Buddy Read Archives - Page 2 of 3

We Rate Our Buddy Reads

Jan 31, 2021

As Ely and I begin our buddy reads for 2021, I thought it would be fun to go over the books that we have buddy read, rate them and share a few thoughts and overall view. While we didn’t read a book each month, we had some highs and some lows.

You can see what Ely and I thought about The Midnight Lie by Marie Rutkoski in our first buddy read for 2021. Also, don’t forget to check out what we are buddy reading for the next few months. Now let’s get into it.

Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston | Full Discussion

Angel: This has to be one of my favourite buddy reads and I think the first one that we ever did. This is hands down one of the books I keep on recommending to people especially at work. I did a re-read of it late last year and forgot how much I enjoyed reading it. The romance is great, the characters are fantastic and it’s just a good read. It’s a 9/10 for me.

Ely: This is definitely one of the best ones we’ve read by far. This was the one that started off this whole thing too, as well as really getting me more into romance. I’m hoping to do a reread myself later in the year, but I think I’m going to go for an 8/10 for this.

A Rogue of One’s Own by Evie Dunmore | Full Discussion

A: I had so much fun reading this. I adored Bringing Down the Duke, so I was super excited for A Rogue of One’s Own and I was not disappointed. Like we said in the discussion, we don’t read much Victorian historical romance, but this did it for me. The romance was so damn good and I can’t wait to read more in the series. This has to be an 8/10 for me.

E: This is just such a fun series—it’s really just one that makes me smile every time I think about it. I reread Bringing Down the Duke just before we read this one which was honestly the best decision. This is just full of everything I love—a historical romance, feminism, CATS! I think I have to give this one a 9/10 just for the sheer amount of happiness this brings me.

Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey | Full Discussion

A: I think this is one of my most disappointing reads. I was really looking forward to it and it just fell flat for a lot of reasons. Contemporary romances aren’t something that I read a whole lot of and I think it’s because I always find the plot to be a low point. I don’t think I’ll be reading any more Tessa Bailey in the future. I have to give it a 3.5/10 and hope that if you do read it, you like it more than us.

E: Hands down, this is the worst one we’ve buddy read and discussed. That’s not particularly hard considering how much we enjoyed most of the others. I think I’m even less of a contemporary romance reader than Angel is so I really, really struggled with this. 3/10.

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary | Full Discussion

A: It’s been months since I’ve read this and I still don’t know how I feel about it. I liked parts of it, and I really didn’t like other parts. Like Fix Her Up, I don’t love contemporary romances. I just feel that it isn’t enjoyable for me to grab on to. I thought the romance was okay, the characters were bland and just not for me. This is sadly a 5/10 for me.

E: This was certainly a doozy. Right from the right, we were both feeling super conflicted about it. I honestly blocked out most of Fix Her Up, but I have like flashbacks of this one. I don’t think it was as bad as that one, but it was just missing something. The romance was sweet enough, but there were just a lot of weird moments and things that were a little too convenient. This is probably one of my favourite discussions we’ve done though. I’m also going to give it a 5/10.

The Duke & I by Julia Quinn | Full Discussion

A: I mean do I need to talk about this one much? I loved it. This series is one of my favourite historical romances that I’ve read. And this one just started off the series great. It was a great introduction into the family, into the characters and the ton. I think everyone has watched the Netflix series by now, but pick up the series for sure, because it is fantastic. This is 8.5/10 hands down.

E: Another great one! It’s kind of difficult to give this one a rating now that I’ve read the rest of the series and seen the show, it’s hard to separate all those things. That being said, this is maybe my second of three favourite books in the series, and of course, it does have a special place in my heart just from being the first one. It was a really fun read, and without it, we never would’ve met Anthony so this is an 8/10 for me.

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And there we go! Those are some of the buddies reads that we have done together – and for the most part we have enjoyed our reads so far. I’m excited to see what this year brings.

Have you read any of these books? What are your thoughts? Have you checked out any of our discussions? Is there a book that you would like us to talk about? Let’s chat!

Buddy Read Picks With Ely | Part 1

Jan 17, 2021

In 2020 Ely and I started to do more and more buddy reads and when we finish we have some great discussion about the book. You can check out the ones posted on Angel Reads as well as Earl Grey Books now. And we had so much fun last year that we decided to do it again this year.

