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Tales of the Heart #1
Taste of Affection
CHARLOTTE
--=()=--
I’ve never been away from home for two months before, but I'm
spending them in England, a country close to my heart. My months were supposed to be spent alone exploring the countryside, but those plans were ruined when the owner's son showed up unexpectedly.
I now have a roommate whom I'm not sure I can trust. This house is big, but is it big enough for two strangers?
It doesn’t help that I have a borderline psychotic ex-boyfriend, watching my every move. Can’t I ever catch a break?
Deciphering if anything in this fake relationship is real is a challenge, what if I’m imagining everything? But in his actions lies the potential for more.
If only my time here wasn’t temporary.
ZAIDEN
--=()=--
Spending my three months off work back in Southbridge wasn’t part of the plan, but I had nowhere else to go.
Neither did I count on spending most of it with a stranger. One who’s going to be my fake girlfriend during family events so I won’t have to survive through another year of questions from them, wondering when I’m going to introduce a girl.
Once she leaves, I’ll tell them we broke up, it’s reasonable and doable. Right?
I find myself growing more attached to her by the week, which is dangerous. Love was never in the picture, but what is this feeling in my soul whenever she smiles?
Now she’s gone because she was never meant to stay, but everything is wrong without her.
--=()=--
I’ve never been away from home for two months before, but I'm
spending them in England, a country close to my heart. My months were supposed to be spent alone exploring the countryside, but those plans were ruined when the owner's son showed up unexpectedly.
I now have a roommate whom I'm not sure I can trust. This house is big, but is it big enough for two strangers?
It doesn’t help that I have a borderline psychotic ex-boyfriend, watching my every move. Can’t I ever catch a break?
Deciphering if anything in this fake relationship is real is a challenge, what if I’m imagining everything? But in his actions lies the potential for more.
If only my time here wasn’t temporary.
ZAIDEN
--=()=--
Spending my three months off work back in Southbridge wasn’t part of the plan, but I had nowhere else to go.
Neither did I count on spending most of it with a stranger. One who’s going to be my fake girlfriend during family events so I won’t have to survive through another year of questions from them, wondering when I’m going to introduce a girl.
Once she leaves, I’ll tell them we broke up, it’s reasonable and doable. Right?
I find myself growing more attached to her by the week, which is dangerous. Love was never in the picture, but what is this feeling in my soul whenever she smiles?
Now she’s gone because she was never meant to stay, but everything is wrong without her.
333 pages, Paperback
Published April 19, 2024
2 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl van Gent
7 books52 followersCheryl van Gent is a self-published author who graduated high school at the age of 16 in 2020 and graduated from college in 2024. Alongside writing, she works full-time in a veterinary clinic.
Raised in the Netherlands, she mastered English as her second language. Being born in the Netherlands has never stopped her from learning English fluently; in fact, she prefers it.
Creating stories has been something she loved since she was in middle school. Her interest in reading didn't spark until she read her first romance series in 2020 and continued buying more to fill up a newly bought bookcase, evolving into writing a book in 2021 and publishing in 2022.
She's immensely proud of the first duology she has published and loves continuously refining her writing with each upcoming book.
Besides reading and writing, Cheryl enjoys traveling, riding horses, exploring the ocean, and spending time with her family, friends, and pets.
You can find Cheryl on social media as @authorcherylvgent.
Raised in the Netherlands, she mastered English as her second language. Being born in the Netherlands has never stopped her from learning English fluently; in fact, she prefers it.
Creating stories has been something she loved since she was in middle school. Her interest in reading didn't spark until she read her first romance series in 2020 and continued buying more to fill up a newly bought bookcase, evolving into writing a book in 2021 and publishing in 2022.
She's immensely proud of the first duology she has published and loves continuously refining her writing with each upcoming book.
Besides reading and writing, Cheryl enjoys traveling, riding horses, exploring the ocean, and spending time with her family, friends, and pets.
You can find Cheryl on social media as @authorcherylvgent.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 30, 2024
A nice romance with nice spice. A quite fast burn though. Which I like for a change.
The spice was great. Loved the involvement of birth control and consent.
The bit about Bear and the urinary problems hit home hard though as I lost my cat this year to urinary problems (surgery and change of food didn‘t help unfortunately, so we had to let him go). But loved that the author let her love of pets shine through it.
I would have loved to read more about Zaiden‘s brother but maybe that‘s another book coming? Fingers crossed?
