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Welcome back to Mes Curls Reads!
This past week, I had the pleasure of diving into three ARCs that each brought something unique to the table: The Island Arrangement by Elouise Tynan, Modern Pen Pals by Eva Chau, and A Simple Game by Danielle Sarah. Let’s get into my thoughts on each one!
Modern Pen Pals
Rating: 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have to start with Modern Pen Pals by Eva Chau because… wow! If you’re a fan of K-dramas, love triangles, and heartwarming stories, this book will wrap you in a cosy, comforting embrace. The love triangle between Elijah, Moon Hee, and Delilah added just the right amount of tension, and I have to admit—Moon Hee completely stole my heart! He reminds me of someone dear to me, and every scene with him left me smiling like an idiot. 😍
The story has such a beautiful blend of cultures and mental health representation that felt so real and touching. It’s a soothing read that pulls you in with its emotional depth, and if you’re a BTS Army or love K-pop/K-drama vibes, Modern Pen Pals is your book! Oh, and the playlist? Chef’s kiss! 🎶
Tropes I Loved:
💌 Pen Pals
🧁 Strangers to Friends to Lovers
🖤 Multicultural Romance (British x Korean)
💌 Mental Health Representation
🧁 Open-Door Spice
🖤 Tattoo Artist MMCs
💌 Love Triangle
This book had my heart from start to finish. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it!
The Island Arrangement
Rating: 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Next up is The Island Arrangement by Elouise Tynan, and let me tell you—it’s the kind of book you can binge in one sitting, preferably poolside with a margarita in hand! 🌴🍸 The chemistry between Honor and Blake is sizzling, and the fake dating trope got a fresh spin here. Blake’s brooding vibe and Honor’s sass were everything, and watching them navigate a destination wedding made for such a fun, lighthearted read.
Blake’s character arc was such a pleasant surprise. Seeing him work through his post-breakup trust issues while trying to keep things "strictly business" with Honor was so satisfying. And let’s not forget the side characters—they really added to the sense of family and made the story even more enjoyable.
Tropes You’ll Love:.jpg)
🩵 Fake Dating.jpg)
💚 Billionaire Romance
🩵 Grumpy x Sunshine
💚 Forced Proximity
🩵 Destination Wedding
Honor and Blake’s journey from fake lovers to something real felt like the perfect summer romance, and I’d recommend this to anyone who loves witty banter, tropical settings, and a satisfying slow burn.
Links to order the book: Amazon UK/Amazon US/Amazon CA
A Simple Game
Rating: 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lastly, I finished A Simple Game by Danielle Sarah, and wow—this one was intense! Dark romance fans, this one’s for you!
A Simple Game was a wild ride full of tension, forbidden love, and plenty of spice. With a delicious Daddy Kink dynamic and an intense age gap between 45-year-old Xavier and 25-year-old Saoirse, the story pushes all the right boundaries in the best way possible. One of my favourite lines from Saoirse sums it up perfectly: “Romance. The dirtier, the better.” 🔥
I loved how the multi-POV format gave us a deeper understanding of Xavier, Saoirse, and Harrison (Xavier’s son). It really added layers to the suspense, and I found myself constantly wondering what would happen next. But heads up—the book ends on a cliffhanger that leaves you with questions!
What to Expect:
💵 Billionaire Romance with Twists
😈 Morally Grey FMC
💵 Insta-Lust
😈 Age Gap (20 years)
💵 Secrets, Revenge, and Suspense
😈 Daddy Kink
If you’re into dark romance with an edge, A Simple Game is a sexy, addictive read that will leave you wanting more. You’ve been warned! 😏
Links to order the book: Amazon UK/Amazon US/Amazon CA
So there you have it! Three ARCs that gave me all the feels—from heartwarming K-drama vibes to sunny island escapades and dark, suspenseful romance. Let me know which one catches your eye, and stay tuned for more reviews on Mes Curls Reads! 📚✨
Don’t forget to follow me on Mes Curls Reads for all the latest updates and bookish fun!
Until next time, happy reading! 📚✨