A little bit Pride and Prejudice, a little bit Aladdin—I was really excited for this one!

Unfortunately, while fun, this one missed the mark for me. My main gripe has to be the characters. Plain and simple: I wasn't really rooting for them. They were all pretty unlikeable with only small moments where they shined. Also, be prepared: this one is heavy on the miscommunication trope. I can handle a little bit of that, but this was over-the-top.

Once the action finally picked up I found myself enjoying it a little more. The characters may have annoyed me, but the twists in the story were interesting and unique. I kept reading out of curiosity for that alone.

Towards the end the pacing slowed and I felt like it was just dragging on with little actually happening. This culminated in an abrupt ending that left more than one loose thread.

It was fun, but it just wasn't what I expected/hope it would be.

I received an arc of this book from Alcove Press via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A story that evokes memories of Rom Coms watched while my kids were growing up. Love hate relationships, fantasy, magical wishes and a little chemistry. This book was fun but just a little too long. I loved the awesome purple cover! Thanks #NetGalley #AlcovePress

Absolutely delightful!
I am a sucker for a playful, devil-may-care, MMC who has hidden depths and Every Wish Way served him up on a platinum platter!

A cross between a Pride & Prejudice and Aladdin retelling, Iza is s a successful architect at a crossroads in her life. All she wants is to find a man that her mother will approve of so she can have a family and a successful career. Enter Beckett, straight out of a bottle of glittery nail polish. He's not a genie but he has magic and he's ready to grant Iza three wishes. Turns out, he's cursed to grant wishes after taking advantage of a shooting star.

Sounds magical, right? It is. Iza's first wish is for a modern-day Mr. Darcy because he is the type of man that Iza's mother can appreciate. As usual with wishes, be careful what you wish for.

This book was full of magic, of course, but also so funny. Beckett has the roguish charm down to a science. The banter is great, very sweet and funny. There are plenty of tender moments but if you're looking for spice then I would say that this is on the lower end of the scale. This book is all about the longing in the forbidden love between Iza and Beckett. Heavier themes include reconciling a difficult maternal relationship and learning what true selfless love means.
Overall, so much giddy fun. I'm buying this book for me and for a friend.

Thank you to Shannon Bright, Alcove Press, and Netgalley for the eARC of Every Wish Way in exchange for my honest review. I honestly loved it.

A very entertaining read but it couldn't sustain my enthusiasm.
.
The relationship with her mother and how the entire train of thought and decisions revolved around her mother, a character who is not constantly in the book, added to her attitude made me lose the desire to read.
.
But, I finished it and it felt like everything happened at the end of the book, one plot twist after another and ending
.
Iza is determined to have it all, a career, a house, a partner and childrens. But first she needs to find a perfect partner, someone who will show her mother that not all men are trash
.
When a genie appears from an old nail polish and gives her three wishes, Iza decides to think about how to use them to solve her dilemma. But the more time she spends with Becket, arguing and agreeing, she can't stop thinking about him. Even with a modern Mr. Darcy in front of her
.
It is a good book, entertaining and with good magical elements but I wish it had hooked me more, unfortunately I didn't like it nor could I connect with the heroine
.
Thanks to Shannon Bright and Alcove Press for give me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest and voluntary opinion

Thank you, Alcove Press and NetGalley, for the advanced copy of Every Wish Way.

What a debut! I can't wait to read more from Shannon Bright. This is the romance novel you need if you like to ease into the magical fun of the season. It felt like Aladdin and Pride and Prejudice mixed into one. This one was a fun read, but it also brought the emotion! Highly recommend this one for a fun Fall read!

Iza loves love even though she's been told from a young age that men suck. She wants to find a guy that can prove her mom wrong especially since her last serious relationship ended in flames. Enter genie. While polishing her nails with her glittery purple nail polish (another item frowned upon by Mommy Dearest), Beckett arrives in all his wish-making glory. Things don't always go as planned when you make a wish, and this novel goes down that journey with Iza and her friend as Beckett takes them on a wild ride of magic. Sans the rug!

