 Author: Julia Quinn Pages: 354 Overall: 5/5 Setting: 4/5 Characters: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Cheers Factor: 4/5 Pairing: Say You love Me I think this drink is sweet and innocent and just the way that young love should be. I think it feels representative of the love that our protagonists eventually share in the novel and how it’s naive, precious and innocent before it becomes all consuming and a whirlwind affair that is true love and romance. Ingredients -2oz Gin -1 1/2oz lemon juice -1/2oz raspberry syrup -½ cup equal parts water and sugar with half a cult of raspberries bring to boil until fully combined strain out solids and voila raspberry simple -egg white -ice Instructions -Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice -Shake well -Strain into Coupe glass or glass of choice -Enjoy responsibly  Take a Shot: Anthony Bridgerton is the eldest of the Bridgerton siblings making him Viscount Bridgerton as his father died many years ago. Anthony took his fathers death quite hard and was barely able to watch his mother and her grief over the loss of the love of her life. Henceforth, Anthony has sworn off finding love in marriage and he’s now wanting to choose a suitable woman that checks his boxes so that he may fulfill his duty as Viscount by marrying and starting a family and dying young just like his father. However, love may just be right around the corner in the most unlikely of places.
“But love was the enemy of a dying man.” Setting I love the way that Quinn romanticizes Regency era London. Do not get me wrong I don’t think my ideal concept is using a chamber pot and having to use candlelight in order to do anything after dark. Truly Edison inventing the lightbulb is one invention I cherish in the modern day. That aside though I do love the way that we get to see the lives of these lovely and wealthy aristocratic characters at these lovely extravagant parties and balls. It makes the era seem like one you want to live in when in reality I would likely have been sleeping in a maid’s quarters instead of sleeping in a feather bed dreaming of the next masquerade. Characters I really do love the chance to get to see more of Anthony and being introduced to Kate. I like their enemies to lovers aspect we have going on. It’s a fun little vibe for them. I think the television adaptation took it and really ran with it, but I do appreciate that the book was a little more romantic in that it was quite clear they really did have feelings that were forming and we got to see them aside from just like huffing and puffing. “And there was Kate Sheffield. The bane of his existence. And the object of all his desires. All at once.” Plots and Themes I love a scandal and having to get married because of that. I think that was the best part of this book. Not to say that it hasn’t happened similarly in this series, but being caught by ones own mother is quite comedic and funny. It’s also nice that they aren’t particularly thrilled about being hitched to one another. I also loved the nuances that were there like Anthony comforting Kate during the thunderstorm. That was left out of the television adaptation for god knows what reason and it’s one of my favorite scenes of the entire book. I also really enjoyed that Edwina was quite literally not interested in the Viscount. In the show it seemed preposterous that sisters who are so close would have one not tell the other she’s in love with the man courting her sister and the other so blithely unaware of their feelings that they waited until they were at the altar to notice? But what do I know? “And it was stunning how he wanted to be the one to make her feel better.” Overall I really liked this book. I’ve said this about Bridgerton books before emphatically out loud and in reviews, but I love a good HEA (Happily Ever After) that you know is an HEA. There’s something really satisfying about reading a 300-400 page book and knowing what you are getting into. As someone who reads a lot of long series with twists and turns it was pleasantly surprising to find myself enjoying the predictability of the story lines. “And Anthony, who’d only just learned what it was to love, learned what it was to die inside. Reasons to Raise a Glass: Smut is good, Anthony is a good protagonist so is Kate, plays well with the series and is a great second novel proving Quinn can produce similar content without feeling repetitive Too Strong: Why are the main characters so silly and won’t admit they love one another? Personal preference it just bothers me Warning spoilers ahead if you click read more. Proceed at your own risk.
0 Comments
 Author: Julia Quinn Pages: 384 Overall: 4/5 Setting: 4/5 Characters: 4/5 Plot and Themes: 4/5 Cheers Factor: 4/5 Pairing: Tea in the Drawing Room Ingredients 2 oz gin 1 English breakfast tea bag ½ oz Lemon juice ½ oz Simple syrup Club soda Ice Instructions -Take gin and pour into glass and steep english breakfast tea bag in it -Let steep for half an hour -Combine infused gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and ice into a shaker -Strain into chilled glass -Top with club soda -Enjoy responsibly  “Simon caught her gaze, his eyes burning hot and intense into hers. A warning bell sounded in his mind. He wanted her.”
