Book Review # 22
Book Review # 22 ✨
This was one of the worst books I have ever read. I read the Merry Little Meet Cute series during the holidays last year by the same authors and really enjoyed it - there were some parts I didn’t like but I saw this at B&N and wanted to give this story line another shot. This is a two-side novella based on some of the secondary characters from the Meet Cute series. I thought the whole thing was super cheesy. It was hard for me to stay focused because
of how cliche and boring the storylines were. And the worst part was that the intimate scenes were beyond raunchy.. but not in a good way. I am all for a spicy romance but some of the scenes were very cringy and the language used sounded like the authors were trying to write a p**** scene. Unfortunately just not my cup of tea.
Okay, let's dive deeper into what really made 'Snow Place Like LA' and 'Seas and Greetings' such a tough read for me, especially regarding the spice level! Many of you might be wondering, 'how spicy is this book?' And trust me, it’s a valid question. From my experience, the book certainly contains intimate scenes, but unfortunately, they crossed the line from 'spicy' to frankly 'cringy' and 'raunchy' in a way that just didn't work for me at all. For me, good spice in a romance novel comes from genuine character connection, building emotional tension, and dialogue that feels natural, enhancing the relationship rather than distracting from it. In these novellas by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone, I felt the intimate moments were often forced, the language used felt incredibly artificial and almost desperate, and it pulled me completely out of the story instead of drawing me in. It wasn't about passionate connection; it felt more like trying too hard to be explicit, which, in my opinion, just makes it awkward and uncomfortable. If you're like me and seek well-executed, emotionally resonant spice, this might not be the book for you. My 1 out of 5 stars rating definitely reflects this aspect, as the lack of genuine connection in these scenes was a major drawback. Now, let's address the authors, Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone, who are known for other works. I’ve seen queries like 'Julie Murphy favorite childhood book' pop up, and it really highlights the stark contrast between readers' expectations and what books like 'Snow Place Like LA' and 'Seas and Greetings' actually offer. While Julie Murphy has written some fantastic books, like the widely acclaimed 'Dumplin'', which many enjoyed for its heartwarming themes and relatable characters, 'Snow Place Like LA' is absolutely not a childhood book. Nor is it one I’d recommend for anyone looking for that innocent, nostalgic feeling. The vibrant, sunny LA cover might promise a light, fun read, but the content goes in a very different, and for me, disappointing, direction. It’s important to remember that authors can have very diverse bibliographies. Sometimes, a book can be a bit of a departure from their usual style, or simply not hit the mark for every reader, even if you’ve thoroughly enjoyed their previous work (like I did with their 'Merry Little Meet Cute' series). If you're genuinely searching for a 'favorite childhood book' or something light and sweet, these novellas, with their explicit and poorly executed intimate scenes and overall cliché storylines, couldn't be further from that. It serves as a good reminder to always check reviews and summaries, especially when an author ventures into a new subgenre or style. My hope is always to find books that resonate and provide a great escape, and sadly, 'Snow Place Like LA & Seas and Greetings' just didn't do it for me on multiple levels, earning that rare 1-star rating. It's a shame when a book with such potential falls flat, especially when it comes to crafting genuinely compelling romance.