more. I love that they orchestrated this so seamlessly and there wasn’t quite as much angst as expected when they start moving towards something more. There’s a little of it (because otherwise it really wouldn’t be worth the read), but nowhere near as much drama as I expected.

I absolutely love that the lead female in this is honestly a total fan girl. I mean, she’s literally written blogs and fanfiction to him. But, instead of looking at him as the object of her fandom, she actually takes the time to get to know him. I love this switch and the way she is able to see past her enjoyment of his job to who he is as a man. And help him get over the abuses of his past.

Nix manages to beautifully deal with the realities that people (anyone) face when they are overcoming an abusive relationship. It is definitely a difficult journey. One that is still a work in progress at the end of this story. But one that has so much hope and enjoyment for the future. Nix is able to really work to remind you that there are all kinds of abuse, and they happen to EVERYONE. No preconceived notions.

This is yet another sweet and fantastic romance from Nix. It’s fun and easy to read. But also sweet, with just the right level of intensity to it that you can’t help but be obsessed. Plus, there’s also the great reminder that everyone has their hurdles to overcome. And relationships are all about finding a way move toward a better future together.

<- Rising StarMore Susannah Nix ->

Image source: Amazon

Rising Star by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Rising Star
Author: Susannah Nix
Series: Starstruck #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Another wonderful contemporary romance set on film sets by Susannah Nix. I love that it talks about the background people as part of an on-set acting crew. Although I watch a lot of TV (as many of us do), I’d never really thought about the background actors, those who say nothing and are just there to fill the set. I loved the insight into this that I had never thought about. And what it would actually be like to work on a TV show set. I love that Alice’s experiences with this are positive, and although some of the toxicity of fame is still highlighted in this novel, Alice’s experiences are overall quite positive. It was a nice little moment of brightness in a storyline that could have otherwise been a really tragic story, partly because of Alice’s backstory and her experiences in academia.

The fact that Rising Star features a woman who is trying to make her way in academia was wonderfully familiar, and not so wonderful in some ways. Alice’s battles within academia are seriously heartbreaking, and I spent a whole lot of this book wanting to reach out and give her an incredibly big hug. It may not be quite my own experience in academia, but it definitely had the effect of bringing up a whole lot of issues that are unresolved from my time in this field. You know that Nix is a good writer when the similarities (and dissimilarities) occur to make you feel some fairly potent emotions from your own experiences. Alright, so Alice’s experiences aren’t necessarily academia-based, their sexual harassment-based. But, considering the difficulties she faces and the potential backlash, it was pretty hard to read in moments. I also love that in this story she chooses not to come forwards – because of the horrors that we inflict upon victims of this total and utter crap. Alice’s points and reluctance are so realistic and what I know a lot of people experiences when in this, and similar positions.

Alice’s counterpart, Griffin, is definitely swoony (at least how I’m picturing him in my head). But he’s also a little bit, incredibly, self-centred. He spends most of this book focused on his own emotions, experiences and desires. And although he obviously cares for Alice from fairly early on, it’s only when the consequences get pretty intense that he actually decides to stop and think about someone else. Relationships aren’t exactly healthy when one person is focused on their own needs and desires, to the detriment of the other’s feelings. Luckily, and because this is just an all-round awesome romance, he grows and is able to seriously stop and consider where exactly he’s gone wrong. I loved imagining at the conclusion of this book the growth that Griffin is able to continue to go through with Alice’s help.

Although this is an amazing slow-burn romance, for me Taco frequently stole the show. Which, admittedly, pretty much always happens for me when a dog is involved. I love how it is through a dog that two people are able to so strongly bond – probably because I just love dogs in general. There are a number of misunderstandings and mistakes along the way, but ultimately, this is a wonderful and adorable novel that I look forward to reading again and again. Not just for the romance, but also for the many Taco moments throughout.

<- Fallen StarLucky Star ->

Image source: Goodreads

Mad About Ewe by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Mad About Ewe
Author: Susannah Nix, SmartyPants Romance
Series: Common Threads #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I really like reading romances that feature an older couple. It definitely seems that the older I get, the older I want my protagonists to be (which makes total sense). Dawn and Mike might be a little bit older than I had kind of anticipated / desired, but they still fit that happy space in which I had older protagonists that made me happy. Plus, Dawn literally opens her own yarn store… something that I most definitely can see myself doing later in life.

There are a number of quite intense themes of moments throughout this novel. Starting with Dawn’s health scare and the crisis that she deals with. She may not have the best of responses to making sure that she gives those around her the benefit of the doubt, but I can also completely understand where she’s coming from. Spun throughout the romance that builds between her and Mike, it gives a far more realistic backdrop to the ways in which we have to negotiate romance in adulthood. Although, that may just be because health scares seem to be a fairly common occurrence within my life.

Mike is a pretty good lead. There is something to be said about people moving on from the past. High school is a weird time that seems to stick with all of us. But for some, it’s a time that they never move on from. I love how all throughout, Mike is kind of ashamed of who he was in high school (as I think we all are to some degree). But, the fact that he was a jock and popular doesn’t make him feel like revisiting his heyday. In fact, his past with Dawn is something that he actively regrets. It made me love him all that much more.

