Review ~ Bright Midnight by Karina Halle

Bright MidnightBright Midnight by Karina Halle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve read a lot of Halle’s reads over the years, and this one was a good read, however it didn’t blow me away like I hoped it would. The storyline kept me engaged, wanting to know more about Anders and Shay. There were elements of the story told from their past which I would’ve liked to get more of, so I could undrstand them both and what happened a little better. I think that more depth throughout may have strengthened their story. Parts of the present were glossed over and there were a few threads I would’ve liked to see more of.

Even though they hadn't seen each other in eight years, there was still a connection there between them. There were unresolved issues that they had to deal with, and being back together I could see the chemistry was still there. I liked both characters - Shay was such a strong and determined heroine, and Anders had such a big heart, supporting his family by giving up his dreams to run the family business.

Over all, it was enjoyable, but not my favourite of Halle's work.


Title: Bright Midnight
Author: Karina Halle
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: May 4, 2021

After years of bartending her way across Europe, Shay Lavji has seen almost everything the continent has to offer, but there’s one country she hasn’t crossed off her bucket list yet: Norway. It’s not that she doesn’t want to visit the land of the midnight sun—far from it; she’s obsessed with the culture and is dying to see the majestic fjords for herself.

What she’s not dying to do is run into her Norwegian ex-boyfriend, Anders Johansson, who broke her heart in America eight years ago before returning to his ancestral home. The last time she saw Anders, he was a cocky, rebellious, and tortured teenager who couldn’t stop himself from pushing all of her buttons—both good and bad. But Shay isn’t going to let Anders stand in the way of her wanderlust, and besides, it’s a big country, right?

She doesn’t count on Anders seeking her out the moment he learns she’s on his home turf. When Shay sees him again, she’s shocked at his transformation into a bearded, tattooed farmer and fisherman who values family over everything else. Is it possible that time has tamed this former bad boy? Shay wants to believe that everything can be new and bright again under the summer sun, but she knows, when it comes to Anders, the darkness is never too far behind.


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Review: All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata

All Rhodes Lead Here All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just like every other Zapata read, she built this world slowly but beautifully. I was able to get to know Aurora as she rebuilt her life in the town she was raised in. She began a friendship with Amos, which lead to a connection with his father Rhodes. She was also able to rekindle her friendship with her old friend Clara.

This book was really sweet and had a few heartbreaking moments. I loved how deep Auroras friendships became, and that one turned into something more for her and was able to give her purpose once more. I really immersed myself into this read and did not want to put it down... It was another fantastic Zapata read!!

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Title: All Rhodes Lead
Author: Mariana Zapata
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: April 1, 2021

Losing people you love is hard.

Aurora De La Torre knows moving back to a place that was once home isn’t going to be easy.

Starting your whole life over probably isn’t supposed to be.

But a small town in the mountains might be the perfect remedy for a broken heart.

Checking out her landlord across the driveway just might cure it too.


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