So today we are sharing our thoughts before we jump into the first 3 books of the year that we have pickled. But first Ely what are you most looking forward to this year with our buddy reads?

Ely: That is such a hard question. I’m excited to be doing our buddy reads and discussions again this year. We always have so much fun doing them, so definitely excited in general. I think we’ve got a really great line-up for the first three months as well. I really don’t think I could pick one that I’m most excited about to read. What about you?

A: I have to agree with you there, I like that we’ve got a good range of genres. It’s everything that we both enjoy so much and that is what I love being able to buddy read with you. There are times where we do read the same book and adore it, but read it at different times so our feelings are always different. But I think we are just going to have a great time with all of them.

The Midnight Lie (The Midnight Lie #1) by Marie Rutkoski

A: So for the first month of 2021 we have picked one that we have both had for a little while now. The Winner’s trilogy is one of my favourite fantasy series of all time, I love everything about it. So The Midnight Lie was an auto buy for me. And now I’m so excited that I can read it with you as well. How are you feeling about this one?

E: Well, I feel like we should mention that we were meant to read The Midnight Lie as our November pick, and then our December…and well, obviously neither of those happened so this has been a long time coming. I also consider the Winner’s trilogy to be one of my all-time favourites, so I’m beyond excited to try this one.

A: Okay, okay I’m sorry that I kept on pushing it back but we are getting to it now! I’ve seen a lot of mixed reviews about it, but for the most part, they have been positive. I think I’m just ready for some good young adult fantasy. Something I know I haven’t read in a while. What are you most excited about?

E: I’m pretty sure December was my fault, but either way! I’m also just hoping for a really great YA fantasy. I just need something like that this month. I honestly don’t remember much as to what this one is about, apart from the fact there’s some LGBTQ+ representation. That’s kind of a theme with our reads this year, have you noticed that?

A: Ohh yes, we didn’t even plan it that way. But anyway I am super excited to pick this one up in the coming weeks.

Never Seduce a Scoundrel (School For Heiresses #1) by Sabrina Jeffries

A: Now I know this one that we are both super excited for. We’ve both read Sabrina Jeffries before. We’ve read some of the same books, but also we’ve also read some different ones. So I think we both have a good grasp of her. But I’m super excited to start this series and I don’t think there is any better way than reading it with you.

E: I’ve been holding out for this one for ages. After having loved the Royal Brotherhood series, I’ve been desperate to get to this one and to see what it’s all about. I’m sure we’ll end up reading the rest of the series very soon after we finish this first book because that’s just who we are as people.

A: Oh absolutely! I tend to binge romance series, especially historical romance ones. Lucky I have them all so I don’t need to wait. I’m really excited to see where these characters are taken in this story. Most of the series is all new to both of us. And while it’s connected with the Royal Brotherhood series, I can’t wait to see these new characters. What are you most looking forward to with this book and series?

E: I think for me it’s knowing that we’re in good hands. Sabrina Jeffries didn’t let me down with the Royal Brotherhood series, so I feel like it’s probably a given that these are going to be good too. I’m excited about some new characters and to discover how it connects to the previous series. How about you?

A: I’m really excited about that connection as well. I have read two of her series now, the Royal Brotherhood and her current series. So I’m intrigued to see where this one stands with then.

The Extraordinaries (The Extraordinaries #1) by T.J. Klune

A: If you have read any of my posts this year or follow me on social media, you know how much I loved The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune. I grabbed this book so fast when it came out. And I thought it would be the perfect book to buddy read with Ely. As someone who hasn’t picked up a book from Klune yet, how are you feeling about this one?

E: Well, just want to quickly mention I’ll be reading The House in the Cerulean Sea because of Angel this year as well, but more on that later. So basically, it’s going to be a Klune heavy year for me and I’m very excited. But most of the reason I’m excited about this right now is because of the disability representation in here. You should all know by now how important that is to both of us, so I’m happy we’re reading and discussing this together.

A: I have to agree. I’m so excited to see how it’s explored in this one. Klune has been great on his representation in other books he has written, so that makes me super happy. I think it’s also going to be one of those books that are just going to be fun. It’s something different to what we both read – especially as it deals with superheroes, but that makes me more intrigued. How about you?

E: Superheroes is definitely out of my usual realm for books. Obviously, we’re both big Marvel fans, but I don’t know I’ve read anything about superheroes outside of the few comics I’ve tried. I’m excited to give it a go and see how I feel about it.

