Review: Worth Fighting For

 

* Part of the of MEANT TO BE novels * 

Fa Mulan works in finance, but the finance bros just might be the death of her. Yes, her father owns the company, but that's not why she was hired. Her father's interested in making a deal with a family run whiskey company. Fa Mulan can't understand why because the numbers don't add up.

But when her father has a heart attack just before the negotiations start, Fa Mulan promises that she will get the deal done. 

But the family run company is traditional and only wants to negotiate with a man. Fa Mulan steps in and assumes her father's name. Her father talked about his time on a ranch. The family is unimpressed with Fa Mulan's presentation but agree to her coming to the ranch and showing off her skills.

Fa Mulan doesn't have those skills, but maybe her sheer determination will convince the family. Can she get the job done for her father?

My Thoughts: I loved this book - it was charming and funny. The time on the ranch was hilarious. I enjoyed Shang's family - the women were sweet and feisty. The men were old school and annoying (some of them) but some just wanted to do right by the company. I loved Mushu (Fa Mulan's cousin) - especially how her story ended. Another fantastic retelling; I didn't want this to end.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

Why I Read It: I love these retellings and Mulan is a favorite story of mine. 

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended series for your public library's romance collection

Hand this to: Disney adults 

* these are not series in term of connecting characters, but in terms of Disney retellings *

Review: By the Book

 

Isabelle's publishing career is not going as she expected. She's stuck in a rut with a boss who isn't interested in helping her out of her rut. When Isabelle overhears her boss complain about a client who hasn't turned in his manuscript, she offers to take matters into her own hands.

What Isabelle sees as a quick trip for a pep talk turns into a very different story. Instead, she's stuck in the house with a former child actor who hasn't written any pages of his memoir. Worse - he's grumpy and rude. But Isabelle's not about to give up; she's determined to make her dreams come true.

My Thoughts: An adult Disney book! I've been waiting for this series* my whole life! This Beauty and the Beast retelling was amazing. First, it's written by one of my favorite romance authors. Second, I love all the nods to the fairy tale. It's simply enchanting. I loved the moments about publishing, Isabelle's pep talks, and the chats about writing. And of course, I loved that library! I want to spend some time writing there. I loved the snack cupboard and all the food descriptions. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your romance collection

* It's not technically a series with overlapping characters but an adult series of fairy tale retellings.

Bookstagram (2): If the Shoe Fits

I've been meaning to read this book for ages and I'm so happy I finally did. Because I Loved it!

What to love: 

Cinderella Retelling

Nice Stepsisters

Fashion Designer

Reality TV Show

Romance

Friendship

Drama Drama Drama

 

* GIF from How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Review: Meant to Be

Julia's excited to be spending her spring vacation week in London - until she realizes that her friends aren't going and even worse she's partnered with her nemesis for the trip. Jason's just so...goofy, annoying, and smug. Julia can't believe she's stuck with him.

The first night, he takes her to a party. She lets loose for the first time. She becomes someone braver, someone interesting, someone who's not a know it all.

Afterwards, the two strike up a bargain. Jason will help Julia text flirt with a boy she met at the party and in turn Julia will write up their assignments.

Julia's vision of this trip changed the minute she was partnered with Jason, but he brings her places she never knew about. Could she be seeing him a whole new light?

My Thoughts: I took this book with me on vacation and devoured it. I felt like Julia was a modern day nonmagical Hermoine Granger. She's always reader, knows everything, and maybe needs to have a little more fun. I like how she tries to break out of her shell during the party - and how the spirals out of control. I love traveling around London with the tour group and with Jason and Julia on their own. I loved the banter between Julia and Jason. I loved getting to know Jason better - between the singing and the graffiti park moments. I liked how Julia had a grand idea of romance after hearing the stories about her parents falling in love. A really fun novel, perfect for a library collection.

Cover Thoughts: Cute - I really liked reading this piece about the evolution of the cover
Source: Gifted from my #otspsecretsister