Take a Shot: Daphne is not the diamond in the start of her **third season being out** and is always seen as the friend. That is until a handsome Duke shows up in London who is also friends with her brother. He and Daphne devise a plan to pretend to have an attachment and as the best laid plans always go…they go awry. “If Anthony isn’t a rake, I pity the woman who meets the man who is.” Setting I love a period piece. I will never not like a period piece and will always feel fondy of them. That being said I read this after the lovely television adaptation by the incredible Shonda Rhimes so I love the setting in fiction. In reality it was a lot smellier and far less glamorous that we make it seem on the big screen. Nonetheless regency era London still sounds like fun if you were one of the ton and got to live in lavish mansion style homes with endless balls to attend in the lavish homes of your friends. Characters I really love Daphne and the Duke. I have to admit I liked their characters equally to the television adaptation which is hard to do. I think their slight variances in their story make them likeable in different ways. I think the books are obviously better because I love the character development we get when we see in both Daphne and Simon’s heads and getting to watch the events of their relationship unfold from their respective perspectives. Plot and Themes I think this book is a perfect example of a mass market paperback that is successful. I found such utte renjoyment out of a simple plot, that did have some unexpected turns, that was quick and easy. There is something to be said about reading a 300 some odd page book and getting a lovely bow on top at the end. I’ve made many a tik tok about this but it’s so rewarding. We get minimal investment, 300 pages, for a happy ending. That’s not to say an 8 book series across multiple thousand pages is not amazing but it’s so wonderful to just read a nice book with a nice easy plot. Overall I really liked this book. It was easy to read and easy to get invested in. It was also easy to read a chapter and put it down then pick it back up a day or two later. While that is contradictory to my reading goal for the year, it’s nice to not feel so pulled in by a book that I can’t breathe without reading it. I think a balance of a book like this one with one like House of Sky and Breath is vital and this one was necessary to break up my routine. “I just don’t know whether to thank you or throttle you.” Too Strong - I know a lot of people take issue with Daphne taking advantage of the Duke and I don’t disagree. I negatievley support non consensual relationships, however, I do recognize that it was a different era and truthfully Daphne’s lack of knowledge about a lot of things can be seen as equally as bad. Sending a woman into a marriage not knowing what to expect is so dangerous because who is to say her husband is to be righteous and honorable in the interaction. I think in this story it is easy to see that as the sole transgression, but I think overall as it is a period piece we must all reflect on the progress that has been made not only for women, but for consent in all forms as well. Reasons to Raise a Glass- I love seeing inside the heads of our characters. It takes what we see on the silver screen and in my opinion amplifies it and expands upon it in ways that only literature can.  Author: Kiera Cass Pages: 336 Overall: 4.5/5 Setting: 4.5/5 Characters: 4/5 Plot and Themes: 4.5/5 Cheers Factor: 4.5/5 Pairing: Something Blue I thought this cocktail matched the cover. I also think it’s a cute reference to marriage as the Selection is a competition with the ultimate goal being marriage to a prince and a future at being Queen. So we have something blue.  Ingredients
-2oz vodka -1oz blue curacao -1oz lime -2.5oz cranberry juice -ice -lime wheel for garnish Instruction -Combine all liquid ingredients in a shake with ice -Strain into glass of choice -Garnish with lime wheel -Enjoy responsibly Take a Shot: America Singer is a 5. That makes her an artist in the Caste system of Illea. She’s musically driven whether it be through instruments or singing. However, because they are artists, they are unfortunately on the poorer end of society. They are far from being eights but much further from being ones. That is until the Selection begins because Prince Maxon Shreave is now of age for a bachelor style competition where women from different castes compete for his heart. America’s whole world changes when she herself is chosen and she’s taken on the journey of a lifetime. "I needed to hate him right now. That anger would keep me going." Setting I do really love Illea. And I really love the palace and America’s family home. I think there’s a really great mixture of contemporary technology and scenery. We get to see the palace and we see our ladies travel by air. I really love the way the palace is laid out as well and the