4 ⭐️

I love a summer romance book! I’m always a little weary on the “falling in love with your best friend’s brother” trope, but this book wasn’t as cringy as I thought it would be. I admit how Felix and Lucy met was very quick and straight to the point, but I get that it was important for the plot. It was one of those love at first sight meetings, but also not. They had a couple of years where they got to know each other more, but also try to figure out their feelings for each other. I did find it annoying sometimes when Lucy would try to stay away from him, but immediately fold when Felix was anywhere near her. However, I get that’s to show how her and Felix always have this electrical connection for each other and that they inevitably end up together.

I’m glad though that they didn’t jump into their relationship right away. Yes they did have that short dating stint there around Bridget’s wedding, but I’m glad they decided to take some space away from each other to grow on their own and especially for Lucy, figure out life for herself by taking less work and who she is without the Clark siblings around. When she jumped on the idea to move to PEI, I knew it was a bad idea. It’s like she wanted to replace Bridget’s absence with Felix that way she wouldn’t be alone and sad. So even though it was sad, I’m glad they took a few months apart and then gradually started their relationship again.

Lucy and Bridget’s friendship is admirable and so intertwined that I really didn’t know how Lucy was going to cope when she found out that Bridget is moving to Australia. Their friendship showed that love is just more than romance. If I were Lucy, I would’ve been so annoyed if my best friend made me drop everything in my life and string me along for a couple of days because she was scared to tell her secret. So props to Lucy for not getting too mad about it, but I guess that’s why I find their friendship admirable. They are both willing to do anything for the other, even if there are consequences in their own lives that can happen.

Fortune is always so good at writing beach romance books that can help readers escape from reality. She wants me to take a vacation all the time to these different places. She also reminds me that it’s ok to take a breather from reality once in awhile to clear your mind and hopefully, create beautiful decisions that will lead to the happiest moments of your life.

3.8 ⭐️

I liked the uniqueness in the fantasy concept of this book. It’s usually faeries, dragons, and gods but this book focuses on magical cards and that the bearer of the cards gets significant magic, depending on the card.

But I felt like things were being left undone and unexplained. The plot was a little fast like there could’ve been more details about Elspeth’s childhood, more details about many characters’ past, and more of an introduction into this whole world of fantasy. So many questions that need to be answered: why do Ione and Prince Hauth have a bad relationship, why is Ione trying to cover for Elspeth, what actually happened to the Shepherd King, etc. I hope these questions are answered in the next book.

I also feel like Ravyn and Elspeth’s chemistry kinda just happened out of nowhere, I would’ve liked more of a slow burn. Overall, a unique plot, but a little too fast-paced and it could’ve been more detailed.

3.7 ⭐️

A cute little romance book! I think it tapped into my dream of a hot athlete falling in love with me so that’s why I liked it! I also liked that Zanders isn’t actually an asshole, but a softie. A girl who doesn’t care about money who is just herself and ends up with the most popular guy in hockey may seem like a cheesy storyline, but it’s cute. Like we all knew that Zanders would win the Stanley Cup in the end and that Zanders and Stevie would end up together, but it’s always good to read a feel good romance story once in awhile.

I liked how they also included good causes that both Zanders and Stevie supports. Mental health and old senior dogs? How much more wholesome do you need? They also spoke about body insecurity and hearing it from people close to you is relatable for many people unfortunately, myself included. I’m glad Stevie was able to persevere in the end and broke connections with people who were bringing down and trying to repair her relationship with her mom. Overall, a good cute and spicy romance book!