Last updated on August 13th, 2024 at 10:16 am
I recently finished reading three romance books centred around personal experiences and relationships. Here’s a rundown of each, along with my thoughts, ratings, and whether I’d recommend them. Why I decided to read these books… because of the Booktok hype. I’m not ashamed to admit I’m a sucker for the hype and this time only one disappointed! So I’ll take that as a win.
Skip to each book via the title, listed from worst to best…
Books about relationships
Hear my overall thoughts and explanations of each book via my YouTube video! If you’d like to know the summary, continue reading.
Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Comedy, Women’s Fiction
Pages: 384. | Next book >
Synopsis: At twenty-nine, Maggie faces life after a divorce, grappling with financial difficulties and a stalled thesis. Supported by her friends, she navigates single life and self-discovery, exploring new hobbies and relationships.
Review: Really Good, Actually has its humorous moments—especially a standout scene in a workout class—but it struggled to keep me engaged. Maggie, the protagonist, was challenging to empathise with, which made the read feel prolonged and occasionally frustrating. Despite its comedic highs, the narrative lacked depth. I’d rate it 2.5/5. It might resonate with some, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola
Genre: Romance, College Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Fake Dating Trope.
Pages: 368 | Next book >
Synopsis: Kiki Banjo, a sharp-witted radio host at Whitewell University, finds herself in a fake relationship with Malakai Korede, a known heartthrob. To maintain her reputation, Kiki navigates this faux romance, leading her to reassess her views on love and connection.
Review: Honey & Spice is a refreshing take on the fake dating trope, with vibrant chemistry between Kiki and Malakai. Kiki stands out as a strong, memorable protagonist. Kai was an absolute winner for me, except for the author’s obsession with grey joggers (it’s mentioned so many times lol). While some lines were a bit cringe-worthy and the romance less spicy than expected, the book remains engaging and fun. I rate it 4/5, though the spice factor might be a bit underwhelming for some readers.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Genre: Romance, Small-Town Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women’s Fiction.
Pages: 416.
Synopsis: Nora Stephens, a successful New York literary agent, finds it hard to maintain relationships because her partners view her as a heartless workaholic. Seeking a change, she heads to the small town of Sunshine Falls with her sister. There, she unexpectedly reconnects with Charlie Lastra, a brooding editor from her past. The story explores themes of love, sisterhood, and self-discovery as Nora navigates her evolving relationship with Charlie and her own personal growth.
Review: Book Lovers delivers a captivating mix of romance and personal growth. Nora’s journey, her evolving relationship with Charlie, and her dynamic with her sister Libby add significant depth to the narrative. Although I found myself frustrated with Libby at several points, Charlie’s character was a standout (seriously, why is he getting hate online?!). Despite some clichéd moments and a lull in the middle, the heartfelt ending and Nora’s character development ultimately won me over. I rate it 4/5 because the ending for me was 10/10 for a romance!
What's Next
Next up, I’ll be diving into the captivating world of Rebecca F. Kuang. From her gripping fantasy epics to her thought-provoking narratives, I’ll be exploring the depth and intricacy of her storytelling. Stay tuned for in-depth reviews and insights into Kuang’s works, offering a change of pace from romance and diving into the realm of dark fantasy and complex characters.
Happy reading!
In the meantime, check out my Youtube channel, TikTok and Pinterest boards for funny memes, book aesthetics, and more book recommendations and reviews!