I really wanted to like this book I really did but it just got so boring. I was 50% in and was like wth there's still 50% more to go?? What else can happen? I think the mother daughter relationship was just unsettling and I get there are mothers who probably are like that but it didn't feel natural. At the start I like and felt sorry for our FMC but as time went on I just got more and more annoyed with her and I am not even sure why but I was just like you are mean and I hope you and the MMC do not end up together cause you are just mean to him. Therefore I dnf'd.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3,5/5

This book feels like a mix between Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter and Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle, with a take on Pride and Prejudice and the subversion of the "perfect man" concept.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, although I did have to overlook some unbelievable moments (such as a lion being left "free" and unattended after surgery just so the protagonist could almost be killed and then saved by the guy she doesn't believe likes her).
My main issue was with Liza's stubbornness, but I appreciated how she eventually overcomes it and how she and her mother were able to see each other in a new light and improve their relationship. The romance is not heavy; this story is more about realizing that being loved by a man is not the most important thing in life, nor is having a big career.

3 stars.

"Every Wish Way" by Shannon Bright boasts a very cute and charming mystically magically romantic premise that is a little lacking in its execution. I am ambivalent about this book, honestly. It's got some good, and it's got some bad. I didn't really identify with the main character, Iza. I found it difficult to see things from her perspective, especially when she showed little to no growth throughout the story (which was a huge missed opportunity). She seemed like someone you'd need to walk on eggshells around because she'd always explode for no reason. I understand what the author is trying to do by showing that women can successfully balance both a career AND a family life, but I couldn't have the feeling that Iza is everything that's wrong with the modern-day feminist movement. I found her to be toxic, controlling, grating, and unkind. Her mother is even worse than her, but I can't fault this because the author does a fantastic job making her deplorable and despicable. Good on you for this character, Shannon, she's truly the worst! Beckett, the main male character, had his ups and downs. He's funny and charming at times, but then he's selfish and irritating at other times. I never really got the sense that Beckett and Iza would work as a couple because there wasn't that much chemistry between the two of them. Some of the banter between them is well-written, but there was no spark that got me deeply invested in their magical love story. Some timeline jumps in the latter portion of the story made the narrative confusing. I also hate how Iza never stands up to her mother and lets every horrible thing she's done slide! No freaking way! "Pride and Prejudice" fans may be up in arms about what this book tries to do with its constant comparisons, but it didn't bother me and I found it to be an enjoyable plot device. I was hoping this would be a good summer-to-fall transition book, but it just didn't capture my attention as I hoped it would.

Thank you to NetGalley, Shannon Bright, and Alcove Press for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
.
.
Every Wish Way follows Iza, an architect who just wants love and her mother’s approval. Iza is given the chance of a lifetime when she shakes an old nail polish bottle and is granted 3 wishes by a guy named Beckett. What happens when the wishes go from wanting a 21st century Mr. Darcy to going back in time?
.
.
Super cute read! I read this in 3 sittings and enjoyed it. It was a cute little romance to just make me smile. The addition of both Pride and Prejudice and an Aladdin mix was something I didn’t expect. Iza was a fun character and did a lot of work at changing her outlook on love and life. Beckett was also fun but he wasn’t someone I found myself ogling over like I typically do with romance books. Having a 21st century Mr. Darcy was interesting to say the least. I enjoyed this for sure!

This sounds like a cute concept but I did not like the execution. I almost DNF'ed several times but kept reading hoping I would end up liking it at some point.

I found the FMC Iza to be very annoying and whiney. I cannot get into books where it seems like even the author does not like their main character. I was hoping for some great character growth and development but we never got that. Her relationship with her mom was super Toxic and she never stood up for herself.

The pacing was all off and made the story feel very disjointed.