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Well those are the first few books that we are planning to read in the coming months as our buddy reads. Are there any books that you guys would love for us to buddy read? Have you read any of these books? Let’s Chat!

Discussion: A Rogue of One’s Own by Evie Dunmore with Ely

Nov 15, 2020

It’s time for another discussion with Ely from Earl Grey Books. Today we are talking about A Rogue of One’s Own by Evie Dunmore. This is the second book in the ‘A League of Extraordinary Women’ series and focuses on Lady Lucie and Lord Tristan Ballentine. Now enough of all this let’s get into talking about this wonderful book.

A Rogue of One’s Own (A League of Extraordinary Women #2) by Evie Dunmore

Pages: 448
Publish date: September 1st 2020
Publisher: Berkley
ISBN: 9781984805706
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – QBD

A lady must have money and an army of her own if she is to win a revolution – but first, she must pit her wits against the wiles of an irresistible rogue bent on wrecking her plans…and her heart.

Lady Lucie is fuming. She and her band of Oxford suffragists have finally scraped together enough capital to control one of London’s major publishing houses, with one purpose: to use it in a coup against Parliament. But who could have predicted that the one person standing between her and success is her old nemesis, Lord Ballentine? Or that he would be willing to hand over the reins for an outrageous price—a night in her bed.

Lucie tempts Tristan like no other woman, burning him up with her fierceness and determination every time they clash. But as their battle of wills and words fans the flames of long-smouldering devotion, the silver-tongued seducer runs the risk of becoming caught in his own snare.

As Lucie tries to out-manoeuvre Tristan in the boardroom and the bedchamber, she soon discovers there’s truth in what the poets say: all is fair in love and war…

A Rogue of One’s Own:

Angel: We both really enjoyed the first book in this Bringing Down the Duke and A Rogue of One’s Own has been a book that we have both been really looking forward to reading this year. What did you think?

Ely: I was so nervous going into this one. I think most of the time with historical romance series if you like one you’ll probably like the others, but still! I really shouldn’t have worried because this was incredible and I loved every second of it. What about you?

A: I absolutely agree with you on everything here. Yes, there are some books that I like in historical romances series over others, but I haven’t come across one that I hated especially if I loved other books in this series. And this one was no different. I had so much fun reading it. The characters were fantastic, the romance was great and I just kept on reading. We talked about this before, but Lady Lucie and Annabelle, from book one, are two very different characters and I loved that we get to see the contrast between the two of them.

E: I know exactly what you mean there. I think that because of the way historical romances are usually more of a companion than a series, it means if you don’t particularly like one set of characters, at least you know you’ll be meeting another pair in the next book. They are very, very different characters and I loved seeing that. Here’s a nice tough question for you, which of them do you prefer?

Photo by Utsav Srestha on Unsplash

A: For sure and I think that is one of the reasons that I love reading historical romance, in saying that I haven’t read many that I haven’t really enjoyed. Ohh that is such a tough question. I think that Annabelle was a great character to start the series with. She was strong in her own right. But Lucie is loud and demanding and that is what drives this series even further. I think that Lucie needed to be the way she is throughout A Rogue of One’s Own because of the romance. What did you think of Lucie? Do you know who you prefer?

E: I love Annabelle, I think she’s great, but I also think she’s more of the typical protagonist you see in romance. You know she comes from more humble beginnings but she still has that strength to her. I haven’t seen a character quite like Lucie before, and I think that’s why I love her so much. She is unapologetically herself—she’s determined and feisty, but she knows she has her faults as well.

We get to talk about Tristan now, right? What did you think of him?

A: Could not agree with you more about Lucie. You sometimes see a character like that in romance, but you rarely see it in historical romance and that’s what made A Rogue of One’s Own even better. Lucie just felt very real, there are hundreds of years between us, but she was honest and her character arc was fantastic.

I mean yer we have to talk about Tristan. At first, I didn’t know what to make of him. It took me a little while to warm up to him, but as soon as those walls were broken I just fell in love with him. Tristan is a great mix of being sweet and mysterious. As well as a little devious. What did you think of him?

E: I wonder if I love Lucie so much because she’s so different from what I am. I mean, you know how quiet I am and I guess I’m more like Annabelle in that way.

