[70] The Happy Ever After Playlist (The Friend Zone #2) by Abby Jimenez
Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy, next in series, Kindle

Synopsis: Two years after the devastating loss of her fiancé, Sloan is still struggling to move on, until a stray dog unexpectedly jumps into her car. Caring for the dog gives her a new sense of purpose, and when she can’t reach the dog’s owner, she decides to keep him. But when the owner, Jason, finally contacts her after a hiking trip in New Zealand, he wants his dog back. As they reconnect, their casual flirting turns into something more when they meet in person.

Review: I was really enjoying where this book was headed. Sloan and Jason’s chemistry was fantastic, especially their playful banter. The story got even more exciting when she discovered he was a famous musician. But then the time jumps felt a bit jarring and disconnected. I understand they were meant to show important parts of their journey, but the dark moment, its resolution, and the epilogue all left me feeling a bit confused, and seemed a bit too unrealistic. I know, I know, it’s a romance. Ha.

Recommend? Nah

[71] Nobody’s Perfect by Sally Kilpatrick
Fiction / Romance / Contemporary, Kindle First Reads book, Kindle

Synopsis: Vivian Quackenbush is stunned when she cleans out her husband’s sock drawer and discovers divorce papers. After nearly 25 years of marriage, with their only son off to college and plans to move, this bombshell sends her spiraling. Turning to her cheesy MomScout YouTube channel for solace, she starts sharing her emotional journey online. One of her videos goes viral, and she becomes obsessed with monetizing it and landing sponsorships, causing her to alienate friends and family in the process

Review: First, what a horrible last name for a character. Second, I was definitely hate reading this. This entire book was so cringe. I think it was meant to be a story about Vivian rediscovering herself and learning to do things for her own sake after years of serving her husband and son, but the journey to get there was one I didn’t want to take with her. Her obsession with YouTube, filming, and documenting everything just felt so ick to me.

Recommend? Hell no

[72] Cruel Winter with You (Under The Mistletoe Collection #1) by Ali Hazelwood
Holiday / Romance, saw collection on Kindle Unlimited, Kindle

Synopsis: Jamie is back home in Illinois for the holidays, and sets out on foot in a blizzard to borrow a roasting pan from her childhood best friend’s family. But when she arrives, it’s Marc, her friend’s little brother, who answers the door. Marc’s had a thing for Jamie for as long as he can remember, holding off on making a move until he’d ‘made it’ as a tech billionaire. When he finally tried, though, Jamie turned him down. Now, with the power out and no way to leave, they’re stuck together and forced to face the past.

Review: This is a short story I finished in under an hour on the train. Did it keep me entertained for that hour? Sure. Did I care at all about these characters? Not really. Some short stories I’ve read do a great job getting you invested and setting everything up in limited words but this one didn’t.

Recommend? No