The spicy scenes seemed unnecessary to the story. They didnt blend in with the story and felt out of place. I like when spicy scenes add to the story being told, but this just felt like they were an afterthought.

ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

"Do I need to ask you what your intentions are with my daughter?" Mom asks.
"She's twenty-six, so probably not," says Beckett.

I would like to thank Alcove Press and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this ARC. Shannon Bright is an author I've been following for a while on social media and when her debut hit Netgalley shelves, I knew I needed to get my greedy little hands on it.

Every Wish Way was a refreshing debut into the world of Contemporary Romance with a Fantasy twist. I fell in love with Iza, and even more with our resident frat boy wish-granter. The amount of quotes from Beckett I have highlighted in the book is significant and I found my self cackling again when I opened up my notes to write this review. I'll blame his shamless sparkling personality on the bottle of nail polish that he called home.

Seeing the flaws of our love interest and his internal conflict, and growth as a character made him so much more endearing to me. When I reached Iza's last wish of this book, I ugly cried. Like snot on my face, hyperventilating panic attack kind of cried, but like in a good way? In a way I thank you author for? With contemporary romance you come to expect the third act breakup, but when I say this one ripped my heart out, I am not exaggerating. I may have dived into the author's DM's just to scream at her about it.

Other memorable moment that had me screaming into the author's Dm's? He who shall not be named stealing Iza's idea, and of course our glitter war.

Is this review pretty much a love letter to Beckett and a burn book entry for you know who? Why yes, IT IS. I promise Iza is a main character you will fall in love with over and over again as she learns her place in this world, and if the heartfelt journey isn't your kind of hook, then the witty banter should be enough to drag you in.

4.5 stars!

Iza wants to please her mom and land a good man, and one crazy evening she gets her chance, in the form of a wish granter named Beckett. It's like the movies "Aladdin" meets "Bedazzled." Beckett can grant Iza three wishes, and she opts to wish for her perfect man: Mr. Darcy. But does the 19th century hero translate well into today's society? As Iza and Beckett work together to figure out a way to create her happily ever after, the two of THEM start to see sparks flying. What happens is nothing less than MAGIC.

At first I thought this story was a formulaic, shallow rom-com with some magic thrown in. But as I moved through the story, I realized it was so much more. I was impressed by the sci-fi elements that were woven into the wishes, and found them easy to follow (most of the time, haha). The twist that occurs in the final act had me wanting to re-read the story from the beginning to look for clues. It was enthralling! (It reminded me of some of the elements used in the "Marvel" movies.)

The examination of Iza's relationship with her mom, and herself, was really stirring. I was pleased to see growth in practically every single character in the story. I was a bit surprised by the liberal use of curse words, but it didn't detract much from the story. (They sort of seemed unnecessary and out of place.) Overall, I was blown away by a story that felt so fresh while at the same time using touchstones we're so familiar with, such as characters from "Pride and Prejudice". (I'm not sure everyone will LOVE Darcy's portrayal in this book, but it made sense to me.) That said, I had a great time, and I can't wait to see what Shannon Bright cooks up next time!

Trigger warnings: alcohol poisoning (off page), person giving a minor drugs/alcohol (off page)

I'd like to thank Alcove Press and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