Oh and Grace and Frankie. I see what the author did there!
Would have enjoyed a bit more danish phrases though. I love learning new curse words and phrases!
The spice was great. Loved the involvement of birth control and consent.
The bit about Bear and the urinary problems hit home hard though as I lost my cat this year to urinary problems (surgery and change of food didn‘t help unfortunately, so we had to let him go). But loved that the author let her love of pets shine through it.
I would have loved to read more about Zaiden‘s brother but maybe that‘s another book coming? Fingers crossed?
Oh and Grace and Frankie. I see what the author did there!
Would have enjoyed a bit more danish phrases though. I love learning new curse words and phrases!
February 12, 2024
4,5 ⭐
I have always loved England so I liked that the female MC also loved the country and that the story was located there.
As someone that also does pet sitting sometimes and loves traveling a lot. I immediately liked the female MC. I related to her in that way.
This is honestly a nice feel good romance that is easy to read and the perfect first book in a series. Can't wait to see the next couple come together. Or at least that's what I'm expecting will happen in the next book haha.
[ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review]
I have always loved England so I liked that the female MC also loved the country and that the story was located there.
As someone that also does pet sitting sometimes and loves traveling a lot. I immediately liked the female MC. I related to her in that way.
This is honestly a nice feel good romance that is easy to read and the perfect first book in a series. Can't wait to see the next couple come together. Or at least that's what I'm expecting will happen in the next book haha.
[ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review]
February 28, 2024
Contemporary romance
Psychotic ex
Fake relationship
Small town
Pet sitter
“I’ve never been away from home for two months before, but I'm spending them in England, a country close to my heart. My months were supposed to be spent alone exploring the countryside, but those plans were ruined when the owner's son showed up unexpectedly. I now have a roommate whom I'm not sure I can trust.This house is big, but is it big enough for two strangers?”
Taste of Affection is the first book in the Tales of the Heart series.
The book follows two characters, Charlotte and Zaiden who end up being roommates unexpectedly when Charlotte goes to work in England. And because of Charlotte’s borderline psychotic ex-boyfriend watches her every move, Charlotte and Zaiden end up in a fake relationship.
The book was short and sweet. I liked how the FMC and MMC were introduced, but I would have liked to learn more about their past, especially about Charlotte’s ex and how that relationship affected her life and development as a character.
The supporting characters were a nice addition. They were also well written and I would have loved to learn more about a few of them.
Overall a nice and easy to read contemporary romance book. I liked how the pets were also a part of the story.
Can’t wait to read more books from the author!
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
Psychotic ex
Fake relationship
Small town
Pet sitter
“I’ve never been away from home for two months before, but I'm spending them in England, a country close to my heart. My months were supposed to be spent alone exploring the countryside, but those plans were ruined when the owner's son showed up unexpectedly. I now have a roommate whom I'm not sure I can trust.This house is big, but is it big enough for two strangers?”
Taste of Affection is the first book in the Tales of the Heart series.
The book follows two characters, Charlotte and Zaiden who end up being roommates unexpectedly when Charlotte goes to work in England. And because of Charlotte’s borderline psychotic ex-boyfriend watches her every move, Charlotte and Zaiden end up in a fake relationship.
The book was short and sweet. I liked how the FMC and MMC were introduced, but I would have liked to learn more about their past, especially about Charlotte’s ex and how that relationship affected her life and development as a character.
The supporting characters were a nice addition. They were also well written and I would have loved to learn more about a few of them.
Overall a nice and easy to read contemporary romance book. I liked how the pets were also a part of the story.
Can’t wait to read more books from the author!
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
June 14, 2024
I was excited to read this when I read the synopsis! Taking a break from reading some rather dark romances, I expected a feel good romance and I was not disappointed! A little spice was nice too! Charlotte was easy to like, as were most of the characters. I was hooked almost right away and finished the book in a little over a day! I think the author did a great job of providing insight to what the characters were thinking throughout the story, but I would have liked more background as to why they thought the way they did (particularly Zaiden) and more about her friend Grace. This is why I gave it 4 great stars instead of 5. I definitely look forward to reading more from Cheryl Van Gent in the future!
