Love by the Book: Magnolia Cove Magic 2 Author Noel Bailey
Book Review
4 out of 5 stars!
"The secret to perfect matchmaking is... glitter. Lots of it. Like, unreasonable amounts. . . Also, maybe a sprinkle of moonlight and a really good playlist." - Rhianna
Rhianna has made a decision! To become the best, and only, matchmaker in Magnolia Cove! Her magic allows her to match people to their perfect books, so the next logical step is to match people to their other half. Right? All while keeping a wall up around her own heart and refusing to be matched with anyone! She already read that story and it ended in a tragedy.
But when Eli Lancaster walks in asking for her matchmaking skills she may just have to fight the spark that ignited between her and this stranger. Eli knows his books and music! Talking to him is easy and they just click not to mention she can't stop thinking about the professor. Rhi has to stay focused on the task and that he's also a client. You're not supposed to fall for your clients!
I thought this read seemed like a fun and cozy one to dive into. I wasn't wrong! This is book number two, and it can be read as a standalone. However, there are cameos of previous characters and some slight spoilers. Though I only got enticed more to go back and read Alex and Ethan's story!
"Her energy, so different from mine, might be just what I need to shake up my routine during my stay. Maybe bold move number two isn’t about finding love at all, thank god, but an opportunity to experience some of the spontaneity I came for." - Eli
Eli's struggling with his mortality and a loss of a friend/colleague has placed things into perspective. All of us get caught up in the motions of living and our routines until something causes us to shift our focus. Realizing that if we continue down a certain path we may end up somewhere we don't want to be. Eli comes to understand he wants more and to be spontaneous. He no longer wants to check off the boxes on his carefully curated lists. But habits and a one-eighty in personality doesn't just happen overnight!
Rhianna was fun to read about and see how her and Eli interacted. Her contagious personality and energy drew Eli in from day one. Helping to bring the man out of his shell and embrace life. Eli also helps Rhi in ways she wasn't expecting or wanting. I loved the chemistry between them and the swoon worthy/cute moments!
Magnolia Cove is a small town and if you've ever lived or been a part of a small town you know people talk and remember things! Rhi was the subject of local gossip and rumors in the past and still struggles with words that had been said. Even if some were just worried about her the words came across wrong. One of the main focuses of the book is on grief and still working through it. Showing how grief works differently for people and wondering if you're grieving "too hard". There's some mild language in the book and mentions of a terrible past ex. boyfriend. Social anxiety and getting tongue tied.
"But with Rhianna nothing about her blends in. She’s not routine. She’s wildfire." - Eli
We do have romance and MF action. On page we get passionate kissing, but things fade to black! The romance is a slow burn of friends/coworkers to casual to lovers. I loved the dual POVs and watching them struggle. Rhi especially in how much denial she was in over Eli and the feelings that were growing for him!
For me, this is just my honest and personal opinion, some of the internal monologue was rather repetitive. As a reader I understood and got the emotions and feelings behind situations and reasonings. I felt like some of the monologue could have been cut because it had already been stated.
I enjoyed this installment and want to read more! It's a cozy feel with a wonderful town full of magic and unique things. The scene building was fun and the chaos surrounding Rhianna and her bubbly personality was great. The opening scene had me laughing! I would definitely be standing on the sidelines with Grammie Rae and Mrs. Delehay. Opera glasses on and munching on popcorn! We do get an HEA for the main couple but there's more to come for this town!
Do enjoy the read with magic, a matchmaker, a sweet professor who must be protected, and so much more! Don't forget to give the author some stars!
Thank you, BookSirens!
Magnolia Cove Magic (2 book series) Kindle Edition
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