What if you suddenly found yourself with a magical genie who can grant you three wishes and the only thing you ever really wanted was to find Mr. Right? Well for Iza, being raised by a mom who thinks all men are trash, finding a guy to meet her mom's standards has been difficult. Iza longs to find Mr. Right but she's had no luck until suddenly one day after opening a bottle of nail polish suddenly a very cute but frat boy genie appears named Beckett, who tells her he is here to grant her three wishes. Iza wants to find Mr. Right and the only Mr. Right she can think of to ask for is a modern day Mr. Darcy, but when she gets her wish granted he is not what she thinks at all... and maybe her Mr. Right has been next her all along wanting to grant her heart's wishes...if only she could pay attention. This one was such a let down for me, I truly wanted to like it so much but Iza constantly got on my nerves. She goes on and on about how she's tried everything when in fact she has not, she went on one dating app and then went on a date with an actual prince who liked her and dipped. She has serious mommy issues and when someone calls her out on it, she immediately says nah. Iza is whiney, judgmental, and for someone who says she wants Mr. Darcy and says her favorite book is Pride and Prejudice but freaks out when Mr. Darcy just acts like Mr. Darcy and has to have her own friend explain it out for her, it's baffling. I loved Beckett, the genie and love interest and honestly wanted him to end up with someone else because the way she treats him the entire book is not it at all. Sadly this did not come off as a cute rom com and missed the mark on growth for Iza. I really just did not vibe with her at all.

*Thanks Netgalley and Alcove Press for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

2023 must be the year of FANTASTIC debuts! I was not expecting to fall in love with this story quite as much as I did!!

A fun mashup of Aladdin/Beauty and the Beast and Pride and Prejudice that sees Iza trying to find someone she can really love despite having terrible luck with men and instead getting stuck with Beckett, a cursed man from the past who is forced to grant other people's wishes.

Full of some fun paranormal elements, a twisty time loop element that honestly made my head hurt a little trying to figure it all out (just go with it, trust me), swoony secret pining, a playboy hero with a secret soft side, TONS of Jane Austen references and a really unique twist on a Pride and Prejudice retelling PLUS a complicated mother-daughter relationship.

Great on audio narrated by Kim Churchill and PERFECT for fans of The seven year slip by Ashley Poston. This is definitely going to be a standout for me this year PLUS how could I resist this gorgeous purple cover?? Answer: I couldn't! So glad the story inside was a big win too!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review. I cannot wait to see what Shannon Bright comes up with next!

Thanks to Alcove Press, Natgalley and the author for an ARC of this book. I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily.

I have mixed feelings about this book. There's so much I enjoyed. I really liked that all the characters, including Iza, Bennett and Iza's mother were fully formed and believable characters, complete with flaws and the ability to learn from their mistakes. I loved the banter between Bennet and Iza and the sexual tension between them was so well-written.

The addition of Mr Darcy was interesting and I was intrigued to see how it would go.

But then there were parallel universes and time travel and I just got lost in it all. I gave up trying to figure out why and when things were happening and trusted it would all work out in the end, but did find myself skipping ahead because I just couldn't follow the convoluted plot.

However, if you can handle this type of format better then me, then you would love this book.

It's a fun romance with a supernatural twist and a great HEA.

I think this is a “me” thing. Because I skimmed 80% of this one. I read the first few chapter, the last few chapters, and raced through the core of the book.

Why, you ask?

1) I didn’t like Iza. A grown woman who was just, not nice, not smart, and whiny. I didn’t like her vibes. At all.
2) I’m a huge P&P fan. HUGE. This story is NOT nice to Mr. Darcy or to Austen. That bothered me the most.
3) I usually forgive plot holes because it’s “fiction,” but there was just too much going on from pranks to people walking into a vet operating room and other little things. It happened so frequently that is ruined to flow for me.

Again, this may be a “me” thing. The writing itself isn’t bad. But this one isn’t for me.

Really enjoyed the book!!!!!



"Thank you so much netgalley, the author and the publisher for the advanced review copy if this book💗 "I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Mostly ended up skim reading this one because it di not pull me in. Shame because the premise was pretty good, I just was not enjoying Iza and her issues with her mom were too tied into the romance. Overall 2.5 ⭐️

Shannon Bright’s book is a fun, delightful & magical read. I was drawn into the story of Eliza (Iza) and Beckett so quickly. I enjoyed how Bright incorporated Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice book & the idea of a stranger suddenly appearing in order to grant 3 wishes.