ways that the women get to wander around the entirety of the scenery. Characters I’ve read this title several times and when I first read this I really think I fell in love with the characters. But I was also in early high school so take it with a grain of salt. I do still love the characters, but I think with a more mature presence I dislike aspects of them more and am able to pick out flaws in them more easily. I do really love them, but I think they have some flat aspects that lead me to feel they aren’t real people. At least in this first novel. Plots and Themes I love the bachelor-esque inclusion with a class system. I really think this is an incredible plot and theme concept. I’m not a huge fan of the “she’s not like other girls” trope which is seems America follows. It’s almost like we are trying too hard to make every female main character so far from the normal, when really she is just normal? I don’t know it really felt like Cass was trying to make America a Katniss. However, I think overall, I really liked the plots and I am a sucker for this trope even though I’d like to see something else reflected in popular works of contemporary literature. Overall This is one of my favorite series and this being the first one leads me to obviously like it. I’m very protective over this series as well. I read them in a very formative time in my life and I felt very attached so naturally as an adult they are near and dear to me. I’m a big girl, but I’m still young at heart and I don’t think I will ever be convinced that this is not one of my favorite series. Too Strong: “ShE’s Not LiKe OtHer GirLs.” trope Reasons to Raise a Glass: The bachelor plot line "After all this, I can only imagine what it would be like to see you actually try." Warning spoilers ahead if you click read more. Proceed at your own risk.  Author: Katee Robert Pages: 380 Overall: 3.5/5 Setting: 4/5 Characters: 3/5 Plot and Themes: 3/5 Cheers Factor: 3.5/5 Pairing: Where Darkness Meets the Light This cocktail is super simple and has literally two ingredients, but the flavors all work really well together. It’s essentially a gin and soda with mango. Plus it has this really vibrant color contrast that reminds me of neon signs and I felt it worked really well with this title. Ingredients -1.5 oz empress gin -¾ of a can of Mango Bubbly -ice Instructions -Fill a short glass with ice -Add in bubbly leaving enough room for the gin -Using a stirring spoon gently layer the gin on top -Enjoy responsibly  Take a shot: What if the greek gods lived today and Olympus was a place here on earth? What if Hades used a cellphone and had a Christian Grey style of interests? Well look no further you get all the spice with this Hades and Persephone retelling.
Setting Truly this was the best aspect of the novel. I think the setting was very interesting, setting up Hades as simply being in the lower city as the designation of Hell instead of traditional ways of showing where he resides. I also think the setting was very easy to see and create in my head. Characters I did like the characters oddly more than I do usually in this genre. However, I was quite annoyed with the repetition of things the characters did. I’m not a huge fan of the damsel concept anyway and it was so present in this. Like Persephone constantly needing to be taken care of by Hades because she forgets to eat or walks too long and over tires herself? It felt a little condescending and almost manufactured. I know everyone wants to be taken care of that way, but it just felt grating a little. Plots and Themes There was a real plot with a beginning, middle and end. That was a great addition because again in this genre plots can sometimes fall a little flat. I wish we had more resolution with the mother storyline, but I know there’s going to be more installments. I also wish there had been a little more elaboration on a number of small moments. It would have truly made a difference and I’m curious as to what future installments will bring. Overall This was a pleasant and quick read that I liked. It was an easy read and was paced well enough that I felt invested in the characters. Overall, I really liked it and will be reading future installments. Too strong - The character traits of neglectful damsel and overprotective male love interest Raise a Glass - Exhibitionism, dark and broody love interest, his name is Hades Warning spoilers ahead if you click read more. Proceed at your own risk.  Author: Colleen Hoover Pages: 385 Overall: 4/5 Setting: 3/5 Characters: 4/5 Plot and Themes: 3.5/5 Cheers Factor: 4/5 Pairing: Self Love "I love it when the sky makes me feel insignificant." Ingredients -1 oz St. Germain -1/2 oz lemon juice -1 oz Empress Gin - Prosecco -ice Instructions - Combine St. Germain, lemon juice and gin in a shaker with ice -Shake and strain into a coupe glass -Top with prosecco -Enjoy responsibly  Setting