December 24, 2024
Oh such a sweet love story!!! It's fast burning, friends to lover, and so much more! It didn't feel like a long book and I honestly couldn't put it down at all. Because the love Charlotte and Zaiden have is so genuine and sweet! There a little drama in the book, but I feel like it was the perfect amount. It didn't take over the book, but grew the characters together more. Plus how the shared sweet moments! Fake gf and bf and how Zaiden stood up for Charlotte. I loved it so much. Honestly I can not wait for book 2. I hope at some point we learn what happens to Zaiden brother because that was a big mystery throughout the whole book that did keep me on my toes. If you want a sweet love story that fast burning. Read this book.
July 29, 2024
I loved this story. I read it in a single day; once I started, I could not put the book down. The quick romance between Charlie and Zaiden was so sweet and cute. You can feel how much they love and care for each other, how much they want each other.
This is a true “if he wanted to, he would” story because Zaiden made sure that Charlie would have anything and everything thing could ever want or need, including letting her best friend move with her and live with them.
With how fast their relationship went, I half thought that one of Charlie’s Christmas presents was going to be an engagement ring!
This is a true “if he wanted to, he would” story because Zaiden made sure that Charlie would have anything and everything thing could ever want or need, including letting her best friend move with her and live with them.
With how fast their relationship went, I half thought that one of Charlie’s Christmas presents was going to be an engagement ring!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2024
Ohhh this book!!! It was Soo beautifully written and I couldn’t put it down!!! Most of the time I’m a more smut less plot girly but this book has changed my mind about that!!!!
May 5, 2024
-I received an ARC copy in return for an honest review-
This is the first book I have read by Cheryl and it definitely didn't disappoint. I went in blind and with no expectations and ended up loving it! I gave this book 4/5 stars simply because it was such an easy breezy read, but it wasn't quite a 5 star as I felt a bit underwhelmed about the development of the characters and I would have loved to see a couple more pages of their backgrounds and personalities.
This was such an easy read and i never found myself feeling bored or wanting to put it down. I do wish that the main characters were a little more developed, as I wanted to know more about their pasts and reasonings for the way they were(specifically Zaiden), but hopefully that will come with the next books. The one thing I will say is that this book was very predictable, and I almost knew from the moment the main characters met, what the outcome would be. The characters relationship also seemed to progress very fast (not necessarily a bad thing, I just wish there was a little more depth to the relationship).
Overall, this book was such a lovely read and I loved every page. It had a little bit of spice, lots of animal loving, and a heart-warming ending. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next books in the series <3
This is the first book I have read by Cheryl and it definitely didn't disappoint. I went in blind and with no expectations and ended up loving it! I gave this book 4/5 stars simply because it was such an easy breezy read, but it wasn't quite a 5 star as I felt a bit underwhelmed about the development of the characters and I would have loved to see a couple more pages of their backgrounds and personalities.
This was such an easy read and i never found myself feeling bored or wanting to put it down. I do wish that the main characters were a little more developed, as I wanted to know more about their pasts and reasonings for the way they were(specifically Zaiden), but hopefully that will come with the next books. The one thing I will say is that this book was very predictable, and I almost knew from the moment the main characters met, what the outcome would be. The characters relationship also seemed to progress very fast (not necessarily a bad thing, I just wish there was a little more depth to the relationship).
Overall, this book was such a lovely read and I loved every page. It had a little bit of spice, lots of animal loving, and a heart-warming ending. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next books in the series <3
April 14, 2024
🩵💜 Taste of Affection by Cheryl Van Gent🩵💜 (SPOILER)
A cute story of forced proximity and fake dating bringing two people who least expected to be falling in love closer. (SPOILER). 💜🩵💜🩵💜
When Charlotte Reading took a 2 month pet sitting job in England she wasn’t expecting to find herself having to share the space with their son, Zaiden Aldrich. Now Zaiden was home temporary and nobody was expecting him to show up, let alone play the part of a gracious host showing Charlotte all the sights she’s wanted to explore. Spending weeks together, Zaiden and Charlotte make memories she longs to make to life her fullest life. But when her trio is cut short she finds herself leaving with unfinished business. Zaiden isn’t done either. He gives her a landing place in her nomadic existence. He is her HOME. 💜🩵💜
A cute story of forced proximity and fake dating bringing two people who least expected to be falling in love closer. (SPOILER). 💜🩵💜🩵💜
When Charlotte Reading took a 2 month pet sitting job in England she wasn’t expecting to find herself having to share the space with their son, Zaiden Aldrich. Now Zaiden was home temporary and nobody was expecting him to show up, let alone play the part of a gracious host showing Charlotte all the sights she’s wanted to explore. Spending weeks together, Zaiden and Charlotte make memories she longs to make to life her fullest life. But when her trio is cut short she finds herself leaving with unfinished business. Zaiden isn’t done either. He gives her a landing place in her nomadic existence. He is her HOME. 💜🩵💜
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2024
"**Taste of Affection**" is a heartwarming contemporary romance that blends a small-town setting with classic tropes like fake relationships and psychotic exes. The chemistry between Charlotte and Zaiden sparks quickly, and fans of fast-burn romance will enjoy the pace. Readers will appreciate the spice, including elements of consent and birth control, but also the emphasis on pets, particularly the emotional storyline involving Bear. I absolutely loved the story’s light, easy-to-read feel, some wish for deeper character development, particularly for Zaiden’s past and the supporting characters remain.
