cassiesbookishcorner's reviews
481 reviews

This book is such a romp! It's charming and funny, with witty writing and a wild plot. Angelika and Will's relationship is sweet and funny, making for an enjoyable read. The story's pacing can feel uneven, and some parts may seem underdeveloped for some readers. And I'll be honest, I was rooting for Christopher. HOWEVER, it was an enjoyable read, and if you like romance with a gothic twist, it's a fun take on a classic that's worth the read if you're in the mood for something different.

This could have been a 4 star read for me, but I took a half point away for 'backpack' (because what?!) and another half point for that epilogue (because WHY?), so 3 stars, which is still a positive rating! Anyway...

All in all, this was a cute read, small town, fake dating, evading the police? Great! The characters were pretty much what you would expect, he is grumpy and afraid of his emotions and she is bubbly and refuses to let his demeanor deter her from her positivity. There are aspects (her naivety, his excessive rudeness) that were a little grating (that nickname?) But the story rolls along pretty swiftly, and by the middle of it, you're able to invest in the relationship. 

The premise is obviously a little silly, but it was cute nonetheless. I didn't realize it was part of a series, so I don't know if there's more back story between Logan and the other characters, but it was fun regardless. I liked the writing style, and I might go back and read the other books in the series.

This book is so cute!! I LOVED the narration writing style. I love a cheeky narrator. 🥰 It's a short and sweet kind of thing. But with a lot of detail that manages not to bog down the story. It reads like a Mel brooks movie, and that is the highest compliment!! 

A solid monster romance. A little cheesier than I generally care for, but it's cute and spicy, and the MMC is an orc you'll fall for! 

Strange Eden is a beautifully written historical fiction novel, set in the Bahamian islands in 1791. It is the first in its series, and you won't want to miss it!

I don't usually enjoy historical fiction, but this is so well written, well researched, and well-thought-out, I had no trouble fully emerging myself in the story.

You want to root for Eliza, but sometimes you want to slap her. You want to hate her situation, but have to acknowledge her part in getting herself there. You hope she finds happiness, but don't know if she'd recognize it, if it was in front of her face. You get to the end, but realize there is so much more to the story...

This book does deal with some dark situations, so you should be aware of that going in. Check your triggers!

**I received a copy of this book, in exchange for my review**

I really enjoyed this book! The story is fun, and emotional, and outrageous, and I lapped it up. The plot is fun, and slightly unhinged, and it just rolls right along. Jeannie is funny and quirky, and I kind of want to be her best friend. All the characters are really well written, and have their own histories, and add so much to the story. (Can we talk about Betty? I want to be her when I grow up!!)  

**Thanks to Rebel Warren and Grey's Promotions for the opportunity to read and review this ARC**

I went into this one pretty blind, having been hypnotized by the beautiful cover! And the way I didn't know what I was getting into!! 

Liv and her best friend Will are travelling a whole semester at sea, on the cruise ship Eos. The trip starts out normal, but things quickly get strange, when Will is quarantined because of a mystery illness, and is not allowed visitors. Trapped on a luxurious cruise ship, surrounded by peers she doesn't know, Liv has to decide if the strange occurrences around her are reality, or if she's letting her imagination get the best of her. 

I really enjoyed this story. It's very YA, but in the best way. It gives all the right emotions, for being an anxious/awkward teen, trying to decide if what you're feeling is warranted, warring with yourself about your emotions, and all that comes with that. I think the characters interactions sometimes felt unnatural, but there is also the aspect of everyone potentially being in on whatever is potentially going on throughout the whole story, so that could have been a part of the disconnect for me. 

All in all, I enjoyed the story, most of the characters, and thought the revelations we got were well done. Though I was underwhelmed by the ending, it felt like we needed another chapter or two to wrap it all up but, again, I understand the nature of the story leans the way of mystery. 

This story was cute. Girl finds herself moving home after her life falls apart. Runs into boy (literally, and repeatedly) who moved to town after she left. They hate each other until they love each other, and then (presumably) live happily ever after. 

I had a hard time connecting with the characters in this one, which is a me thing and not a writing thing. I struggle with this particular archetype the FMC is. I did feel like a lot of things could have been fleshed out a little more, to give us more insight into the growth of the characters, both individually, and as a couple. It all felt a little rushed to me, barely skimming the surface of everything. 

I did like the outlying characters, and the setting. I'd visit Lilly Leaf Falls again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

A very solid second installment in this series. I enjoyed every aspect of this story. Astrid finding herself, the inn renovation, that little plot twist?! All of it. The romance is sweet, I love their dynamic. The friend group is present, and I loved to see them all interacting, and growing together as a group. And it's done in a very natural way that doesn't overpower the main story. 

This was a sweet story. Definitely upper YA. The characters are really cute, and relatable. The story moves along well. I liked the writing style. It kept me hooked the whole way through.