Iza is a character that shares the same types of dreams, hopes, flaws and insecurities that we all have throughout life. When Beckett enters her life - a poof of purple smoke from a nail polish bottle - Iza’s whole being is overwhelmed attempting to making sense of everything. Their banter that bounces back and forth between them is hilarious! I love the one liners they throw out at each other.

Iza is a controlling person - she needs to control all situations, emotions, fears however Beckett throws everything out of whack for her. When Beckett appears he is easily welcomed into the heart of the reader. Although he does not appear to be anything more than a complete frat boy who is never serious and always messing around he has much more to offer. Where Iza makes every attempt to control her situations, Beckett has lived so long under his curse that he closes himself off.

Iza and Beckett are opposites that fit perfectly together - they balance each other in every way. The plot moves beautifully as Iza and Beckett work through everything together. Every situation that is too overwhelming suddenly works out.

The point when Iza realizes Beckett is everything she wants and needs - it is a satisfying moment for the reader. She needed to move past everything in her way from being happy to the fullest. Beckett learns from Iza he can be selfless and truly love. But trust me - the ending of this story is far fetched in some ways but also the most satisfying in every other way that is important. I highly recommend picking this book up and giving it a read!

#EveryWishWay #NetGalley #ShannonBright #Romance #WomensFiction #AlcovePress #romancebooks #booklove #bookobsessed #booklover #romancebooksofinstagram #ARCreviews #ARCreviewer #bookstagram #ReadingCornerCozy #PrideandPrejudice #3Wishes #genieinabottle #purpleglitternailpolish #relatable #comingsoon #Goodreads #KindleUnlimited #KindleUnlimitedRomances #kindlereads #kindlebooks #Amazon
**********************************************************************************************

Blurb
Raised by a mother whose ironclad motto is “men are trash,” Iza longs to prove her wrong, ideally with a kind, steady boyfriend who will free her from the exhausting treadmill that is dating.  Although she’s willing to try (almost) anything to find love, accidentally summoning a wish-granting stranger out of thin air was never part of the plan.

Unfortunately, Beckett, her personal wish-granter, isn’t exactly the sage and generous being she would expect. Instead, he loves to party, has attitude to spare, and boasts an uncanny ability to point out Iza’s worst flaws. Iza decides to use one of her three wishes to create her dream man—a modern Mr. Darcy. If that esteemed gentleman can’t impress her overbearing mother, no one can. Using Pride and Prejudice as the handbook to Darcy’s heart, Iza plays the part of Elizabeth Bennet and sets out to create her epic love story.  

Making wishes and winning Darcy over becomes more complicated than Iza expects, especially with Beckett’s adorably dimpled grin and unexpected kindness in the equation. Soon enough, she’s glimpsing the truth of the man behind the flippant persona, and each moment in his company makes her question everything she thought she wanted from love.

**This book was 2.5 stars for me, rounded down.

Where to begin? The premise of the story was super intriguing to me. I've said it before, but I'm a sucker for anything Pride and Prejudice related. Unfortunately, this author had some serious hot takes regarding Mr. Darcy and Pride and Prejudice that are unfounded, and served to be a serious turnoff. I was unimpressed with how she wrote Mr. Darcy, how she seemed determined that Wickham was "misunderstood", and that Jane Austen didn't know what was happening even though she is literally the one who wrote the novel.

Moving on: Iza, the main character, was not for me. She needed a healthy, heaping dose of confidence, and to find the guts to stand up to her Mom. Her relationship with her Mom was SUPER toxic, and she was so quick to believe the worst of Beckett even though he gave her literally zero reasons not to trust him. Beckett was the most likeable character, even though he gave up his "frat boy" persona super quick, and then starts falling for Iza like 6 chapters in...what?

Another thing that bothered me was the sex scene at the end of the book; it felt super out of place. Literally...aside from the epilogue, that is how the book ended.

There are parts of the book that make me believe that the author has a bright future with RomCom's...unfortunately, this one wasn't all I hoped for.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.