While the plot is somewhat predictable, the inclusion of relatable emotions, pets, and a touch of humor kept it engaging.
Overall, it’s a cozy read that blends love, personal growth, and a touch of spice perfectly for romance enthusiasts.
While the plot is somewhat predictable, the inclusion of relatable emotions, pets, and a touch of humor kept it engaging.
Overall, it’s a cozy read that blends love, personal growth, and a touch of spice perfectly for romance enthusiasts.
April 20, 2024
Received as an ARC in return for my honest review.
💜 Small town
💜 Fake relationship
💜 Friends to lovers
💜 Forced proximity
Ok this was cute. I hadn’t read anything by Cheryl going into this so had zero expectations on how the writing would feel for me. I was nicely surprised to learn that I liked it.
Charlotte and Zaiden were great main characters, the only criticism I have is I would have loved to know more about their past to get more of a feeling as to why they are the way they are now, specifically with Charlotte’s ex boyfriend.
The side characters were a really good addition and very well written, I’m excited to see if we get to follow any of their stories in the next books from the series.
💜 Small town
💜 Fake relationship
💜 Friends to lovers
💜 Forced proximity
Ok this was cute. I hadn’t read anything by Cheryl going into this so had zero expectations on how the writing would feel for me. I was nicely surprised to learn that I liked it.
Charlotte and Zaiden were great main characters, the only criticism I have is I would have loved to know more about their past to get more of a feeling as to why they are the way they are now, specifically with Charlotte’s ex boyfriend.
The side characters were a really good addition and very well written, I’m excited to see if we get to follow any of their stories in the next books from the series.
June 16, 2024
Easy read! A cute small town romance! I liked the main characters but I really wanted to know more about them. We got to see who they are now, but I want to see how they got there. Charlotte’s ex plays a minor part, but I want to know more about how that relationship affects her now. The side characters were great - I hope we get to see them again in the next books so we can learn more about them! Overall I thought the story was great, just needed a bit - more oomph. Solid 4 stars… will read the next book for sure!
October 7, 2024
I loved this book! This isn't a genre I typically am drawn to, but I really enjoyed this playful romance. Without giving away too many details, I just want to say that this book is a great reminder that sometimes we find love in the least expected places.
I enjoyed the characters and the introduction of new characters. I always enjoy dual POV writing so we can really get a feel for what the main characters are each thinking/feeling.
If you like playful romance books, or even if you don't, this book is for you!
I enjoyed the characters and the introduction of new characters. I always enjoy dual POV writing so we can really get a feel for what the main characters are each thinking/feeling.
If you like playful romance books, or even if you don't, this book is for you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2024
I absolutely adored this book! It's a cute romance with a little spice. I loved Zaiden and Charlotte. Their bickering and banter was entertaining and it was nice to see their growth in their relationship. I loved the story, it was sweet. I love rural England so it was nice that it was set there. It made the story even more romantic. I loved the friendship between Charlotte and Grace. Grace's advice was definitely the best! can’t wait to read her story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️/5
September 10, 2024
This book was adorable! I hardly ever read contemporary romance anymore and this book was a nice palate cleanser for me. I love the cute banter between Charolette and Zaiden. The MMCs I usually read about are morally black/grey, borderline psychotic, rugged manly men, touch her and die vibes. Zaiden felt real life. He was absolutely adorable. And to take place in England! This book made my heart swoon. Can't wait to read more books from Cheryl.
October 18, 2024
A cute contemporary romance with a touch of spice!
