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bayleereads's reviews
150 reviews
The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend by Kody Keplinger
4.0
This was a cute YA romance! It was also very fast and only took me about 4-5 hours total to read (and I’m a slow reader). I’ve watched the movie several times and LOVE it, but while reading this, I realized that the book and movie are VERY different. The writers and producers of the movie took a very different take from the book for the movie. Regardless, the book was super sweet too! I think I liked them both equally. I removed a star because some parts were *super* cliche and cheesy, thus making parts very predictable.
Beach Read by Emily Henry
4.5
This was such a cute romance! I loved that it was set primarily in the Midwest, which I’m familiar with. I removed a 1/2 star because it took me a while to really get into. But once I did, I was hooked. I loved that there was an “enemies to lovers” and “opposites attract” romance aspect, but there were also complicated family issues dealt with as well. Overall I highly recommend!!!
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
5.0
I picked this one up about three weeks ago and fell in love almost right away, but put it down because I was just SO unmotivated. I picked it up again this week and ended up finishing it. I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!! Stella & Michael are so dreamy and I loved their different storylines. Five stars from me! If you haven’t read this cute, quirky, and steamy romance yet— you’re missing out! And if you’re in a reading slump and having a hard time getting out— I highly recommend this book to pull you out!
The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams
5.0
Loved this one!!! Gavin and Thea’s chemistry is out of this world. I really enjoyed the side characters as well. I often find myself “picking sides” in romance novels, but I had to stay neutral in this one because I liked the characters so much. 10/10 recommend this ADULT (!!!) romance!
The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan
4.0
Trigger Warnings: suicide and depression.
This was a beautifully written book. I usually don't gravitate towards magical realism storylines but I really liked this one. It's such a tragic yet beautiful story of grief and finding oneself. I removed a star because some parts felt unnecessary and I didn’t fully understand the art references. I definitely recommend this one to those struggling with loss but also wanting to read about hope and the beauty that can come from loss.
This was a beautifully written book. I usually don't gravitate towards magical realism storylines but I really liked this one. It's such a tragic yet beautiful story of grief and finding oneself. I removed a star because some parts felt unnecessary and I didn’t fully understand the art references. I definitely recommend this one to those struggling with loss but also wanting to read about hope and the beauty that can come from loss.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
5.0
Oh how I loved this book. It took me a long time to read because of school finals, but once I was able to sit down with it, I read about 200 pages and finished. This story is filled with scandals, love, and the power women have. However, I wanted to punch Evelyn a couple of times because she made me so angry. Overall, I highly recommend!!!
Love Without Borders: How Bold Faith Opens the Door to Embracing the Unexpected by Angela Braniff
5.0
I DEVOURED this book in two nights. SO GOOD. I will say I’m a bit partial and probably biased towards Angela, since I’ve been a subscriber of hers for over four years. But I genuinely have to say that this book was exactly what I needed. Even though I’m not a mom or currently pursuing an adoption (though I hope to in the future), I found this to be so uplifting and just a breath of fresh air. I definitely recommend this one, ESPECIALLY if you are looking for a good Christian read— although you don’t have to be religious or even Christian to appreciate Angela’s story!
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
4.0
This was a pretty good book! I was putting off reading it, until my mom mentioned she wanted to watch the Hulu series. I knew I HAD to read the book first— and I’m glad I did! I removed a star because it took a while for me to get into and the ending wasn’t my favorite. I’m eager to watch the series now!
The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver
3.5
This one was average for me. I had a really hard time connecting with all of the characters— especially Lydia. It was difficult to toss back and forth between awake/asleep realms. It took quite a bit of time for me to actually get into the story— about 200 pages (over half way through). I didn’t start enjoying it until the last 125 or so pages and I wasn’t a fan of the ending.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
5.0
Cutest. Romance. Ever. I need a sequel now. I don’t care what it’s about, but I need more of Olive and Ethan. Although it was a bit cheesy at times, it was still so cute and made me swoon multiple times. I also loved that I was familiar with the setting, as I’m a Minnesotan. If you’re looking for a light-hearted contemporary ADULT romance... this is your book! P.S., does anyone know where I can find myself an Ethan Thomas???