I was kind of the opposite—I loved him from the very beginning. He is definitely mysterious, and honestly at times, just a plain asshole but there is a sweetness and a sensitivity behind him that I really liked. He definitely has his moments, but what HR love interest doesn’t? So I think we should talk about his sexuality, which I think is one of the most interesting parts of his character. We’ve been talking about this, but you agree that it kind of seems like he’s bisexual right?

A: That could definitely be the reason. It’s also fascinating what characters we click and connect too and enjoy reading.

I mean by chapter 3 I was hooked, so it honestly didn’t take me too long to love him. Oh, he has his moments for sure. Like a lot of characters and people really, he has had some rough patches in his life and this plays a lot on who he is. But I honestly love the combo of being an asshole and sweet haha. I absolutely think he is bi or not afraid to be with anyone. Obviously, at the time it wasn’t legal and there were serious consequences. So while it was explicitly in the book, there were moments for sure that really got me thinking about it.

This one also utilised one of my favourite tropes of ‘bargaining a deal with the devil.’ The ‘we will let each other be together for one night and that’s all we need’ – and we all know how that turns out. What did you think of the romance?

Photo by Tetiana SHYSHKINA on Unsplash

E: He definitely had some rough patches there. I think it’s just such an important thing to see in historical romance. You obviously have more experience reading HR, and romance in general, than I do so how often do you really see bi characters?

I thought their romance was adorable. I love a good enemies to lovers romance as well, and that definitely played a part in this one as well. And I don’t know if you’ll agree with this, but this felt a little tamer than some of the other HR’s I’ve read. I feel like it was a little more subtle in the way it described the, as you call it, sexy times. Am I just imagining this?

A: On the top of my head there are a few that have characters that are LGBTQIA+ that I can think of, but it’s not something that is explored enough in HR. And I really do want to find and read more.

The romance is exactly what I adore. I love the tension when everything builds up and then they break. It’s just fun to read and watch it all play out. Oh for sure. I found it with the first one as well. I don’t mind either or in regards to the sex scenes. But if someone is just starting out, I think this is a great series to start with.

We have both talked about this before, we prefer regency historical romance and this is more Victorian? How did you go with those elements of the book?

E: You’re right, this would be a great series for someone looking to get into HR especially if they’re someone who has been reading primarily YA and is looking to branch out.

Regency is definitely more of my jam. I don’t even know why I guess maybe it’s due to my love of Jane Austen. Anyway, I don’t struggle so much with this series as I have with others for whatever reason. I think maybe it’s because of the suffragette angle? I love to read non-fiction books about the suffragette movement, and of course, about feminism more generally so I think part of the draw for me here is getting to learn more about that. How about you?

A: I totally agree with you, it’s perfect for those that love YA but want to try HR. The characters are young and the book explores things that a lot of people can connect with especially females.

A Rogue of One’s Own is very easy to read if that makes sense. It doesn’t complicate things. It doesn’t talk about things that might confuse the reader. Everything is there where you need it. This series explores the suffragette movement and I’m so excited to see where the rest of the series goes regarding that. I love when books get me to learn more. I love researching and know more and when something in a book catches my eye. It’s fantastic.

Are you looking forward to the next book as much as I am? While we don’t know much, we know it’s about Hattie and Mr. Blackstone’s.

Photo by Chen Yi Wen on Unsplash

E: I think that’s a perfect summary of this book. While it does teach you about the suffragette movement as it goes along, it doesn’t go into complex explanations of different laws or philosophy or anything like that. At the same time, it’s obvious that Evie Dunmore has done a lot of research. She knows exactly what she’s talking about, and she wants to make sure that you do too.

I’m incredibly excited to read about Hattie, especially since she’s an artist. I think that will make for a really interesting story. I have to say though, I’m still dying to read Catriona’s story—I think hers might be a favourite when it finally comes around to her turn!

A: You can tell right from the start how much Evie Dunmore has researched and explored not only the genre but the history as well.

I just can’t wait for more in this series honestly. They are such a blast to read.

Well, thank you so much, Ely, for chatting with me about A Rogue of One’s Own. Ely and I try and buddy read at least a book a month. You can check out our last discussion on The Duke and I by Julia Quinn over on Earl Grey Books now.

Have you read A Rogue of One’s Own by Evie Dunmore yet? What did you think of it? Are you planning on reading it? Let’s Chat!