This book was different from what I've been reading and I enjoyed it so much. Charlie and Zaiden are practically in eachothers minds, their relationship is so sweet with a touch of spice. If you like
•forced proximity
•fake dating
•psychotic ex
•touch her and d!e
•small town and are a swiftie definitely give this book a chance. 4.5/5
I recieved an ARC in exchange for a review and it has not influenced my opinion on the book.
This book was different from what I've been reading and I enjoyed it so much. Charlie and Zaiden are practically in eachothers minds, their relationship is so sweet with a touch of spice. If you like
•forced proximity
•fake dating
•psychotic ex
•touch her and d!e
•small town and are a swiftie definitely give this book a chance. 4.5/5
I recieved an ARC in exchange for a review and it has not influenced my opinion on the book.
December 4, 2024
Romance
Fake relationship
Psychotic stalker Ex
This was a cute little slow burn romance with a little spice.
MFC travels to England and pet sits for a couple so they can go on vacation. Their son decides to come home unexpectedly. He is staying in the house with Charolette. They slowly become friends and that’s where the real fun begins!!
Thank you Cheryl Van Gent for the opportunity to read this!!
Fake relationship
Psychotic stalker Ex
This was a cute little slow burn romance with a little spice.
MFC travels to England and pet sits for a couple so they can go on vacation. Their son decides to come home unexpectedly. He is staying in the house with Charolette. They slowly become friends and that’s where the real fun begins!!
Thank you Cheryl Van Gent for the opportunity to read this!!
June 13, 2024
I read this in a couple of hours. I repeat a couple of HOURS. I could not put it down. It was so cute and adorable. The banter between the mmc and fmc was believable and funny. Despite being short the progression from strangers to friends to lovers was smooth. This is something I will probably end up rereading and I cannot wait to get a physical copy to put on my bookshelf.
July 2, 2024
I loved this tale of a pet sitter staying for two months in England to care for dogs and cats. Forced proximity is one of my favorite tropes, along with a stalker and a protective here, it made for a great read as we discovered a small English town and the magic of London through Charlotte's eyes.
September 21, 2024
Wonder book to read once I got into the story. The background of the FMC took a little time to tell but I felt it was necessary to know her history to understand the story. The MMC was amazing and reminded me so much of men in my life as well. I loved how this book brought real people to life it was a wonderful change from other books
February 24, 2025
It took me a bit to get into this book. The beginning was rather “wordy” and I felt it was a bit premature to getting into the story but once I got into it, it was a VERY easy ready. Contemporary romance isn’t my typical genre, but this was a very cutesy, little bit of spice, HEA romance vibe!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
April 27, 2024It’s been a week since release day!! Time flies✈️📚 can’t wait to have book two finished: taste of craving, the love story of Grace and Nickolas.🤭
September 12, 2024
Enjoyed this book, was a cute love story
September 12, 2024
I love this romance novel. It had mild spice/smut! I loved getting to know the characters and reading the scenes build up to build a bigger picture in the end. One of my favorite reads this year!
October 13, 2024
Loved the book!! Can’t wait to see what else is in store!!
March 16, 2025
🌟 **Bookstagram Review: A Taste of Affection by Cheryl van Gent** 🌟
If you're searching for a captivating romance that seamlessly blends fake relationships with heartfelt emotions, **A Taste of Affection** is an absolute must-read! ❤️✨
**Charlotte** embarks on a two-month escape to the English countryside, hoping for some tranquility. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when she finds herself sharing a house with **Zaidan**, the charming son of the owner. What starts as a fake relationship to appease family inquiries quickly evolves into something much deeper and more complicated than either of them anticipated.
This story takes you on an emotional rollercoaster! Who doesn’t love the “fake dating” trope? 😍 The chemistry between Charlotte and Zaidan is electric, and each chapter pulls you further into their journey. I loved how they navigated their feelings against the backdrop of external challenges, including Charlotte's intense ex.
Highlights include:
- 🐾 A heartwarming scene where Charlotte rescues Zaidan’s adorable cat!
- 💌 A letter of confession that made my heart soar!
- 🎉 Engaging family dynamics that add delightful twists—what happens when the parents return unexpectedly? You'll want to find out!
Chapter 41? Pure perfection! The build-up to their first kiss is beautifully crafted, and the tension is off the charts! 🔥 Just wait until the third act—it's definitely worth the anticipation!