I like the big city setting we get in this novel. I personally have never been to Boston, but I do feel like I romanticize the idea of living in a big city as a young person. I also loved the way it wasn't detracting from the story and it didn’t take away from the quintessential plot line. Characters I think the way that the characters are written is very interesting. The flashbacks to see the old relationship versus the new relationship are very intriguing in the way that time is shown passing between present day and the past. I think it helps to give the characters growth and experiences without having to genuinely witness it. Plots and Themes This is such a deep book that totally hit me out of left field. I did not know anything going in to this book and it did indeed take me by surprise. It felt very similar to when I read In Five Years and it was a hard hitting in the same way. Overall It has taken me a few days to truthfully come around to liking it. And by a few days I mean a couple of weeks. I think at first, this novel felt very triggering for a multitude of reasons and then I began to respect it as I continued to reflect. I think my heart hurt a lot and processing that was very difficult. Too Strong - check trigger warnings before reading Reasons to raise a glass - painful, but in a good way "Just because someone hurts you doesn't mean you can simply stop loving them." Warning spoilers ahead. Proceed at your own risk.  Author: Sarah J. Maas Pages: 689 Overall: 5/5 Setting: 5/5 Characters: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Cheers Factor: 5/5 Pairing: Unwitting Pawn Let me tell you, this drink packs a huge punch. It hits just about as hard as this book did and it’s perfect for all the crying you will do. I think everyone at the end of this book deserves at least 1-5 of these bad boys. This is a brutal one and definitely not a cocktail and it’s the first of it’s kind here at cheers. I’m sure this book feels great about itself in the fact that it is the one bestowed the honor of being the first shot on here. “She’d been in love with him for a while now. Longer than she wanted to admit.” Ingredients -1 oz St. Germain -1 oz limoncello -prosecco -frozen raspberries Instructions -Combine all liquid ingredients in a coupe glass -Skewer 2-3 raspberries on a cocktail skewer and add to glass -Enjoy responsibly  “Love had broken a perfect killing tool.”
Take a Shot: The King of Adarlan is dead and Erawan is rising and rallying his forces in hopes to snuff out both Aelin and Dorian and anyone who would fight with or for them. This fast paced novel follows our beloved cast of characters as they race against time to gather the necessary tools, allies and resources to finally face the evil Valg King Erawan once and for all. Full of plot twists and heartbreak this one is sure to have you rushing to grab the final two novels. “‘One of us has to live, Dorian.’” Setting WE FINALLY GET TO SEE TERRASEN. Okay well part of it and that’s enough for me for now. We also finally get to see a lot of the parts of the world that are hinted at or mentioned throughout so much of the series. We get Skull’s Bay, which arguably yes we have already seen in Assassin’s Blade, but it feels different now somewhat better because we are there for a very different reason this go around. We also get to see Eyllwe which is all kinds of emotions swirling in one. I love the traveling nature of this book because the setting informs so much of the plot and that keeps things ridiculously interesting. “‘It is not such a hard thing, is it - to die for your friends.’” Characters This book is so full of characters scheming and it’s wonderful. It’s hard to talk about this without giving away spoilers because this novel is explosive and magnificent, but the characters all really guard secrets and act like a court more than ever and that’s a magical thing. We start to finally see the bonds the characters have with each other and their willingness to sacrifice so much for each other and the cause. While I always gush about the characters, their friendships and bonds in this novel are what have brought me humbly to my knees. “‘I wanted to go to Perranth with you.’” Plots and Themes Sarah is a GENIUS. I don’t know if I would have guessed all that is revealed in this book, particularly some major plot points. Obviously the second time around I was rewarded with all the nuances of the plot that quite plainly spell out what is going to happen, but all I can say is damn. This book, to this day, is still one of the best books I’ve ever read. I don’t say that lightly and I don’t say it without conviction. I love the manner that the plot is slowly unfolded and revealed and not in the way a cheesy mystery novel is. Information is given when it is purposeful and necessary which makes the ending work so well for it. The plot of this novel is truly the shining star and I think it’s the strongest plot wise of the entire series to be honest. I know long after my first read I would discuss the plot of this novel with friends constantly. It’s by far one of the best crafted fantasy plots I’ve seen in a while. “‘None of you are being taken prisoner.’ Aelin growled.” Overall I just love this book. Even on my second read I cried at all the same parts and laughed at the same ones. The inevitable end really gets you in a tizzy because it is tough and hurts. It really does. I do think this is the best book of the series thus far. Truly Heir of Fire is great, but this one really comes for your throat with iron nails (haha see what I did there? iykyk). I would recommend this series to anyone if only so they could read the series until this book. And at that rate they will obviously finish it because the cliff hanger will make you. Too Strong: How many times must we tell all the characters they are not expendable? One or a hundred more times might be necessary, but it’s aggravating (in a good way?) Reasons to Raise a Glass: CLEVER PLOTS - I absolutely and unequivocally love clever plots. I love feeling rewarded for paying attention and this book does just that. I cannot tell you my astonishment in the manner of weaving that was done with this story. I just can’t and you have to read it so we can sit in awe together. “'Bring her home.'” Beware spoilers ahead. Read on/click read more at your own risk.  Author: Sarah J. Maas Pages: 648 Overall: 4.5/5 Setting: 4/5 Characters: 4.5/5 Plot and Themes: 4.5/5 Cheers Factor: 4/5 Pairing: Apple Ale I always feel like this is what you would drink in a shoddy run down pub in Rifthold? It’s definitely far too yummy for that, but a girl can dream. I imagine this is what Arobynn was drinking the night Celaena showed up to see him that first night back in Rifthold. Ingredients -1 ½ oz vodka -1 ½ oz apple cider -ginger beer -caramel sauce -ice -apple slice Instructions -Add vodka and apple cider to a copper mule mug and caramel sauce (about a good squeeze of the bottle) and stir -Add in ice once other ingredients are combined specifically the caramel sauce -Top with ginger beer and garnish with optional apple wedges -Enjoy responsibly  Take a shot: All our characters find themselves back in Rifthold as things are becoming very dire, very quickly. It quickly goes from dangerous to lethal as dark forces continue to work against our heroes and their fight to reclaim thrones, save friends and make a better world.
“For her friends, for her family, she would gladly become a monster.” Setting We are back in Rifthold and we don’t really get my time outside of it which is again why I’m back to four stars. I again think it is magical, but we’ve already seen it and we’ve seen what Sarah can do and I know it could have been more. I do love the addition of the illegal market under the streets of Rifthold and we obviously get more of Manon in the Ferian Gap and Elide down in Morath. Characters We get to meet the remainder of our gang of characters that we will hang out with for a long while. We get Nesryn the human woman fighting for a nation and a people she doesn’t feel entirely tied to. We get Lysandra the courtesan that’s full of surprises, but loyal beyond belief. We get to finally meet Arobynn and see just how ruthless he can be. And we get all the reunions that we have anticipated from the beginning. This book is my favorite for the characters to be honest and the way we bring in all the players that will play a role as we continue watching them fight against the evil powers of the Valg. Plots and Themes We get to really see scheming Aelin for the first time and it’s truly magical. She just does crazy things and sets wheels in to motion that play a huge role weeks later. How Sarah comes up with it all I do not know, but the connectedness of every event is truly amazing. I also love the way this books story as a whole is told. It’s a real turning point in the war that has been brewing for years and the events of this novel make it even more inevitable. It really solidifies the stance of every character and just what they all stand to lose. It’s also got some good action and good fighting. And we get sexual tension which I love because we have had minimal at best up until this point. Do not fight me on this you know what I’m talking about with the gold nightgown. Overall This is the best installment of books yet. However, it does not get the 5/5 stars its predecessor received for two small reasons. One being the setting and two being the frustrating shifts between characters. We are introduced to the storytelling format Maas uses in Heir of Fire and it’s more bearable in that book, but by this one we are so invested in the story and events with one character that it feels jarring to have to jump back and forth. It’s a great incentive to read the novel in one sitting, but frustrating nonetheless. However, not frustrating in a bad way? I just want to know what happens and