authorkristenelizabeth's reviews
39 reviews

The Crown by Kiera Cass

Go to review page

challenging emotional funny tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I'm glad that I've finished this series. It's an okay read - I think what's really gotten me to not enjoy it was Eadlyn's POV. She doesn't come across as a reliable narrator - a lot of her feelings stem from being a princess. While that could make for a good story, she came across as self-centered and callous. Eadlyn wasn't as well-rounded as other characters, particularly the male contestants of The Selection. The drama was missing for me until the final 5 or so chapters. I wanted more conflict out of things. I did call who she ends up with (I thought it'd be funny when I read book 4) but the way it was realized was almost too quick, there wasn't a whole bunch of build up. Overall, it's not horrible but I'm not in love with it either.
Not Safe For Work by Lindsey Lanza

Go to review page

funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I loved this audiobook! What a great and fun read. It was a fun blend of romcom and spice. The real-world situations that Olivia goes through in a male dominated workspace was so relatable - being heard as a woman versus a man is so different in corporate. I loved Gavin! I want one of him for me - he is definitely swoon worthy! Olivia and Gavin as a couple is chef's kiss - I love their banter and how they trust each other so completely. I was literally cheering them on! Super fun read!
Knifed In Nice by Zara Keane, Zara Keane

Go to review page

adventurous funny mysterious tense fast-paced

4.0

I really enjoyed the chaos this story has to offer. It is so outlandish, but in a good way! Angel definitely has a penchant for attracting trouble - I was flabbergasted as to how much she could get into unknowingly. Multiple dead bodies, a cat for ransom, being chased across Europe...man oh man, the twists are endless! My favorite character though has to be Sidney - he is a hoot and I love that he's able to think on his feet quickly. I'd like to continue the series just to see what these two get up to next.
The Heir by Kiera Cass

Go to review page

challenging funny reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I really enjoyed the first 3 books of the series, so this was a bit of a let down. I didn't really connect to Eadlyn as a character - she was very standoffish from the beginning. I thought that there would be more growth from her throughout the plot, but it wasn't what I thought at all. I actually enjoyed all of the Selection boys more than her - even those who barely got any time were more fleshed out. My favorite is Henry - he's an adorable dude. I also enjoyed Eric as a character too - I'm actually kinda hoping that he's the pick even though he isn't in the Selection at all. I would enjoy that twist completely as they see  to connect more than who she has in the Selection. I was looking for more of the teen angsty-drama that the others had, but that wasn't there. It seemed to focus on Eadlyn's reluctance to open up to people. That's all fine and good for a few chapters, but listening to the whining for the entirety of the story got boring really quick. I finally got my drama at the ending of the book, but a majority of the plot was so disappointing compared to the earlier novels. I'm going to finish the series because I want to see what happens, but I'm not all that optimistic if Eadlyn is still the same.
Know Your Newlywed by Hillary Nussbaum, Heather Taylor

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is my first time reading a rom-com and I loved every single minute of it! Javi and Cleo are so relatable as characters. I loved them as a couple. As characters, they were really fleshed out and so different, but where it mattered most, they were able to listen and compromise. I loved the plot of an old TV game show getting revamped - it's a fun premise for sure! I was kicking my feet and smiling the entire time. Definitely a 5 star read for me - I was immediately entertained! I'm really hoping that there will be a sequel to Cleo and Javi's story - they're now one of my favorite couples!
The Book of Candlelight by Ellery Adams

Go to review page

dark emotional funny lighthearted mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I love this series! Nora and the gals are awesome. I loved the mystery of this - one death just spiraling into chaos. Newcomers in town - what are their secrets? This kept me wanting more and more once the questions kept piling up. I really loved Sheldon as a character - I really hope to see more of him in the series. He's a great addition to Miracle Springs. Jed and Nora being a couple is so sweet - I love the realism behind their relationship. It isn't perfect by any means but that's what makes it so endearing. I don't wanna give anything away - just know that this one got a little cray-cray! 

P.S. Warning - there is a scene of vandalism that is hate-based (a certain word is used) so be prepared if you aren't one for derogatory language used towards POC. It's a very small scene but wanted to make those aware so you aren't completely thrown off guard.
The One by Kiera Cass

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional funny lighthearted mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Now this is what I wanted from this series! The drama gets so intense in this book. I can't even wrap my head around it all. I was thoroughly entertained - though I will say that at some point I did become annoyed with America and how she was handling things. The ending half of the book really got me - it was a rollercoaster of emotions! I know there's gotta be more in book 4 - I really want to know if the southern rebels get eradicated or at least arrested!
The Elite by Kiera Cass

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional lighthearted mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I have so many thoughts on this book, but I don't want to give any spoilers away! All I can say is that I'm happy that America is finding her backbone in this series. This pretty much had a chokehold on me and I binge-listened to it in a day. The drama in here was great - I especially loved the fights (can't spoil who but it was glorious!) and the tension in the scenes with the rebels...it really made me think about what their goal could be as well. America standing up to the men in her life is chef's kiss - she really needs to quit doubting herself! I'll definitely be continuing this series - I'm at the point where I need to see what happens. It's like Gossip Girl but royalty and I'm here for it!
The Selection by Kiera Cass

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure when I first began it, but it's one of those guilty pleasures now! YA romance in a palace - yes please! I like America as an FMC - she's relatable in the fact that she doesn't let her past define who she is. I will say that I'm not a fan of the love triangle right now - I'm so on Prince Maxon's side to win her over! The setting of Ilia is odd in the fact that it's basicall  the US after a war with China - so some sorta post war vibes, but nothing too crazy. I also like the reality show vibe that it has going on - cameras documenting everything the girls do and broadcasting to the whole country. Its an interesting take for sure. It's a good read for some teen drama with a twist!
Drowning at the Diner by Beth Dolgner

Go to review page

adventurous funny mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This was a fun read! Olivia is a great FMC - I think she's so real for how she reacts to the problems she encounters. It's refreshing to see an "older" perspective. This murder mystery was super jam-packed with suspicion at every turn. I literally had no idea who the killer was until it was revealed! I love the characters of the Sanctuary - I want to meet them if ever possible (I know it isn't but they sound like a fun group). I really wanna see Damien and Olivia's relationship blossom - I'm kinda rooting for a romance between them. This was full of twists and turns. A great paranormal cozy mystery for sure!