As the story unfolds, Zaidan’s protective nature towards Charlotte, especially in light of her past, is truly touching. Their journey toward love feels both authentic and relatable, making them an unforgettable couple.
I never thought fake dating could be so captivating! This book has quickly become one of my favorites this month. If you're a fan of romance that tugs at your heartstrings while delivering swoon-worthy moments, you need to grab a copy of **A Taste of Affection**! 📚❤️
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
#BookReview #ATasteOfAffection #RomanceReads #Bookstagram #FakeDating #MustRead #BookRecommendations #LoveStory #ReadersOfInstagram
If you're searching for a captivating romance that seamlessly blends fake relationships with heartfelt emotions, **A Taste of Affection** is an absolute must-read! ❤️✨
**Charlotte** embarks on a two-month escape to the English countryside, hoping for some tranquility. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when she finds herself sharing a house with **Zaidan**, the charming son of the owner. What starts as a fake relationship to appease family inquiries quickly evolves into something much deeper and more complicated than either of them anticipated.
This story takes you on an emotional rollercoaster! Who doesn’t love the “fake dating” trope? 😍 The chemistry between Charlotte and Zaidan is electric, and each chapter pulls you further into their journey. I loved how they navigated their feelings against the backdrop of external challenges, including Charlotte's intense ex.
Highlights include:
- 🐾 A heartwarming scene where Charlotte rescues Zaidan’s adorable cat!
- 💌 A letter of confession that made my heart soar!
- 🎉 Engaging family dynamics that add delightful twists—what happens when the parents return unexpectedly? You'll want to find out!
Chapter 41? Pure perfection! The build-up to their first kiss is beautifully crafted, and the tension is off the charts! 🔥 Just wait until the third act—it's definitely worth the anticipation!
As the story unfolds, Zaidan’s protective nature towards Charlotte, especially in light of her past, is truly touching. Their journey toward love feels both authentic and relatable, making them an unforgettable couple.
I never thought fake dating could be so captivating! This book has quickly become one of my favorites this month. If you're a fan of romance that tugs at your heartstrings while delivering swoon-worthy moments, you need to grab a copy of **A Taste of Affection**! 📚❤️
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
#BookReview #ATasteOfAffection #RomanceReads #Bookstagram #FakeDating #MustRead #BookRecommendations #LoveStory #ReadersOfInstagram
January 17, 2025
First off, let me start by saying that I absolutely adored this book. Being an ARC reviewer for Cheryl's books never stops being exciting, but I definitely think she's found her footing in writing romance. I'm so incredibly excited to grab a paperback copy and read the rest of the series!
ToA is a gorgeous romance, set in the UK. It's a little bit spicy and a little bit heartbreaking, but it's also gorgeously paced and witty and fun, and was such a lovely, breezy read (my last read was Amy Beashel's 'We Are All Constellations' which was SO sad, and my next read is something weird and dark for my degree)... so this was a nice break. I never read spice because I typically read YA books, but in my opinion, it was done so well. The fact I'm writing this review on Valentine's Day says a lot.
The reason this book was a solid 3.5 star read, however, is simply because it didn't blow me away, and although I was so hooked and couldn't stop reading, I personally never felt fully invested in the characters; I prefer super heavily-developed characters with lots of depth, flaws and insecurities, and I couldn't fully invest in Zaiden and Charlotte's relationship. It was a fun read, but there were themes etc I would've loved to have been developed more. For me, books which are simply plain romance without other subgenres aren't always my favourite; I prefer mental health or grief subplots, at least, to add some depth to the main story. There was an emotional abuse storyline I think could've been dived into even more.
The other characters also fell a little flat for me, but were nice additions to the story, and helped persuade me to continue reading! Grace was fun and feisty and has clear hidden depths, and I loved how much emphasis was placed on the pets - and I don't even like animals that much! It was lovely to see the male protagonist have a close guy friend, as that's often misrepresented in fiction.
As a UK girlie, it was also SO fun to read a book set in the UK, though I do wish it was done with a bit more research and less generalisations. As the protagonist claims she likes to travel and see great landscapes, it seems silly that she makes no attempts to go and visit the gorgeous countryside and mountains, such as in the north of England (the Lake District or the Peak District, or the Cheviots or the Yorkshire Dales!), or even in Scotland and Wales! She goes to London, but doesn't explore the country beyond that, and makes sweeping statements about her enjoyment of the English "countryside" which varies from county to county, and doesn't step outside of the area close to London. Apparently there are more scenes coming in the future books, but I really would've loved more in-depth research about England and its culture; yet I'm sure that for many non-English readers, this wouldn't matter so much!