patience isn’t a virtue of mine. My reasoning behind the lower rating is more of a personal preference and a genuine lack of patience. I tend to google the endings of books when they get this way. I still read them all the way through, but it for some reason makes me less restless. I did not do that with this one, but was darn near tempted. Too Strong: Perspective/character shifts, Sweet baby Dorian Reasons to Raise a Glass: STRONG FEMALE CHARACTERS - I say this a lot, but what’s so beautiful about this ensemble cast of women is their genuine depth. None of them feels flat which is a feat given how many of them there are. They are all such nuanced and full characters that it, at times, can be overwhelming to not feel they are real and truly someone you know. Their motivations are clear and their histories and backgrounds laid out for you to see plainly. I don’t know how Sarah did it in these books given the sheer scale of characters she has, but it totally works and she gets all my admiration for it. “‘What if we go on,’ he said, ‘only to more pain and despair? What if we go on only to find a horrible end waiting for us? Aelin looked northward, as if she could see all the way to Terrasen. ‘Then it is not the end.’” Beware spoilers beyond this point. Read on/click Read More at your own risk.  Author: Sarah J. Maas Pages: 565 Overall: 5/5 Setting: 5/5 Characters: 5/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Cheers Factor: 5/5 Pairing: Fire Blood This little concoction is unassuming and really hits you when you least expect it. I made it while hosting some friends and it was a hit. “I sent her to do what needs to be done.” Ingredients 1 ½ oz tequila ½ oz lime juice ½ oz grapefruit juice 1 topo chico Grenadine Lime wedge Instructions -Pour out around 3 ounces of topo chico (just below the emblem below the neck of the bottle) -Add tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit juice to topo chico bottle and shake gently to combine ingredients -Add enough grenadine to give a red tint (will seem sort of ombre due to the layering) -Add lime wedge for optional garnish -Enjoy responsibly  “A boy in love with a wildfire - or believing he was in love with one.”
Setting I love that we get to finally see outside of Adarlan. We get to see Wendlyn while Celaena is sent on a mission. I also think that this is the book that really gives a lot more world building because we also get introduced to Morath and the Ferian Gap. Characters This book introduces us to a deeper level of characters than we were used to. We get to really see how the events of the previous two novels have truly dug so deeply into the souls of our characters and its impossible not to love them for being so vulnerable and human. I also love the introduction of our new fae warrior prince. I also love the addition of Aedion the Ashryver prince and cousin to Aelin Galathynius. He’s such an incredible add to the stories with Chaol and Dorian and I really love it a lot Plots and Themes I love the idea of healing presented for Celaena in this book as well as the journey that now involves both Chaol and Dorian. Everyone in this book starts to really feel the pain and the suffering that is to come and can truly feel the impending war that is upon them and just how small they are as pieces on the chess board. Overall This book is incredible and definitely a step up from the other two. That is not to say that they aren’t amazing, but it’s very important in the story that this series is telling. This book is the real turning point on whether the rest of the series will be successful given that by now, as a reader, you should be invested enough to continue reading the series or not. Heir of Fire really delivers that and turns everything truly on its head and the way that everything we believed about these characters and their journeys they will start to embark upon for the rest of the series. Too Strong - Frustrating going back and forth between all the characters, wanting our relationships to be more spicy Reasons raise a Glass- ROWAN that’s it that the reason we are raising a glass, STRONG FEMALE CHARACTERS “You didn’t need a weapon when you were born one.” Beware spoilers beyond this point. Read more at your own risk.  Author: Penelope Douglas Pages: 349 Overall: 3/5 Setting: 3/5 Characters: 3/5 Plot and Themes: 3/5 Cheers Factor: 3/5 Pairing: Young Summer I know this book doesn’t really take place during the summer, but I like the vibe of reading it during the summer so here we are. Ingredients -1 ½ oz vodka -½ oz agave nectar -3 slices of a fresh nectarine -about a glass of white wine (or more it’s a choose your own adventure) -ice (enough for a slushie) Instructions -Combine vodka, agave, nectarine, wine and ice in a blender -Blend baby blend -Pour into glass of choice and optional garnish with a slice of nectarine  “People have worked to make you think you’re not worthy of their attention.”