This is my second Susannah Nix book, and I must say, I am most definitely in love. Her characters are wonderfully relatable, and the story line just way too lovely and relatable. That, and the fact that the protagonists in this aren’t quite what fits the normal mould for romantic comedies that I’m used to. I’ll definitely continue to fill my shelves with her works, and keep smiling my goofy smile as I devour them…

<- More Smartypants RomanceGive Love a Chai ->

Image source: Goodreads

Fallen Star by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Fallen Star
Author: Susannah Nix
Series: Starstruck #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

This is the second book in an absolutely adorable series, and it’s just encouraging me to read more and more within this world. I mean, I’m absolutely falling in love with Nix’s writing, but I’m probably also just, in general, becoming more and more enamoured with the world created in the Starstruck series. Mostly because they’re all just so damn cute. And they wonderfully investigate issues of self worth, and the persona we show the world versus our actual self.

I love how a simple mistaken impression and prejudice completely derails a relationship from the very beginning of this story. A stupid comment made in a moment not only screws with the relationship between Scott and Grace. But it also pretty seriously messes with Scott. Not only is this story all about them both overcoming their initial impressions to find a way to work. But, it is also, very much, about Scott learning how to overcome his own nonsense.

Nix does a fantastic job of dealing with mental health and addiction. She does this in a way that is beautifully relatable and accessible. Scott’s battles are so heartbreaking in moments. Particularly later in the story when he acts as his own worst enemy. Recovering from addiction is a constant journey, one that takes an immense amount of willpower. Nix also reminds us that it is an ongoing battle. For some people, mental health never leaves, but is our constant companion. And that is okay.

This was a brilliant cover to cover read when I was having a bad night. Whilst it deals with some pretty serious issues, it’s also just incredibly cute and adorable. Honestly, an incredibly easy read. With just enough drama and emotion, without making me literally grip the edge of my seat. Seriously enjoyable.

<- Star BrightRising Star ->

Image source: Goodreads

Star Bright by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Star Bright
Author: Susannah Nix
Series: Starstruck #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

This is one of the few stories lately where I actually read the blurb. So I was wondering how the Meet Cute was going to work between the two leads. The fact that it started with a panic attack and just spiraled deliciously from there… it definitely left me with all of the happy feelings.

Kimberleigh was fun as a lead. She was incredibly neurotic and had so many issues. But she was also adorable and I fell completely in love with her throughout the whole story. I particularly liked joining her in her journey when she started to acknowledge and deal with her shit.

Spencer is also completely adorable. I love how he spends the whole time trying to find ways to support Kimberleigh. He does have a few horrible habits in his past, but he’s willing to change. I like how Kimberleigh’s comments make him stop and think about his actions and decisions. Particularly that hot topic of always asking female actors about their damn underwear!

This is my third Susannah Nix novel. And the third beginning to a new series on my shelves. And, as with the others, I fell completely in love. This was just too cute and a whole lot of fun.

<- More Susannah NixFallen Star ->

Image source: Goodreads

Remedial Rocket Science by Susannah Nix

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Remedial Rocket Science
Author: Susannah Nix
Series: Chemistry Lessons #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

I both liked and disliked the fact that Nix starts off this book with a trigger warning in the front. It’s great, because you don’t want to read something that might trigger you. But it also made me feel a little hesitant about reading this, because I didn’t know if I would be triggered by said triggers. Plus, at the core of it all, I really hate stories in which infidelity is rewarded. Personally for me, I find it to be a pretty big moral line that shouldn’t be crossed. Having said that, once I got into this story… I found that those “triggers” within the warning were so damn minimal that I wasn’t bothered in the slightest.

I’m going to be honest, it took me a little while to get my head around the timeline. I must have missed the three years ago heading in the first chapter, so I was wondering what was going on when the time jumped. But, I put that entirely down to my own brain lately. Once I got into the swing of things though, I found this book impossible to put down. In fact, I pulled an all-nighter to finish this. Which was bad, but also, oh so good. As soon as the dynamic between Melody and Jeremy starts to make a bit more sense, this became one of my favourite reads in a while. It just took a little while to get going.

I really enjoyed the many geeky references throughout this book. You can tell that Nix has many geeky interests and there were so many comments littered throughout. It wasn’t anything overwhelming, and if you’re not a fan of things such as Star Wars you wouldn’t pick up on it. They were lovely little moments and easter eggs that I will probably find more of on another read through. I know next to nothing about Susannah Nix, but reading this, I want to find out more.

Jeremy and Melody are a lovely couple, but it was the girl-friendship with Lacey that I really got into. Lacey is something intense and completely unexpected. Especially after the first meeting with her. It’s nice that whilst this is a story about Melody falling in love and finding her forever person, it’s also about settling into a new city. And, something I still haven’t figured out, how to make friends as an adult…

<- More Susannah NixIntermediate Thermodynamics ->

Image source: Kobo