I'm absolutely gassed about the fact Cheryl is hoping to quickly release the next books in the series over the next year or so, because they're all set in the same universe but with different protagonists, which sounds so fun, and reminds me of 'Anna and the French Kiss' and its subsequent trilogy - if you know, you know!
I do always go on about how much I love supporting self-published authors, but it really helps when they also happen to be lovely and kind and so appreciative of feedback, and willing to change. Cheryl and I talked in depth about corrections I'd found and all sorts of things you come across in an early copy, and I'm sure the finalised book will be even more brill.
I'm so excited to share the book to my own readers, and watch Cheryl's books grow their own readership!
ToA is a gorgeous romance, set in the UK. It's a little bit spicy and a little bit heartbreaking, but it's also gorgeously paced and witty and fun, and was such a lovely, breezy read (my last read was Amy Beashel's 'We Are All Constellations' which was SO sad, and my next read is something weird and dark for my degree)... so this was a nice break. I never read spice because I typically read YA books, but in my opinion, it was done so well. The fact I'm writing this review on Valentine's Day says a lot.
The reason this book was a solid 3.5 star read, however, is simply because it didn't blow me away, and although I was so hooked and couldn't stop reading, I personally never felt fully invested in the characters; I prefer super heavily-developed characters with lots of depth, flaws and insecurities, and I couldn't fully invest in Zaiden and Charlotte's relationship. It was a fun read, but there were themes etc I would've loved to have been developed more. For me, books which are simply plain romance without other subgenres aren't always my favourite; I prefer mental health or grief subplots, at least, to add some depth to the main story. There was an emotional abuse storyline I think could've been dived into even more.
The other characters also fell a little flat for me, but were nice additions to the story, and helped persuade me to continue reading! Grace was fun and feisty and has clear hidden depths, and I loved how much emphasis was placed on the pets - and I don't even like animals that much! It was lovely to see the male protagonist have a close guy friend, as that's often misrepresented in fiction.
As a UK girlie, it was also SO fun to read a book set in the UK, though I do wish it was done with a bit more research and less generalisations. As the protagonist claims she likes to travel and see great landscapes, it seems silly that she makes no attempts to go and visit the gorgeous countryside and mountains, such as in the north of England (the Lake District or the Peak District, or the Cheviots or the Yorkshire Dales!), or even in Scotland and Wales! She goes to London, but doesn't explore the country beyond that, and makes sweeping statements about her enjoyment of the English "countryside" which varies from county to county, and doesn't step outside of the area close to London. Apparently there are more scenes coming in the future books, but I really would've loved more in-depth research about England and its culture; yet I'm sure that for many non-English readers, this wouldn't matter so much!
I'm absolutely gassed about the fact Cheryl is hoping to quickly release the next books in the series over the next year or so, because they're all set in the same universe but with different protagonists, which sounds so fun, and reminds me of 'Anna and the French Kiss' and its subsequent trilogy - if you know, you know!
I do always go on about how much I love supporting self-published authors, but it really helps when they also happen to be lovely and kind and so appreciative of feedback, and willing to change. Cheryl and I talked in depth about corrections I'd found and all sorts of things you come across in an early copy, and I'm sure the finalised book will be even more brill.
I'm so excited to share the book to my own readers, and watch Cheryl's books grow their own readership!
August 1, 2024
This has my first for this author and I loved it!
Charlotte and Zaiden were well-rounded main characters. I would love to see a prequel on their history more, I feel like we jumped into the depth of the story.
#fakedating
#slowburn
#forcedprox
#psychoticex
Charlotte and Zaiden were well-rounded main characters. I would love to see a prequel on their history more, I feel like we jumped into the depth of the story.
#fakedating
#slowburn
#forcedprox
#psychoticex
September 28, 2024
I usually don’t read rom com books, simply because I lean more into fantasy, BUT I thought this story was super cute! It was honestly refreshing to read such a sweet romance, especially when it’s a two POV book! Also it was such a short read, I finished it within a day!! I’m definitely going to be recommending it to my friends
!!
(Came back to add, that the only reason I have it 4 stars instead of 5, is bc I wanted more 😭)
!!
(Came back to add, that the only reason I have it 4 stars instead of 5, is bc I wanted more 😭)
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