Take a Shot: Jordan is alone on her nineteenth birthday in a movie theatre when by happenstance she ends up meeting this sweet and sexy older man. However, things get turned upside down when she realizes he is her boyfriend’s dad and they both have to move in with him. Cue the sexual tension when Jordan’s boyfriend starts to distance himself because he doesn’t have the best relationship with his dad. Then the real fun begins in this age gap, spicy romance. Setting It was pretty bland in its descriptors. Also we never really see the characters anywhere else besides the house and their respective locations of work. I kind of wish we had gotten to see Jordan interact in some sense in her college classes or with more kids her own age besides her really creepy ex boyfriend. Characters I really didn’t feel connected to any of these characters to be honest. There wasn’t inherently anything wrong with them, I just didn’t feel like they were that believable as real people to be quite honest. Plot and Themes This is the part I have been waiting to talk about because truthfully there was 350 some odd pages of little to no plot. Now, I am a huge fan of a good sexy spicy romance where there isn’t much plot, but I didn’t get that either. I found myself feeling like I was halfway done with the book and had nothing to show for it in terms of events that had happened and that to me was my first inclination that I shouldn’t finish the book. For the record, I did, but I sort of didn’t want to. Overall I had really high hopes for this one because I had heard amazing things about Penelope Douglas and had seen a lot of people post about this book in general across my socials, but it really fell flat for me personally. I’m not sure whether it was that I had a lot going on personally so I didn’t invest as much emotionally as I would have if I had been less distracted. However, it is what it is. The way I feel after reading this is a little how I felt after reading The Cruel Prince series where I’m not overwhelmed with passion for it, but can understand why others are. “I should thank you, actually. I’ve been trying for years, it seems, to be the kind of woman I admire and all of a sudden I feel like I am that woman now. I know I’m worth it. You’re just not.” Warning spoilers ahead if you click read more. Proceed at your own risk.  Author: Katharine McGee Pages: 374 Overall: 4.5/5 Setting: 4/5 Characters: 4.5/5 Plot and Themes: 5/5 Cheers Factor: 5/5 Pairing: Empress Gin French 75 I know it’s the same drink as the first novel’s pairing, but this book felt like it was such a switch up when really it was the same so it felt fitting to change the flavor profile but keep it relatively the same. Ingredients -1oz Empress Gin -½ oz lemon juice -½ oz simple syrup -prosecco (or whatever sparkling wine you like) -ice -optional lemon peel Instructions -Add ice, gin, lemon juice and simple syrup to shaker -Shake and strain into champagne flute -Top with sparkling wine of choice -Option to garnish with lemon peel twist -Enjoy responsibly  “Facimus quod faciendum est. We do what we must.”
Take a Shot: In an America with Royals and the recent death of the monarch Beatrice must step up and take the throne long before she thought she would. She also must marry because of political instability due to her gender. She’s also marrying the man her sister loves and Sam is not about that. Nina and Jeff are no longer dating because of the way the media harassed her and Daphne sees this as her in. Read along as these characters all navigate their way through heartbreak and back to love. “In real life, no one would make the person they loved social climb to prove their worth.” Setting I said this last time, but I love the setting. I also love the addition of new locations and new names like Orange for what is now the California region. I love the changes that the residence gets too and the more we get to see as wedding preparations begin for the family. Characters Once again the characters are so good and I loved them a lot. I think in this one we see a lot more in depth sides of all characters particularly Daphne and that’s really refreshing to see and a reason to read in and of itself. I still want more of the other characters, particularly Jeff. He’s literally a royal sibling and he’s in like a pitiful amount of chapters. Plots and Themes The flip of the storylines from the first book was great to see how the characters come back. I originally was not a fan, but about halfway through fell in love with the way that the story was working. Each of the characters really changed and grew into themselves and it’s great to see. The theme of the character growth was my favorite part. Conclusion I think I originally was hesitant and didn’t love the book, but kept reading and truly grew to respect a lot of the characters and their decisions. It was truly a great duology. Reasons to Raise a Glass: character growth, realistic relationships Too Strong: WHERE IS MORE JEFF?, it’s hard to get through the beginning until you understand the characters motives Warning spoilers ahead if you click read more. Proceed at your own risk! |
Cheers FactorEach book here at Cheers&Chapters is rated based off of certain categories that are genre specific, however every book will get a Cheers Factor. The Cheers Factor is how much we wanted to raise our glass while reading it. So get your glasses ready and cheers! Archives
October 2022
Genres
All
|
RSS Feed