Dear, Rosie by SJ Tilly
I've been on an SJ Tilly kick and I'm absolutely in love with her writing and characters. The fact that all her FMCs are unapologetically plus sized is so refreshing. I loved the dynamic between Rosie and Nathan, they were so funny and flirty and actually laughed out loud a couple times. The narrators were fantastic, Andi Arndt is always great and Christian Fox can do no wrong with his voice acting. The chemistry, story line and spice were the perfect combination for this romance. It's a pretty simple romance with a small plot twist, so it wasn't nearly as predictable as I thought it would be and I definitely appreciate that. Honestly I'd listen to it again at some point because the characters are so likeable. Solid 8/10 for a lighthearted(ish) romance with a nice amount of Smut. Although, this is a bit more romance than spice, Im not mad about it. It was balanced and kept me hooked while listening.
Spice-🌶️🌶 ️/5
Overall-8/10
+10 points for Charles the secret star of the whole book
#sjtilly #plussizeromancebooks #spiceybook #romancebooks #bookrevieweroflemon8
Hey bookworms! I know some of you might be searching for 'SJ Tilly controversy' and wondering what's been going on. It's a completely valid search, as we all want to be informed about the authors we support and the stories we invest our time in. In the dynamic world of publishing, especially with popular romance authors, discussions and debates around various topics – from book themes and character portrayals to an author's social media presence or past statements – are quite common. It’s definitely a space where readers often grapple with how to reconcile their love for a story with any concerns they might have about its creator. It’s a nuanced conversation, and it’s understandable to want clarity. When I picked up 'Dear, Rosie' by SJ Tilly, my main focus was diving into a new romance, and I have to say, it completely swept me away. My review above highlights my personal experience with the audiobook – and honestly, Andi Arndt and Christian Fox's narration was just perfection. They brought Rosie and Nathan to life so vividly, making the hilarious banter and undeniable chemistry jump right out of my headphones. This wasn't just another romance; the unapologetically plus-sized heroine, Rosie, was such a refreshing change, and her dynamic with Nathan was genuinely laugh-out-loud funny. It’s these elements that truly resonated with me and made the book a solid 8/10 in my personal rating. The blend of humor, heart, and a surprising plot twist really kept me engaged, demonstrating the author's ability to craft a captivating story. Navigating author controversies can be a really personal journey. Some readers find it important to separate the art from the artist, choosing to appreciate a book purely for its narrative and characters, regardless of external discussions. They might believe that a story's impact stands on its own. Others might feel that an author's actions or views are inextricably linked to their work, and can significantly affect their enjoyment or willingness to support. There's no universal 'right' answer, and it often comes down to what feels right for you as a reader, based on your own values and experiences. For me, the powerful message of self-acceptance and joy embedded in Rosie's character truly shined through, and that positive representation of a plus-sized woman finding love in a steamy romance was a huge draw – something I felt was incredibly well-executed in 'Dear, Rosie.' What I've found is that sometimes, even when there are broader conversations happening, a book can still offer immense personal value and escape. 'Dear, Rosie' was that kind of escape for me – a lighthearted yet spicy romance that kept me hooked with its unexpected plot twist and genuinely likable characters, including the secret star, Charles! It reaffirmed my belief that good storytelling, especially when delivered with such engaging performances in an audiobook format, can still deliver a fantastic experience. The balance of romance and 'smut' was perfectly struck, making it a truly balanced and enjoyable listen. So, while it's good to be aware of external discussions and form your own opinions, I hope my take on 'Dear, Rosie' offers another perspective on SJ Tilly's work and perhaps introduces you to a new favorite romance, regardless of what other topics might be circulating. Ultimately, the reading community thrives on diverse opinions and thoughtful engagement.
